The garden often experiences a month of surprises with sudden shifts from beautiful weather to wintery conditions. However, by the end of the month, it becomes clear that the new season has arrived.
This month is the time to complete planting of bare root trees, shrubs, and hedging and to be mindful of watering during dry spells and wind. Apply manure and/or fertilisers to vegetable plots and flower or shrub beds, taking care, not to over-fertilise rich soils.
A wider range of herbaceous plants will be available for planting this month, but keep in mind that slugs are more active and start slug control measures. Onion sets and shallots can also be planted this month, and summer bulbs and tubers can be started indoors or outdoors, depending on the variety.
Young plants and plug-grown seedlings can be grown in a heated greenhouse, conservatory, or windowsill.
Mowing the lawn may start this month, but begin with light cuts set at a high blade height.
Nest boxes should be positioned now to attract birds to your garden, and continue feeding them during cold spells.
Disinfect your greenhouse before introducing new plants or seedlings to the area. Monitor patio pots for waterlogging and lift them onto blocks or feet.
Pansies, violas, primroses, and polyanthus are looking colourful now and will keep patio pots and containers looking good until summer bedding can be planted. Corylus, Avellana, Contorta, Daphne, Mezerium, Salix Caprea, Kilmarnock, Forsythia, Chaenomeles, Pansies and Violas, Primroses and spring bulbs are looking good now.
The garden centre has a new range of terracotta and glazed earthenware pots, fiber clay ‘lead effect’ containers, and decorative plastic planters in various shapes and sizes, as well as an extended range of wooden barrels, timber planters, and tubs.
Garden ornaments and decorative stoneware are fully stocked with products in concrete and reconstructed stone. The selection of growing composts, decorative barks, mulches, and soil improvers has increased to almost forty different products.
The Treasured Teddies shop is fully stocked with teddy bears from various manufacturers, including limited edition bears and cuddly companions. The new season displays are full and ready for your visit.
Written by Pete Toms
Farnborough Garden Centre,
Southam Road,
Farnborough,
Banbury,
OX17 1EL.
