With winter fast approaching there is no better time to get busy in the garden and begin planning and preparing for spring. Take a stroll round the garden and think about any additions, changes or improvements you would like to make.
Here are a few tips to keep your garden looking it’s best:
1) Droughts are prevalent each year so it’s important to conserve valuable water by installing plenty of rain butts or an irrigation system to catch precious rainwater. If you already have an irrigation system installed remember to adjust the settings to suit the autumn/winter conditions and rainfall. ‘Grey’ water from showers, baths and washing up water can be used in the garden. Also, grow indigenous plants that will cope with drought conditions and are an excellent choice for borders.
2) Do you have a compost heap? It’s an easy, affordable, organic way to make compost which, when spread over your borders and around trees, shrubs and plants, will enrich your soil, provide the plants with essential nutrients and help retain moisture.
3) Plant winter-flowering seedlings like Calendula, Sweet peas, Cineraria, Stocks, Pansies, Antirrhinums, Dianthus and Gazanias.
4) Keep checking for snails who will be looking for places to overwinter. Look under and around containers and amongst clumps of perennials.
5) Collect seed from annuals like Hollyhocks, Gaillardias, Cosmos, Zinnias and Cleomes.Take cuttings from Heliotrope and Fuschias.
6) Top Tip! Mark the position of plants like Hostas and Eucomis before they die back to avoid accidentally digging them up!
7) This is a great time to plant roses so they can get established over winter. Try ‘Iceberg’, ‘Double Delight’, ‘Candy Stripe’’ and ‘Bride’s Dream’ . All popular, reliable choices for gorgeous, colourful blooms.
8) In the veggie garden grow carrots, beetroot, turnips, onions, broccoli, peas and broad beans for some tasty, satisfying homemade soups and casseroles! Cool season herbs like Oregano, Chives, Coriander, Thyme and Parsley will grow well if planted out now.
