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Gardening Tips

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    January

    Even in January there are tasks to be carried out in the garden. The garden will need protecting from frosts, strong winds and heavy persistent rain. It is also recommended that you check any stakes, ties, fleeces, cloches and other supports for damage. During these months of less daylight it will be beneficial to move plants to sunnier positions in the garden to maximize the light they receive.

  • 01 Jan - 16 Jan

    Recycle your Christmas tree

      by either shredding it for mulch or taking it to your local tree recycling point.

  • 01 Jan - 10 Feb

    Dig over any vacant plots

      digging in well-rotted manure or compost.

  • 01 Jan - 25 Jan

    Plan your vegetable beds

      Remember to rotate the crops. Place orders for your seeds now.

  • 01 Jan - 28 Feb

    Put out food and water for the birds

      With potential snow on the ground and the hedgerows already stripped of berries, the birds require a source of food.

  • 17 Jan - 28 Feb

    Prune apple and pear trees

      ideally on a frost-free week. Restoration of older trees should be made in annual stages as not to shock the tree

  • 26 Jan - 25 Feb

    Repair and re-shape lawn edges

      Your lawn will look improved simply by having crisp defined edges

    • February

    With February we usually see the first signs of the approaching spring, with bulbs appearing and the wildlife waking up with the increased light levels and temperatures. There's plenty to do indoors this month, all in preparation for the season ahead. Outdoors, the garden is coming to life again, and its time to prune shrubs, such as Wisteria.

  • 01 Feb - 04 Mar

    Sow some vegetables under cover

      to give them a head start

  • 11 Feb - 11 Mar

    Chit potato tubers

      Place seed potatoes in a tray in a sunny position indoors, egg boxes are useful for this. The process will encourage strong dark roots to grow which in turn will encourage healthy and speedy growth. Traditionally first early seed potatoes are planted out on St Patricks Day, March 17th

  • 26 Feb - 14 Mar

    Prune Wisteria

      cutting back each stem to three healthy buds

    • March

    Spring usually arrives by mid-March and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It's time to get busy preparing seedbeds, sowing seed, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up around the garden.

  • 01 Mar - 15 Mar

    Prepare vegetable seed beds

      It may be back-breaking, but creating a fine tilth on the beds will reap rewards with the germination success.

  • 01 Mar - 05 Apr

    Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials

      Simply lift the clump and slice with a sharp spade. The spare clump can be added to another bed or gifted to a friend.

  • 05 Mar - 26 Mar

    Commence fish feeding

      Fish will be starting to become active again after the Winter and will therefore require feeding.

  • 12 Mar - 11 Apr

    Mow the lawn

      on dry days (should it be required)Start the mowing season on a high cut, lowering the blades as the season progresses. In Autumn the blade height should be raised gradually with each cut.

  • 15 Mar - 10 Apr

    Plant summer flowering bulbs

      An opportunity to add splashes of colour to your flower beds as well as providing cut flowers for the house.

  • 16 Mar - 31 Mar

    Plant early potatoes

      Plant approx. 15cm deep and earth up as the shoots emerge to prevent the sunlight getting to the crop.

  • 27 Mar - 26 Apr

    Feed shrubs and roses

      Shrubs and roses will benefit from an early feed which will help encourage more flowers and blooms.

    • April

    April is an exciting month, with your indoor sown seeds well into growth; it is also time to start sowing outdoors once the final frosts have past. Spring should now have sprung and be evident, with the daffodils in full flower and blossom adorning trees. The sunny days with rising temperatures combined with the traditional April showers make it perfect gardening weather.

  • 01 Apr - 20 Apr

    Lawn repairs

      With temperatures holding above the magic 8 degrees throughout the day and night, lawn seed will grow successfully.

  • 05 Apr - 19 Apr

    Plant main crop potatoes

      Plant approx. 15cm deep and earth up as the shoots emerge to prevent the sunlight getting to the crop.

  • 11 Apr - 04 May

    Divide bamboos

      Keep on top of your bamboo, as once neglected they will often take over a garden sending out rhizomes in every direction. Consider planting a rhizome barrier to keep them in check.

  • 12 Apr - 12 May

    Sow herb seeds and hardy annuals

      Now is the time to plant the seeds to create your Summer baskets and tubs.

  • 20 Apr - 31 May

    Hoe off weeds

      The weeds will take hold quickly at this time of year, it is important to take them out before they flower and spread their seeds.

  • 21 Apr - 10 May

    Tie in climbing and rambling roses

      Do wear your gardening gloves! Train the main stems on the horizontal to encourage lots of new vertical growth which in turn provide more flowers.

  • 27 Apr - 31 May

    Trim hedges

      Hedges are starting to become unwieldy, regular trimming helps to maintain shape and encourage more dense growth.

    • May

    With the spring bulbs fading and the herbaceous borders growing rapidly, the signs are that summer is approaching. Sowing and planting out bedding can begin. It is now time to get back into the weekly lawn mowing regime, as the lawn will be thriving on the warmer temperatures.

  • 05 May - 26 May

    Earth up potatoes

      This will help prevent the sunlight getting to the new crop as once the potatoes have turned green they are inedible.

  • 11 May - 05 Jun

    Plant out summer bedding

      Delay planting should we be expecting any further frosts.

  • 13 May - 12 Jun

    Divide clumps of Spring bulbs

      Over crowded areas do not perform as well.

  • 26 May - 30 Jun

    Prune spring flowering shrubs

      Remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood prior to shaping the shrub. The shrub will develop the buds throughout the Summer for the following Spring display.

    • June

    Keep on top of weeds by hoeing regularly. The kitchen garden and vegetable beds are becoming productive; try to harvest the crop just prior to consumption for optimum goodness and flavour. The herbaceous borders may need attention, with the taller plants requiring staking.

  • 01 Jun - 28 Jun

    Harvest lettuce, radish...

      other salads and early potatoes - The reward for all the hard work.

  • 01 Jun - 21 Jun

    Shade greenhouses

      – Should your greenhouse not have vented windows, you may find that the heat builds up too much and will burn and damage the crops. Throwing a tight mesh netting over the top acts as a partial shade.

  • 06 Jun - 27 Jun

    Pinch out shoots on tomatoes

      Pinch out the laterals (side shoots) that appear between the leaf and main stem

  • 13 Jun - 05 Jul

    Stake tall plants

      The taller perennials grow overnight, ensure that they are staked to prevent any wind damage.

  • 22 Jun - 21 Aug

    Water tubs, baskets

      and new plants. Tubs and baskets in exposed areas will dry out rapidly in the heat and will require watering daily.

  • 28 Jun - 21 Jul

    Order your spring flowering bulbs

      for next year - The selection and varieties of Spring bulbs appears to grow each year, why not try a new an unusual selection.

  • 29 Jun - 20 Jul

    Feed lawns

      with a quick-acting summer feed - Lawns react amazingly well to a feed, looking lush and healthy.

    • July

    July is one of the best times to sit out and enjoy your garden. It is often one of the hottest months of the year. Regularly deadheading of plants will improve the appearance and you'll enjoy a longer display of the blooms. Make sure you keep new plants well watered and hoe off weeds, which will thrive in the sunshine.

  • 01 Jul - 31 Jul

    Deadhead bedding plants

      Regularly deadheading of plants will improve the appearance and you'll enjoy a longer display of the blooms.

  • 06 Jul - 31 Jul

    Treat wood

      Treat your wooden sheds, fences and pergolas whilst the weather is dry

  • 21 Jul - 21 Aug

    Summer prune restricted fruits

      Summer pruning for restricted forms such as cordons, espaliers, fans and pyramids. This allows sunlight to ripen the fruit and ensures good cropping the following year.

  • 22 Jul - 15 Aug

    Clear your pond

      Clear blanket weed and divide any plants

    • August

    Watering is essential in August, usually being one of the hottest and driest months. Try to use grey water wherever possible, especially as water butts may be running low. Should you be away from home for a few days, remember to ask a friend to pop round to water.

  • 01 Aug - 31 Aug

    Collect seeds from your favourite plants

      You will be able to sow the seed next year, particularly from the annuals.

  • 01 Aug - 15 Sep

    Harvest your vegetables

      as they become ready - Dinner prepared from the garden – Lovely and fresh.

  • 16 Aug - 16 Sep

    Deadhead flowering plants

      Regularly deadheading of plants will improve the appearance and you'll enjoy a longer display of the blooms.

  • 22 Aug - 21 Sep

    Pot up rooted strawberry runners

      Strawberry plants lose their vigor after three years and can be replaced by the runners. The runners also make ideal gifts for any green fingered friends.

  • 22 Aug - 15 Sep

    Cover your leafy vegetable crops

      Pigeons can demolish a crop in a matter of hours, so net and protect to ensure your hard labour does not go to waste and that you get to enjoy your crops.

    • September

    There will not be as much to do in the ornamental garden in September, however if you have a fruit or vegetable patch, you will be busy harvesting. September is the traditional month for planting spring-flowering bulbs.

  • 01 Sep - 22 Sep

    Dig up potatoes

      Dig up remaining main crop potatoes before the slugs damage them - Store in a paper sack in a cool and dark place.

  • 16 Sep - 10 Oct

    Net ponds

      This will help prevent leaves and other debris falling into your pond

  • 16 Sep - 10 Oct

    Divide herbaceous perennials

      Simply lift the clump and slice with a sharp spade. The spare clump can be added to another bed or gifted to a friend.

  • 17 Sep - 25 Oct

    Plant out spring flowering bulbs

      Plant the bulbs to twice the size of the bulb. Snowdrops are relatively shallow as they are small, whereas daffodils and tulips should be approx. 15- 20cm deep.

  • 22 Sep - 15 Oct

    Collect and sow seed from perennials

      Nature will ensure that plants self-sow in order to perpetuate the species, but much more reliable results can be gained by collecting and sowing them yourself. You have control over where plants grow and, above all, it's free.

  • 23 Sep - 31 Oct

    Harvest top fruits

      Pick the fruits before they fall and bruise. The fruits can be stored in a cool dark place.

    • October

    With October it brings cooler shorter days and the trees begin changing colour. October is also the time to harvest top fruits. Even though it may seem pointless raking up the fallen leaves from the lawn, your lawn will benefit from being clear from leaves. Be prepared for early frosts and to cover tender shrubs and plants.

  • 11 Oct - 05 Nov

    Order your seeds

      for next year - Be ready to start propagating your vegetable seeds in early Spring

  • 11 Oct - 10 Nov

    Plant out spring cabbages

      Remember to net them should you have pigeons in the area.

  • 16 Oct - 31 Oct

    Final mow for lawns

      The final cut should be made on a high cut setting.

  • 26 Oct - 10 Nov

    Prune climbing roses

      Cut back to a healthy bud and lay horizontal to encourage strong new growth for next year with plenty of blooms.

    • November

    Leaves are falling rapidly, and wind and rain are on the increase. Tender plants will need protecting from frost, gales and freezing rains. Move plants into the greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but if you can't, it is worth wrapping plants or pots in situ. Remember winter can be a tough time for birds in terms of water and food, so keep supplies well topped up.

  • 01 Nov - 30 Nov

    Clip hedges

      By leaving the last hedge trimming until November will ensure that it keeps sharp and tidy throughout the Winter.

  • 01 Nov - 15 Nov

    Prune roses

      Cut the roses back to a healthy bud, reducing the height to help prevent wind rock which unsettles the roots.

  • 06 Nov - 10 Dec

    Cut back perennials

      that have died down - Cutting back perennials during autumn restores order and tidiness to the garden

  • 11 Nov - 04 Dec

    Plant out winter bedding

      - Remember that plants grow very little in winter so make sure you start with good-sized plants and use sufficient numbers of plants for the size of container to make an impact from the start

  • 11 Nov - 31 Dec

    Rake up fallen leaves, particularly from lawns and ponds

      Even though it may seem pointless raking up the fallen leaves from the lawn and pond, they will both benefit from being clear from leaves.

  • 16 Nov - 31 Dec

    Prune vines, birches and acers

      These are best pruned when fully dormant (November to early February), as they bleed sap from pruning cuts at other times, weakening the tree.

    • December

    December rolls in bringing with it frost, heavier rainfall and stronger winds. It is less pleasant working outside at this time of year, particularly with noticeably less daylight hours, however there is also less work to do. Pruning of apples and pears can be carried out in December, however try to prune when there is a frost-free few days.

  • 01 Dec - 31 Dec

    Take hardwood cuttings

      Hardwood cuttings provide an easy and reliable method of propagating a range of deciduous climbers, trees and shrubs

  • 05 Dec - 31 Dec

    Harvest winter root crops

      Harvest winter cabbage, sprouts, leeks, parsnips and remaining root crops

  • 11 Dec - 31 Dec

    Prevent ponds from freezing

      One of the easiest methods of doing this is by placing a ball in the pond.