GETTING READY! (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

GETTING READY!

8:19am Monday 28th March 2011

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The clocks have gone forward giving us an extra hour of precious light in the evening. It really is a wake-up call to catch up on all those things we have been putting off so that we are ready to make the most of the fine weather we are all hoping for.

One job that can’t be overlooked any longer is cleaning out the greenhouse so that it will be ready for all the new season’s plants. The need for good light is a common factor with all plants and seedlings. It’s almost unbelievable how much light is lost because of the grime that collects during the winter months. No way is this ever going to be a favourite job but it really is worth the effort. At the same time wash and disinfect pots, trays and shelves. It is quite likely that a few uninvited and unwelcome pests have found a cosy winter home in your greenhouse and now is the time to evict them before they have a chance to damage your new plants. Also check any plants that you are putting back into your nice, clean greenhouse. It’s a case of ‘better safe than sorry’ as once pests have established residence they are much more difficult to control. Whitefly are just one example, if these pesky creatures are an ongoing problem for you hang up sticky yellow traps as soon as possible.

We have enjoyed a several fine days recently giving a good opportunity to complete any jobs that need early attention. Pruning clematis and roses should be finished by the end of this month. Once you have cut them back treat the plants to a generous mulch with well rotted manure or garden compost. Evergreen ivies do a brilliant job of covering ugly walls and fences but do get very congested. Now is the time to cut the foliage back hard brushing out any debris as you go. Don’t worry if this seems drastic treatment by late spring the plant should be covered in new foliage and be feeling much happier! The fruit trees we planted last weekend in large pots all seem quite content with their new homes and have even put out a few leaf buds. I know its early days yet but after only a week it all looks promising. Good news too is that the elaegnus commutata I dug up and brought with me when I moved seems to have adapted to life in a large pot and is covered with soft green leaves. During the next few weeks it will come into flower, really tiny and insignificant but with a wonderful perfume that fills the garden.

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