Midwinter in the garden with the prospect of cold winds, heavy rain, frost and possibly snow.
Even if this is one of the coldest times of the year, there are still things for the gardener to do. If you managed to complete your winter digging and general tidying jobs last month, then most jobs now will be indoors planning for the new season.
The garden this month will be one of silhouettes, conifers, bare branches and if you have planted well, a few flowering plants that look almost unreal amongst the resting winter branches.
In the event that snowfall occurs, remember to clear heavy falls from plants that become overloaded before damage and breakage of branches takes place and check all those stakes and ties regularly.
The shortest day has passed and we can all look forward to the start of a new Season, so why not pay a visit to Farnborough Garden Centre and take a look at our extensive range of terracotta pots, decorative plastic containers, garden ornaments, wooden planters and barrels. At the same time, you can view our increasing range of conifers, evergreen shrubs, trees and climbers.
Our wild bird-care selection includes many different types of food, feeders, bird tables, roosting pouches and nest boxes. A selection of wildlife care products are also available.
MONTHLY REMINDERS:
Trees and Shrubs
Check stakes and ties and protect any tender specimen plants that are in exposed positions. Continue planting any bare-root hedging, when weather permits. Prune trees and shrubs to maintain shape as required.
Tools and Equipment
This is an ideal time to clean and service machines, equipment and gardening tools. If your lawnmower needs attention, take it to a service centre now and avoid the spring rush.
Fruit Trees
Spray now with a winter wash, but take care to choose an approved chemical. Pruning should be completed on clear days.
Seeds
Now is a good time to start selecting flower and vegetable seeds for the coming season. The range of new season seeds is now on sale at the Garden Centre including some specialist varieties. If you intend to use plug grown seedlings as well as seeds, then make a note that these will be available at the Garden Centre next month.
Patio Pots
Remember to lift all pots and containers onto blocks or pot feet to assist drainage and help to prevent frost damage. If your pots look waterlogged –THINK! — Did you add enough crocks or drainage material when you filled your container? Most pot suppliers recommend somewhere in the region of one third of the pot is filled with open drainage material, before the compost is added.
Seed Potatoes
The new season stock will be arriving at the Garden Centre shortly and planning your planting schedule should start now.
Wild Bird Care
Provide feeders and feeding tables for garden birds and keep these re-stocked regularly with food. Roosting pouches and bird boxes are on sale at the Garden Centre and these will provide ideal shelters during the cold winter months.
If you intend to provide nesting boxes in the garden, then you should start fixing these now to enable birds to commence choosing their breeding sites ready for the Spring.
Everyone here at Farnborough Garden Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you reading these notes a very Happy and Prosperous New Year and we hope to see you again soon at the Centre.
Written by Pete Toms
Farnborough Garden Centre
Southam Road, Farnborough, Banbury, OX17 1EL.
