A New Year resolution that is worth making is to keep on top of gardening jobs throughout the year, so it doesn’t get out of hand!
There are quite a few veggies that can be planted now such as sweet peppers, beans, carrots, sweet corn, beetroot and radish, not forgetting first plantings of seed potatoes for an early winter harvest. In seed trays sow brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. Borage, parsley, chervil, dill and thyme can also be sown now.
When planting vegetables don’t forget some companion planting to help protect your edibles. Basil, marigolds and nasturtiums work well.
Plants will be thirsty so it’s important to water deeply and efficiently by only watering in the early morning or evening, and watering directly to the roots of plants, not the leaves. Using mainly indigenous, water-wise plants in the garden is worthwhile.
The weeds will persevere whatever the weather, so enjoy some satisfying gentle exercise hoeing and removing them. Weeds take precious moisture from the soil. Always mulch after weeding.grasses such as Fescue in blue or grey, and the black mondo grass (ophiopogon planiscapis nigrencens), the carex ‘china blue’ or the bronze curls will all look very natural.
Revitalise your borders by planting some wildlife attracting plants. Try Cosmos, pulmonaria, verbena, salvias, calendula, lavender, Scabiosa and rudbekia, to welcome bees and butterflies.
Feed fruit trees such as lemons, mangoes and avocado.
Keep perennials blooming by continually deadheading and removing any dead stems.
Spring-flowering shrubs will benefit from some pruning now. Once flowering has finished cut the stems back so the shrub can grow back strongly and flower again next year.
Check containers and hanging baskets. Water and feed with a liquid fertiliser.
Be on the alert for attacks from snails and aphids! Check under plant leaves for snails and use a home-made deterrent made from garlic and water to spray on aphids.
A great start to your New Year resolution, with the added benefit of some healthy, outdoor exercise!