https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/march-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> The slower winter months have passed and by </span> </span> <span> mid-March we’re ready to welcome Spring and start the new season in earnest! As the weather improves our gardens stir into growth - these are the jobs to complete now: </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Prune rose bushes </span> </li> <li> <span> Trim winter-flowering heathers </span> </li> <li> <span> Lift and divide congested clumps of snowdrops and buy new ones `in the green' </span> </li> <li> <span> Prune winter jasmine after flowering </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out gladioli, lilies, galtonias and other summer bulbs </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Force rhubarb </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow leeks and onions in a heated propagator </span> </li> <li> <span> Start spraying outdoor peach and nectarine leaves to prevent peach-leaf curl </span> </li> <li> <span> Sprinkle fertiliser around fruit trees and bushes </span> </li> <li> <span> Rake over sites for early sowings and cover to warm the soil </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Pot up summer bulbs </span> </li> <li> <span> Feed winter-flowering pot plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Continue sowing seed of summer bedding plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Bring strawberries in pots under cover for early crops </span> </li> <li> <span> Start watering fuchsias to bring back into growth </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Build a compost heap </span> </li> <li> <span> Cut back any overgrown ivy </span> </li> <li> <span> Check borders for weeds and tackle any problem areas </span> </li> <li> <span> Spread mulches of bark or compost over flower-beds </span> </li> <li> <span> Prepare the soil for sowing hardy annuals in April </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:06:12 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/march-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/april-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> A busy month is ahead in the garden, as the weather begins to warm, days are a little longer and blossom surrounds us! Now's the time to get sowing and planting..... </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sprinkle fertiliser around roses </span> </li> <li> <span> Tie in clematis shoots as they grow </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant gladioli corms </span> </li> <li> <span> Cut away the dead stems from hardy shrubs </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sow outside: carrots, parsnips, lettuces, broad beans, peas, Swiss chard, leeks, spinach and kohl rabi </span> </li> <li> <span> Harvest early rhubarb </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out onion sets and shallots </span> </li> <li> <span> Cover strawberries with cloches to encourage earlier fruiting </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sow in a heated propagator in the greenhouse: tomatoes, celery, chilli peppers, melons and aubergines </span> </li> <li> <span> Take cuttings from over-wintered fuchsias and pelargoniums </span> </li> <li> <span> Continue sowing seed of summer bedding plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Bring strawberries in pots under cover for early crops </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Cut back poinsettias to encourage new shoots </span> </li> <li> <span> Cut back any overgrown ivy </span> </li> <li> <span> Check borders for weeds and tackle any problem areas </span> </li> <li> <span> Spread mulches of bark or compost over flower-beds </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:06:12 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/april-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/may-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> May has arrived and it really is a lovely month in the garden! Days are getting warmer and longer, we're surrounded by trees in leaf and blossom and our pots, borders and baskets burst with wonderful colour! We can really feel that Summer is on the way and it’s time to tidy up spring plants, plant out summer flowers and get planning for Autumn... </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Plant out perennials </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow hardy annuals outside </span> </li> <li> <span> Feed established clumps of spring flowering bulbs </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out hardy annuals raised under cover </span> </li> <li> <span> Trim back winter flowering heathers </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Finish planting main crop potatoes </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant new beds of asparagus </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow outside: carrots, lettuces, salad leaves, baby beetroot, spring onions, radishes, kohl rabi, chives, chicory, parsley, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, calabrese, broccoli, endives, and spinach </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow peas and mange tout </span> </li> <li> <span> Hang pheromone traps in fruit trees to catch codling moths </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Plant up growing bags </span> </li> <li> <span> Pot up rooted cuttings </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow tomatoes, marrows, courgettes, sweetcorn and other tender crops </span> </li> <li> <span> Hang yellow sticky traps above plants to trap flying pests </span> </li> <li> <span> Prick out seedlings that are large enough to handle </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sow lawns or lay turf </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant water lilies and other aquatic plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Sprinkle fertiliser along the base of hedges and cover with mulch </span> </li> <li> <span> Feed lawns and treat them against moss and weeds </span> </li> <li> <span> Watch out for slug and snail damage </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:06:11 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/may-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/june-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> As Summer arrives, we can relax outdoors enjoying the long, warm days surrounded by our gardens in full growth, colour and fragrance! There’s plenty to harvest in the vegetable garden and keeping on top of weeds is a key task! </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Plant out dahlias and gladioli </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow wallflowers for next spring </span> </li> <li> <span> Tie in sweet peas </span> </li> <li> <span> Feed spring bulbs </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant up summer pots </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sow outside: peas, mange tout, French and runner beans, lettuces, carrots, spinach and herbs </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out tender crops once all threat of frost has passed </span> </li> <li> <span> Thin out plants sown earlier in the year </span> </li> <li> <span> Thin out some of the fruits from cherries, apples, pears and plums </span> </li> <li> <span> Draw up the earth around the stems of potatoes </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Open vents and open doors to help ventilation </span> </li> <li> <span> Apply shade paint to the outside of south-facing glazing and hang shade netting inside </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant trailing tomatoes in handing baskets </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant up pots of scented-leaved pelargoniums to cheer up your greenhouse </span> </li> <li> <span> Pot on rooted cuttings, seedlings and bulbs </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sprinkle a general fertiliser around your plants and cover with a good mulch </span> </li> <li> <span> Water any new plants until they become established </span> </li> <li> <span> Spray to prevent powdery mildew </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant up aquatic plants in ponds </span> </li> <li> <span> Give your garden furniture a facelift </span> <span> <br/> </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 17:03:21 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/june-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/july-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> The garden is in full bloom, full of mid summer colour, texture and fragrance! Now is the time to maintain the blooms, providing your garden with the care it needs to prevent drying out during the warmest months </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sow biennials </span> </li> <li> <span> Divide flag irises </span> </li> <li> <span> Feed baskets and patio pots each week with liquid fertilizer </span> </li> <li> <span> Take cuttings from climbers </span> </li> <li> <span> Pinch out the tips of chrysanthemum shoots to encourage flowers </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Water early potatoes if the weather is dry </span> </li> <li> <span> Prune cordon gooseberry plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow outside: lettuces, radishes, spring cabbages, endives, kohl rabi, French and runner beans, spinach, turnips and beetroot </span> </li> <li> <span> Pick off damaged fruits from apples and pears </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out sweetcorn and other crops raised under glass </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Open all vents and doors early each day </span> </li> <li> <span> Pot on rooted cuttings </span> </li> <li> <span> Introduce natural predators to control pests such as red spider mite, whitefly and mealy bug </span> </li> <li> <span> Ensure growing bags never dry out </span> </li> <li> <span> Take cuttings from bedding plants and houseplants </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Remove moss from lawns </span> </li> <li> <span> Trim box edging and privet hedges </span> </li> <li> <span> Remove suckers growing around trees </span> </li> <li> <span> Deadhead lilac and rhododendrons </span> </li> <li> <span> Keep an eye out for pests and treat immediately </span> </li> </ul> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 16:57:21 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/july-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/august-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> With long, hot summer days, August is the time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the garden. Regular watering, feeding and tidying are keys to keeping your garden looking beautiful... </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Keep camellias well watered to avoid flower buds dropping off next spring due to drought </span> </li> <li> <span> Prune wisteria; shorten long side shoots back to five or six leaves </span> </li> <li> <span> Deadhead roses; unless they produce hips </span> </li> <li> <span> Trim lavender after flowering to stop it going woody </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant bulbs: nerines, autumn crocuses, and autumn daffodils </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Continue to sow outside: lettuces and spring cabbages </span> </li> <li> <span> Peg down strawberry runners into the soil or pots of compost for more plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Ensure crops are all well watered during hot weather </span> </li> <li> <span> Prune old fruited stems of cane fruits down to soil level </span> </li> <li> <span> Spray potato foliage with a copper fungicide to avoid blight </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Treat container plants with Provado Vine Weevil Killer if vine weevil damage is visible </span> </li> <li> <span> Continue taking cuttings from tender plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Keep the greenhouse well ventilated </span> </li> <li> <span> Pinch out any side shoots on tomato plants and tie in stems as they grow </span> </li> <li> <span> Feed plants regularly with a liquid feed </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Order flower bulbs for autumn planting </span> </li> <li> <span> Prune early flowering shrubs </span> </li> <li> <span> Trim lawns and edges regularly </span> </li> <li> <span> Deadhead border plants after flowering </span> </li> <li> <span> Hoe regularly to avoid weeds </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:26:04 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/august-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/september-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> September is the perfect time to take stock of your garden after the busy summer period.  Now is the time to establish new plants and make plans for the coming seasons... </span> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Prune rambling roses </span> </li> <li> <span> Cut back perennials once they have finished flowering </span> </li> <li> <span> Collect seed from perennials and store in a cool place </span> </li> <li> <span> Take cuttings of lavender </span> </li> <li> <span> Cut everlasting flowers and seed heads for use in indoor arrangements </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Plant out rooted strawberry runners into new beds </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow outdoors: hardy spring onions, lettuces, salads and Chinese cabbages </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow parsley in pots for picking in winter </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out Japanese onion sets and garlic </span> </li> <li> <span> Cut down raspberry canes once they have finished cropping </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Pick off the lower leaves from tomatoes to allow light and air to reach the fruits </span> </li> <li> <span> Keep poinsettias in the dark for 14 hours a day to encourage colourful bract formation </span> </li> <li> <span> Close vents at night as the weather turns cooler </span> </li> <li> <span> Keep grow bags well watered </span> </li> <li> <span> Start watering indoor cyclamen to promote new growth </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Hoe borders to keep weeds down </span> </li> <li> <span> Prepare areas for sowing new lawns during showery weather </span> </li> <li> <span> Trim hedges and topiary into shape </span> </li> <li> <span> Buy spring bulbs </span> </li> <li> <span> Order sweet-pea seed for autumn planting </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:00:31 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/september-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/october-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> In October, with colder nights and shorter days, we can enjoy the last splashes of autumn colour in our beds and borders. With the prospect of first frosts, there are plenty of jobs to be done in the garden.... </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Lift and pot on tender perennials to store indoors </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant spring-flowering bulbs into borders and pots </span> </li> <li> <span> Collect up and compost leaves as they begin to fall </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant evergreen shrubs and hedging, or move any that are growing in the wrong place </span> </li> <li> <span> Pull up annual climbers and cut back untidy perennial climbers </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Sow green manure crops in bare spaces </span> </li> <li> <span> Pick apples, pears and plums as they ripen </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow and plant: broad beans, peas, Japanese and autumn onion sets, spring cabbages and garlic </span> </li> <li> <span> Bring potted herbs under cover to protect them </span> </li> <li> <span> Lift and store any remaining potatoes in a cool, dry place </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> <span> Pot up rooted cuttings </span> </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant pots of hyacinths </span> </li> <li> <span> Check that heating equipment is working efficiently </span> </li> <li> <span> Bring potted azaleas indoors and water with rain water </span> </li> <li> <span> Water indoor cyclamen to bring them back into growth after their summer rest </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Buy farmyard manure or mushroom compost to dig into the soil during autumn </span> </li> <li> <span> Increase the height of the cut on your mower </span> </li> <li> <span> Spread netting over water features and ponds to prevent leaves going in </span> </li> <li> <span> Order roses to plant out this winter </span> </li> <li> <span> Cover newly planted bulbs with wire netting to prevent squirrels digging them up </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:51:48 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/october-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/november-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Winter is on the way.... As the days shorten, we enjoy the array of autumn colour as leaves fall and shrubs reveal berries and can be busy with these jobs: </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Pull up annuals and put on the compost heap then fork over the beds and borders </span> </li> <li> <span> Prune rambling and climbing roses </span> </li> <li> <span> Pot up tender perennials from summer displays and bring under cover for the winter </span> </li> <li> <span> Rake autumn leaves from lawns, and pick them out from around border plants </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant new hedges </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Save seeds from your favourite tomatoes, herbs and other crops </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant hardy peas and beans </span> </li> <li> <span> Take hardwood cuttings from fruit bushes </span> </li> <li> <span> Pot up herbs to bring indoors for winter </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out autumn onion sets </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Bring pots of tender bulbs and perennials under cover </span> </li> <li> <span> Line greenhouses with bubble polythene to provide insulation </span> </li> <li> <span> Clean glazing, staging and matting ready for next summer </span> </li> <li> <span> Clear away tomatoes and cucumbers adding the waste to your compost heap </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow sweet peas in pots </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Store hoses, sprinklers and other watering equipment in the shed over winter </span> </li> <li> <span> Lay new lawn turf </span> </li> <li> <span> Protect ceramic or glazed pots from frost damage </span> </li> <li> <span> Order bare-rooted roses for planting in autumn </span> </li> <li> <span> Wrap insulation around outside taps and pipes </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:26:23 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/november-gardening-tips thumbnail main image https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/december-gardening-tips <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> As our gardens quieten and still for the winter period, we can still enjoy them on milder winter days to complete the  following important jobs: </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Flower/Plants </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Move patio containers to a sheltered spot if very cold </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out Wallflowers </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant out new rose bushes </span> </li> <li> <span> Take root cuttings of suitable perennials </span> </li> <li> <span> Move shrubs growing in the wrong place </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Fruit/Vegetables </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Take hardwood cuttings from healthy fruit bushes </span> </li> <li> <span> Start pruning apple and pear trees </span> </li> <li> <span> Cut down Jerusalem artichokes </span> </li> <li> <span> Prune Gooseberry bushes </span> </li> <li> <span> Sow winter lettuces </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Greenhouse </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Monitor heaters to ensure they are working efficiently </span> </li> <li> <span> Plant up Hippeastrums (Amaryllis) bulbs </span> </li> <li> <span> Ventilate greenhouses on warm, dry days </span> </li> <li> <span> Treat timber with preservative </span> </li> <li> <span> Use rainwater to keep potted azaleas moist </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> General </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> Wrap insulation around all outside taps and pipes </span> </li> <li> <span> Order early from seed catalogues </span> </li> <li> <span> Dig compost into beds empty areas of soil </span> </li> <li> <span> Check tree and climber ties are secure </span> </li> <li> <span> Keep bird feeders clean </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:52:31 GMT https://www.ashwoodgardencentre.co.uk/december-gardening-tips thumbnail main image