The Gardener's Almanac

For information on what to do in your garden this week!

Week 14 - 2nd to 8th

Plant out Cassiope, Edelweiss, Laurus (Bay) Magnolia, Sweet Peas,& Wisteria.

Feed Colchicums.

Prick out Potentilla.

If not done previously Sweet Pea seed can be sown directly into the ground at this time

Layer heathers.

Divide Achillea, Eryngium, Geum & Osteospermum.

Mulch Camellia &  Polygonatum.

Prune Caryopteris Clerodendrum.

Cut down Penstemon if not done the previous autumn.

Week 15 - 9th to 15th

Plant out Crocosmia if weather and ground conditions are suitable.

Sow Alyssum directly into ground.

Divide Heuchera & Hostas if weather conditions permit.

Check shrubs for suckers and remove if necessary.

Mulch Althaea & Physostegia.

Prepare Gladioli bed.

Prune Hedera if necessary.

Feed established Azalea.

Week 16 - 16th to 22nd

Top dress flower beds with a general fertiliser in readiness for planting out.

Commence planting out hardy perennials in milder protected areas.

Established perennials can become congested and lose their vigour, lift and divide them, and discard the unproductive central portions, then replant the young outer pieces in freshly prepared soil.

Divide Chionodoxa,Crocus &  Sidalcea.

Mulch Heuchera Magnolia Paeonys Pieris.

Plant out Buddleia, Crocosmia, Elaeagnus, Garrya, Meconopsis & Physalis if conditions allow.

Tidy up Lavender, Magnolia, Mahonia & Pampas grass if required.

Collect Chionodoxa & Crocus seed if required.

Trim out any frost damaged Choisya shoots.

Prune Cornus.

Stop (pinch out) established Dianthus (Pinks)

Week 17 - 23rd to 29th

Once spring bulbs (Crocus,Narcissii etc) have faded, dead head them to prevent wasting energy producing seeds.

Do not cut off foliage, allow it to die down naturally.

Plant out Agapanthus, Bamboo, Cortaderia & Physostegia.

Mulch perennial Phlox.

Divide Kniphofia if necessary.

Place Azalea seedlings in cold frame.

Tidy up Elaeagnus, Hydrangea & Sedum.