In Memory of Ray Loose -

THE GARDENING MONTH
with Ray Loose

DEC/JAN
 

Winter is upon us!  We have already had hard frosts in November and maybe worse to come.

The Flower Garden:  Any plants which are susceptible to frost should have been brought in to a frost free place and kept just moist.
Outdoor fuchsias, peonies, clematis etc. should be well mulched with compost, braken, forest bark, coco shell etc. to help frost from penetrating the roots.  Don't cut the stems down as they help to give protection.
Cut roses back by a third to prevent wind rock and clean away all debris from around their roots and destroy it.  Don't put leaves on your compost heap as they may be harbouring the spores of black spot or rust.
If you have plants and bulbs outside  in pots, its best to wrap them with a double layer of bubble wrap - both to protect the contents - and the pots.  Stand them on pot feet to allow good drainage.

The Vegetable Garden:  Try to dig your vegetable garden by the end of the year to allow frost to break down the soil.

Trees and Shrubs:  This is the best time to prune trees (with the exception of plums which are Summer pruned).  Complete this by the end of January and spray them with tar oil winter wash.
Protect newly planted shrubs - especially conifers - with a windbreak - and if we have snow, go out and shake it from the evergreens.

Lastly sit by the fire and enjoy all those gardening catalogues!

We wish you a Happy Christmas and may all your gardening dreams come true.

Ray and Hazel