The Gardener's Almanac

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

Week 23 - 3rd to 9th

Dead head roses,remove suckers,and sprinkle a rose or general feed around roses.

Tie in Clematis, and stake containerised lilies.

Plant out Banksia Cannas Petunias.

Topdress Kniphofia.

Trim spring-flowering alpines and ground cover plants and take cuttings if required.

Trim winter flowering heathers if the have finished flowering.

Keep a look out for red lily beetle on your lilies.

Similarly keep an eye out for pests such as greenfly on in and outdoor plants azalea gall on azaleas.

Water containers regularly as they can dry out very easily.

Week 24 - 10th to 16th

Lift and divide Polyanthus and Muscari.

Collect ripe Genista seed. 

Commence feeding programmes for; Alstroemeria, Disbud Chrysanthemums, Spray Chrysanthemums,& Charm Chrysanthemums.

Deadhead Delphiniums & Lupins if and when required.

Pinch out the tips of young flowering plants spreading and trailing plants to encourage more side shoots to develop from the base of the plant.

Fuchsias, will also respond well to being pinched out (stopped).

Week 25 - 17th to 23rd

Clematis; cut back all affected parts of any plant showing signs of ‘clematis wilt’ to well below the lowest point of infection and burn the prunings.

Sever and lift rooted Clematis layerings,if not done previously, and replant into their final flowering positions, keep roots well watered until they are well established.

Lift flower bulbs six weeks after flowering and place on greenhouse bench to dry prior to placing in store.

Remove the growing tip from dahlia plants to encourage bushier growth.

Transplant offsets from lavender plants.

Support Carnations.  

Week 26 - 24th to 30th

Top dress & mulch Dahlia beds.

Disbud / stop Carnations & Dahlias.

Place Azalea pots in sheltered spot for the summer.

Pot up pot grown Amaranthus.

Check for pests & disease on Gladioli, Roses, & Solomon's Seal.

Divide & replant Primula / Polyanthus, Colchicums & Iris reticulata.

Plant Colchicum,Sternbergia, Muscari, Nerine and autumn crocus.

Summer prune Ivy.

Feed climbing roses.