The Gardener's Almanac

Overview ;

The tasks listed below may have to take second place to the planting out of flowers and vegetables elsewhere in the garden this month.

 

Meaning; it will be a case of fitting them in as and when you can!.

 

At any time this month;

• Mow lawn if conditions allow and remove weeds as necessary.

 

• Remove any weeds that have formed since winter digging was completed.

 

• As the soil and weather warms up slugs and snails can be come a propblem if allowed, treat as required.

 

• Similarly garden pests such as Aphids will also be emerging so treat accordingly.

 

• Precautions should be taken for plant diseases such as; Black spot, Mildew, and rust.

 

• Stock ponds with fish if you were unable to do it last month.

 

• Rejuvenate decking by blasting away algal growth with a pressure washer.

 

• Once deck is dry sand down (if necessary) and apply a preservative.

 

• Place maturing seedlings in coldframe to harden off.

 

 

Week No. 18 - 30th Apr to 5th May

 

• Weed around the root area of established trees such as Abies and apply an annual dressing of balanced fertilizer and a deep mulch.

 

• Place maturing seedlings in coldframe to harden off.

 

• Open coldframe lids on warm sunny days.

 

• Tie in climbers as necessary.

 

• Support Althaea.

 

• Install a submersible pump or elodea canadensis (Canadian Pondweed) to help to keep ponds aerated.

 

• Consider erecting a sturdy barrier around /over pond to prevent children falling in.

 

 

Week No. 19 - 6th to 12th

 

• Place maturing seedlings in coldframe to harden off.

 

Week No. 20 - 13th to 19th

 

• Tidy up rockery.

 

• Fork/Rake in a fertiliser dressing around the base of hedges and estblished shrubs.

 

• Mulch around Alpines, Fruit trees and shrubs.

 

• Remove spring bulb foliage if it has died back.

 

• Plant summer bulbs, corms and tubers in pots in preparatiion for for transplanting later.

 

• Tidy up spreading perennial groundcover plants.

 

• Treat moss in lawns.

 

• Place maturing seedlings in coldframe to harden off.

 

Week No. 21 - 20th to 26th

 

• Place maturing seedlings in coldframe to harden off.

 

• Place collars made from roofing felt or carpet underlay around brassicas to deter root fly.

 

Week No. 22 - 27th to 2nd Jun

 

• Pot up a few bedding plants to use as 'gap fillers' to replace plants that may have died off.

Grow them on in in the coldframe or a sheltered spot till required.

 

• Place maturing seedlings in coldframe to harden off.