Xela's Calendar

For soils with a pH greater than 6.5, the best advice is to restrict your choice to Erica carnea, Erica x darleyensis, Erica erigena, Erica manipuliflora, Erica vagans and any of the tree heaths with the exception of Erica arborea.
Plant heathers deeply with the lower foliage resting on the soil surface.

12" apart in moist well drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Divide mature clumps and replant at once.

in pots or trays of seed compost
sow thinly, cover with fine layer of compost
firm gently and keep moist
cover with glass, polythene or propagator lid
keep at approx 15 - 20C

When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant geranium plants into borders and containers in a sunny or semi shaded position.

When cropping slows in early autumn, gather green fruits and kept in a warm, dark place to ripen.
Dispose of plants.

Divide large clumps after the plant has flowered, preferably during a wet spell.

Take hard-wood cuttings in winter.

Hardwood cuttings Dec - Feb

Dec – Feb: Remove damaged or crossing branches during the dormant season

.... barley straw bale to pond. leave old one in too.

Sow Jan - March. See packet

sow in the greenhouse with or without heat,from January to early April at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F)DO NOT cover,as seeds need light to germinate and will appreciate humid conditions.

Prune Jan - Feb ... see previous notes

January to March, the outer shoots can be used to make new stock. These should be planted in 7.5cm pots and stood in a cold frame or cold greenhouse until well rooted. Then stand them outside for a week or so before planting at the beginning of May

Sow in modules under glass. Seeds should be sown thinly, as this reduces the amount of future thinning necessary and potential risk from pests.

As soon as the flowers start to open, move the plant to a cooler place to prolong their life. As light a position as possible, 10-15C is fine. Each flower should last about three weeks before they brown, but a great big bulb should provide at least one or two more flowering stems.

See previous reminder.

Remove cover when seedlings appear. See previous reminders.

Remove winter dressing/protection when new shoots appear in the Spring.
Bring into a cool greenhouse and place on a sunny shelf. They like a fresh, cool atmosphere and should be kept moist by regular watering thoroughly and ensure that the plant doesn’t dry out during the growing season.

Lift & divide large clumps in early Spring, February - March

Prick out into trays or cells when large enough to handle.

Start making successive sowings

germination takes 7 - 14 days

Make successive sowings Feb - April

Apply top - dressing of granular rose food in late winter / early spring each year.

Apply top - dressing of granular rose food in late winter / early spring each year.

Apply top - dressing of granular rose food in late winter / early spring each year.

See previous notes

See previous notes

Sow late winter to spring at 18-21C (65-70F) ... see previous notes

Prune to remove weak and crossing shoots then thin down the plant to a structure of evenly spaced one and two year old stems.

red currants perform better with a potash feed each spring. Sprinkle the wood ash from housefire around the roots, or an organic potash

See previous reminder.

Feb-May... see plant notes

Sow indoors in Feb

To renovate an overgrown beech hedge, cut it back hard in February while still dormant. If the height needs reducing by 50 percent or more, then stagger pruning over two seasons rather than doing it all at once. If the sides need drastic reduction, then do one side and the top in the first year, leaving the other side to the second year.
Mulch and feed after renovation, to encourage regrowth.

in Feb or March, no routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. Shoots that are growing in unwanted directions can also be pruned out.

After pruning, mulch and feed.

When the plant has buds it can be moved to a warmer place.

Tidy up the plants removing all dead leaves previously missed.
Remove any loose compost on the top of the pot.
Top dress with John Innes No.2 potting compost.

Prune in late winter or early spring. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. Shoots that are growing in unwanted directions can also be pruned out.

Feb-Mar

Sow in late winter

Plant seeds Feb-Apr about 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Thin them so that the remaining plants are about 8 inches apart when they germinate, which takes 14 to 21 days.

late winter to early spring. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. Shoots that are growing in unwanted directions can also be pruned out.

After pruning, mulch and feed.

Feb - Mar: Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. Shoots that are growing in unwanted directions can also be pruned out.

After pruning, mulch and feed.

To grow for first year bloom, sow seeds 10 weeks prior to the last frost.
See previous notes

germination takes 7 - 14 days

germination takes 7 - 14 days

germination takes 7 - 14 days

See previous reminder.

see previous note 21.02.12

When two real leaves have formed prick out singly into 3" pot.Plant deep .... the small whitish nodules or hairs on a tomato shoot just above soil level will grow into roots if they contact the soil, enabling the plant to take on more nutrients and moisture

Remove cover as soon as seedlings appear ( germination 21 - 28 days)

Consider propagating/rejuvenating ... see plant notes

Plants can be divided in early spring, just as growth is about to start.

They may be propagated from offsets or by dividing the rootstock in early Spring (or autumn).

Seedlings should appear within two weeks and be large enough to move into (grow-bag) separate pots in about eight weeks.

Potentillas can be propagated in spring by digging up the root ball and dividing it with a knife / spade.
See notes

Apply a generous 5cm - 7cm (2in - 3in) mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.

Lift & divide large clumps while in 'the green' ( every 3 years or so), [some done '11]
replant about two bulb widths apart in light shade.

Prune into shape in spring/summer..... any necessary hard pruning in spring (and only light pruning in summer). Well suited to be clipped into topiary shapes such as Bay standards or Bay cones.

Bay trees have a shallow root system and need protection from frost and heat by adding mulch.

In spring after all risk of severe frosts has passed cut back hard to within 30cm (12in) of ground level.
To prevent it from becoming straggly prune the previous year's flowered stems hard, to within 5cm of old wood.

After pruning apply a generous 5cm - 7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.

dig up in spring (or autumn) .... see previous reminder

Perennials can be propagated by taking basal cuttings or dividing in spring [March - April].

Lift and divide large colonies in spring

Division in spring. See plant notes

Lift and divide congested colonies in spring.

Treasured specimens should be divided every third year, to sustain youthful vigour.

Propagate by division in spring

Divide clumps in SPRING or autumn

A strong stake, six feet out of the ground, must be firmly fixed alongside of each plant before it is more than half-grown, and the stems securely tied to it with tar-string as they advance.

Cut back the flowered shoots to within a few ( 3?)cm of the older branch. Also cut back some of the older branches to within a few cm of ground level in order to promote more basal growth.

In spring top dress with Ericaceous compost plus a little slow release fertiliser

In spring top dress with Ericaceous compost plus a little slow release fertiliser

In spring top dress with Ericaceous compost plus a little slow release fertiliser

Mulch in spring

press tubers hollow side uppermost into box of damp peat(?). Keep at 60-70F.

Apply a generous 5cm - 7cm (2in - 3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.

If necessary divide congested colonies in early Spring, see previoud notes.

Pot up rooted cuttings

Propagate by division (at the end of the summer or) VERY EARLY in SPRING

take basal cuttings in March and April and these will root easily in a 50% mixture of sharp sand and compost.
* Plants can also be divided in the spring - but NEVER in the autumn. Autumn division will kill them.

Top dress with general fertilizer in Spring

Top dress in spring

Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around base of plant in early spring.

Protect from cold, drying winds.

Plant three potatoes to a 25cm(10") pot filled with potting compost in .... beg March in a cold greenhouse. the young potatoes should be ready for eating - during May/June for those in an unheated greenhouse.

dig up the plant and use a knife to cut down through the center of the hyssop's root system. Replant each section.

Major prune the stems back to any desired height, even ground level, using pruning shears.

Sprinkle a balanced, slow-release fertilizer over the soil under the hyssop & water to soak the fertilizer down to the plant roots

When two real leaves have formed prick out singly into 3" pot.and keep at about 15C

When two real leaves have formed prick out singly into 3" pot.Plant deep .... small whitish nodules or hairs on a tomato shoot just above soil level will grow into roots if they contact the soil, enabling the plant to take on more nutrients and moisture

Prick out 2" apart into trays when large enough to handle and grow on in approx 15C.

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See plant notes

See previous notes

Keep in check by pruning.

Divide in early SPRING or late atumn, recommended every 3 to 4 years.

lift established plants and take individual offsets from the outer edges. These can then be set out in groups in well prepared soil.

Divide in spring [or autumn]. See previous reminders

See previous notes

Feed with half strength liquid feed from spring to late summer.

Mar - May divide clumps that are no longer free flowering.
Replant small clumps in soil enriched with compost and give a sprinkling of general fertilizer.

In spring, see previous notes

In spring, see previous notes

Remove 1 stem in 3 , cutting back to base. Cut out oldest & weakest stems first

Remove all of previous year's growth to two or three buds March - May

A handful of Sulphate of potash sprinkled around the plant in spring will encourage better flowering.

Old or neglected plants can be pruned back to the ground in spring , new fresh shoots will appear.

Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

Lightly scatter general fertiliser round plants in spring

In early spring apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser around the base of the plant and mulch with well-rotted compost or manure.

... renovate climbers by hard pruning to 60cm (2ft) from the ground in early spring. Thin out vigorous re-growth and tie in the new shots.

Prune/renovate ... prune back unwanted stems in spring to avoid a tangle of shoots, otherwise allow it to grow into a large tree or into a native hedgerow and it can be left un-pruned.

top dressing in spring with general fertiliser such as Growmore or fish blood and bone will promote growth and flowering.

Mulch around the base with organic matter, such as garden compost or well-rotted manure, to reduce water stress.

take cuttings March to May

Top dress with general fertilizer in Spring

Re-pot occasionally in spring to early summer

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow on in cooler conditions.
For summer flowering pot plants ... see previous notes

divide plants: March to April

divide as soon as growth begins in spring

Take cuttings: March to May

Plant in clumps of five to seven corms, 10cm (4in) deep and 10cm (4in) apart, during March and April. Lighten heavy clay soils with well-rotted manure or compost. Plant each corm on a layer of sand to improve drainage.

a mulch of compost will add some more nitrogenous feed, as well as suppress weeds.

see previous notes

sow seeds early springtime or dividing a clump of Lobelia again in early springtime.

Remove any weak branches and the dead flower-heads

To rejuvenate and minimise congestion lift and divide clumps in (late-autumn or) early spring every two years.

A light fertilising in March will help enormously.

Take root cuttings in Spring

Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

see previous notes

Plant ... see new main notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

Cut back plants affected by mildew to the ground, water and feed - see previous reminder.

Lift and divide old plants if flowering is beginning to be diminished. See previous notes

Easily increased by taking cuttings in the spring and summer months. See previous notes

Keep well-watered during the growing season

Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month from spring until the plant flowers.

See previous notes

Mar - May ... see plant notes

In early spring, cut back the previous year's flowering stums to two strong buds

Mar - May take Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

Mar - July take soft/semi-hardwoood cuttings

In early spring, cut back the previous year's flowering stems to two strong buds or near ground level to encourage stronger flowering growth.

In early spring, cut back the previous year's flowering stems to two strong buds or near ground level to encourage stronger flowering growth.

Mar – May/July: Take Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

In early spring, cut back the previous year's flowering stems to two strong buds or near ground level to encourage stronger flowering growth.

Mar – May/July: Take Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

Mar: In early spring, cut back the previous year's flowering stems to two strong buds or near ground level to encourage stronger flowering growth.

Mar – May/July: Take Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

Mar: In early spring, cut back the previous year's flowering stems to two strong buds or near ground level to encourage stronger flowering growth.

[Mar – May/]May - Sept: Take Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

Mar: In early spring, cut back the previous year's flowering stems to two strong buds or near ground level to encourage stronger flowering growth.

Mar – May/July: Take Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

See previous notes

Feed with a balanced fertiliser in SPRING and again after flowering to encourage further blooms.

Mar - Aug take cuttings ... see previous notes

Mar - May ... see previous notes

See previous reminders

5th sowing, see previous reminders

Mar - May replenish preferably with perpetuals

spread a layer of well-rotted compost around the plants in early spring.

Mar – May put a layer of organic material to act as a mulch around (but not touching) the main stem

Sow outdoors Mar-Aug

... to 2" apart for baby leaves.or 8" for mature plants

Feed Shirobana annually in the spring, before new growth emerges. Use a general-purpose fertiliser to promote healthy foliage and flowering.

Plant seeds March - May

Time to divide plants: March to May

Propagate by stem cuttings in spring

When Narcissus flower-heads have faded, it is best to remove them. Otherwise the plant will divert energy from building up the bulb, which is necessary for next year's display, and put it into seed production.

Damaged, diseased or wayward growth can be removed in early spring or immediately after flowering

Mulch in spring with well-rotted organic matter to keep the roots cool,

Young plants of trailing ivy-leaved cultivars are best pruned back to promote branching.
If kept actively growing all year round, the majority of pelargoniums can be renovated by hard pruning in spring.

in early spring

Divide in Spring. Peeled leaf bases can be taken off from where the stem joins with the root. Old leaf bases that are green at the base are incubated in a plastic bag of loam based media. Green swellings can be found and potted to raise new plants

mulch and tidy in spring.

Fertilize monthly from March through October (and every other month during the fall and winter months).

Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well.

September - November or March - May

propagate by air layering, tip or stem cuttings, or by the removal and rooting of basal shoots in spring or late summer.

In the spring and use a shallow pot.

Propagate by division in spring (or detach rosettes and root in late spring to early summer)

Sow early spring to early summer outdoors

Division can be easily carried out at almost any time of the year, though it is probably best done in the spring or autumn to allow the plant to establish more quickly. Virtually any part of the root is capable of growing into a new plant. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. However, for maximum increase it is possible to divide the roots up into sections no more than 3cm long and pot these up in light shade in a cold frame. They will quickly become established and can be planted out in the summer.

Propagate annuals and all species by seed in (autumn or) early spring.

Give pruned plants a boost in the following spring by spreading a granular rose fertiliser over the soil and mulch them with a 5cm (2in) layer of garden compost or well rotted manure

Plant in spring in free-draining soil at the foot of a south-facing wall, where they can bake in the sun.

spray the outside of the rim with a lubricant, such as WD40, once a season. Terracotta pots may need two doses as they're very porous.

A regular nitrogen feed, such as pelleted chicken manure, and an annual mulch of manure helps to keep plants in top condition.

replace basket in shallow water in the pond for the growing season

Feed with a general purpose fertilizer.

divide in spring (or autumn)

Mar-Apr: Time to plant out. Be guided by local weather conditions and not the calendar. However, if the ground is cold and/or very wet it is best to wait. The plants will soon catch up.
You can plant seeds straight in the ground where you want them to grow now.

Prune perennial sweet pea vines in early spring only to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain the overall shape and appearance of the vine.

Start tubers into growth in early spring indoors.

from stem cuttings any time apart from winter.

once every 2 – 4 weeks during the spring and summer seasons.

immediately after flowering to maintain shape or rejuvenate

Apply a generous 5-7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.

Divide rhizomes in Spring

Protect from slug damage (eating spring flowers)

(re)plant in Spring

See previous notes

Plant three potatoes to a 25cm(10") pot filled with potting compost in .... mid March in a cold greenhouse. the young potatoes should be ready for eating - during June for those in an unheated greenhouse.

See Majeekahead's blog for advice

6th sowing, outside thinly fortnightly 4 – 6 weeks before transplanting (3 -4 plants per consumer)

Apply mulch of well rotted manure around the crown of each plant in spring.

Begin to snap out shoots that grow in leaf joints as soon as they appear.

Water plants daily and once flowers have started to appear, feed with tomato fertiliser every week to ensure the best fruit.

Propagate cordyline from seed, cuttings or suckers, ideally from April to June. Pot up individually using well-drained cuttings compost. If possible, provide bottom heat.
Take terminal (shoot tip) cuttings 10-15cm (4-6in) long. Remove all the leaves apart from the terminal tuft
Prepare 5-7.5cm (1-2in) stem-section cuttings from thicker stems that include a bud. Insert the stem cutting horizontally in the compost with the growth bud just visible at the surface
Sever rooted suckers that arise from the base in spring and pot up individually. If the suckers have only a few roots treat as terminal cuttings (see above)
Sow seeds at 16°C (61°F) in spring

Top dress in the spring and throughout the growing season, simply scatter a handful of fertilizer around the stem of the plant and cover over with half a layer of the appropriate compost for that plant.
Slow release fertilizers will feed plants for a whole season.
Liquid fertilizers are faster releasing but washed away easily, so they need to be applied every 4-5 watering’s throughout the growing season, i.e April to September.

Take 3 in (7.5 cm) stem cuttings in spring or summer.

Cut off growing tips to contain height & encourage bushy growth

Feed every 2 weeks Spring - Autumn with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Thin out the weaker growth on established plants.
Thinning out also helps to keep mildew at bay as it allows more air to circulate around the plant/s

Take 75mm (3") basal cuttings from the base of the plants and insert into pots/tray of equal parts (by volume) peat and sharp sand, and place in a cold frame to root.
Alternatively; take root cuttings ( if not done in November) by scraping away the soil to expose suitable
lengths of main roots and cut off pencil-thick pieces with either a sharp knife or secateurs.

Time to divide plants: April to May

Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.

Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.

Spring pruning concentrates on cutting back outward growing shoots and shortening other growth. This will remove some of the flowering wood, but this can be limited by waiting until the flower buds appear.

Prune in MID SPRING or late summer. For specimens and wall shrubs, aim to establish a permanent network of branches and cut back any wayward growths that come out. More flexible young shoots can be tied back against a support while they are still pliable, as they age and become more woody, they will "set" into the desired shape.

Easily increased by way of cuttings taken in the spring and summer months. Plants are best replaced regularly, every three years or so, as they have a tendency to become woody and leggy.

Take soft-wood cuttings Spring to early Summer

Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.

see previous reminders

take cuttings April - May, see previous reminders.

take cuttings Aug - Sept, see previous reminders.

take cuttings Aug - Sept, see previous reminders.

see previous notes

Take softwood cuttings mid-spring. see previous reminders.

Protect the young shoots from slug-damage using beer traps or environmentally-friendly slug pellets

Only prune Damsons trees between April and September to avoid disease infections. See previous notes.

April - June

Plant April - May, either in deep pots or in good soil in the sun, 3" apart and 5" deep. A 12" pot will need about 7-10 bulbs.

Apply a balanced fertiliser every two weeks while in growth.

Fertilize in SPRING, see previous notes

Prune lightly in spring if the plant becomes scraggly.

Fertilize in Spring see previous notes.

Prune lightly in spring, see previous notes.

the crowns should be examined, and any plant making a good show of green leaves at the base may be left to flower the second summer.

During the growing season apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month.

See previous notes

See previous notes

Divide plants April to June

Time to take cuttings: April to August

tulips [V+S]

Start next batch Comfrey+Nettle Feed

3 parts comfrey + 1 part nettles
in standard bucket of water
(tear leaves to roughly size of own palm)
put lid on to contain smell (strong)
leave for 1 week stirring occasionally

Use:
dilute 50/50 before using to feed.
Effects can be seen within fortnight.

rake up the dead moss ( fortnight after treatment)

Tip prune young plants in mid to late-spring to encourage bushy growth Remove any plain green-leaved shoots as soon as they appear, cutting back to the origin.

See previous notes

First batch planted [Feb] should be ready for lifting.

Plant remaining potatoes in plot. the young potatoes should be ready for eating - during June

Strong basal shoots about 4in long are ideal.
Always avoid stems that have become hollow; they are almost impossible to root. Strong, new shoots will have solid stems that will root readily.
1 Cut with a sharp knife under the lowest leaf node at the base of a new stem.
2 Remove the lower leaves cleanly from the severed shoot with a sharp knife.
3 Take out the growing tip of the cutting, either by pinching it out or using a knife.
4 Immediately insert the cuttings around the edge of a pot. Clay pots are best. Make sure they are clean.
You should get between five and eight cuttings in a 5in pot. Allow adequate space for individual cuttings to spread their roots. They should be easy to separate when potting on. Use any open, free-draining compost.
Top the surface with coarse grit. This will hold the cuttings in place, prevent them rotting and retain moisture. Water well. Cuttings that are very soft and sappy may keel over soon after you have taken them. They will soon pick up. Plunging the pot in damp sand and spraying with a fine mist will counteract transpiration.
Keep your cuttings out of direct sunlight. Preferably put the pot on a heated bench or propagator, or in a light, warm spot in a greenhouse or cold frame.
Rooting will take a month or more. When you are certain that good roots have formed, gently ease out the new plants and pot individually. Allow plants to become well established before moving them outside.

Water thoroughly before planting in grow bags when they are about 8" tall and the flowers of the first truss are beginning to open

Easily increased by way of cuttings taken in the spring and summer months, but BEST IN JULY. See previous notes

Feed with a balanced fertiliser in SPRING and again after flowering to encourage further blooms.

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

Carefully trim back in April, taking care not to cut into old wood.

See previous notes

Deadhead regularly

Cut back hard every 2 or 3 years (done '10)

Trim to base of flower spikes after flowering.

See previous notes

Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 23cm (9in) apart in full sun in ordinary well drained soil. For summer flowering pot plants ... see previous notes

In mid or late-spring lightly restore the symmetry of the plant.

After pruning apply garden compost or manure ...see previous notes

See new main notes

Roots should be divided using plants three or four years old. See previous notes

When the plant has eight or nine pairs of leaves, it is time for the first pinching. This encourages the growth of side shoots and therefore more flowering stems. Snap off the growing tip, leaving five or six pairs of leaves. See plant notes.

repot and water and feed normally

a mulch of compost, leaf mould or farm yard manure applied in April will keep moisture in the soil during the summer. See previous notes

Grows readily from seed, which should be started indoors about 4 weeks before your last spring frost date. See previous notes.

Avoiding frosts, stand outside for a few days.

Prune to shape after flowering.

See previous reminders

Reduce size by pruning in early April

Summer fruiting strawberries planted in spring and perpetual strawberries should have their first blooms pinched off to enable a good root system to establish.

When it has flowers it mustn’t be over watered. This affects the flowering. It flowers normally form April through May.

divide plants: April to July .... grow in pots sunk into ground to contain spread

plant seeds: April to May

Propagate from herbaceous stem cuttings (allow cut area to harden before planting )

Feed only twice a year, once in April (and once in July) with a water soluble fertilizer.

(Propagate by division in spring or) detach rosettes and root in late spring to early summer

pinch back in spring or early summer to encourage further branching.

Re-pot overwintered plants into John Innes No 2 potting compost in mid-spring
Harden off and place outside once the risk of frost has passed

Loganberries love rich soil and respond to generous manuring. Nitrogen is the most important plant food requirement.

Fertilise when actively producing new growth in the spring and summer months when days are longer. Mix a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser to half strength with water once a month. Stop fertilising as the days shorten in fall and winter.

Repot every two to three years [Check roots '13].

Prune Spring/Summer as starts to get too tall to form bushy plant. Cut just above a leaf or where a leaf used to be for new growth to form from node.

Start to plant out successive sowings in final position 18-24" between plants & rows.

2nd batch planted [mid-Feb] should be ready for lifting.

See: www.vegetable-garden-guide.com/how-to-grow-potatoes.html

Water thoroughly before planting in grow bags when they are about 8" tall and the flowers of the first truss are beginning to open

See previous notes

See previous notes

trim in late April or early May. see previous notes

Apply a general fertiliser (eg.Growmore) to encourage strong growth .... see previous notes

See: www.vegetable-garden-guide.com/how-to-grow-potatoes.html

when your plant has produced four sets of flowering trusses, pinch out the growing tip.

Remove lower leaves that are diseased or no longer of benefit to the well-being of a plant. Traditionally, it is common to remove leaves up to the truss that has ripened.

take cuttings in Spring (5cm or 2in long) to replace the plant the next year.

take cuttings: May to July

Needs minimal pruning. Remove misplaced or frost damaged branches in late-spring.

Label pink & white clumps

See plant notes

Remove dead flower heads after flowering. This improves the appearance of the plant and directs energy towards producing new growth and flower buds for the following season. Hold the old flower firmly in your hand with your fingers and thumb on the lower part of the main stalk above the developing growth and the old flower should ‘snap’ off easily without damaging the new growth.

Remove dead flower heads after flowering. This improves the appearance of the plant and directs energy towards producing new growth and flower buds for the following season. Hold the old flower firmly in your hand with your fingers and thumb on the lower part of the main stalk above the developing growth and the old flower should ‘snap’ off easily without damaging the new growth.

remove flower spikes as they appear and clear away dead leaves throughout summer and autumn.

Harvest May - July/Aug

Cut back stems which have flowered [May - June/July]

During the growing season apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month.

Take cuttings from a healthy plant in May or June. Using a sharp knife, take cuttings roughly 7.5cm from young shoots torn off at the stem. Strip the leaves from the lower 4cm of the cutting. Fill a 7.5cm pot with a mixture of sharp sand and standard potting compost and insert up to four cuttings around the edge of the pot. Water the compost from below and place in a propagator or cover it with a plastic bag. Place the pot on a windowsill out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should have grown roots within about 8-10 weeks. Transplant them into individual pots and transplant into the ground when they have developed a healthy root ball.

See previous notes

See previous notes

In late-spring or early summer after flowering lightly cut back any branches that spoil the symmetry of the plant

Apply a generous 5cm - 7cm (2in - 3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure after pruning.

See previous notes

See previous notes

to keep aubrietas going year after year shear them hard as they finish their display, so that they develop a new cushion of tight foliage.

A light top-dressing of sand right after flowering will help to keep the clumps tight and free from root-rot.

Trim lightly after blooming to remove the flower stems.

Time to prune May - Aug
Care must be taken when pruning as E. carnea buds as early as July. It is safer to prune immediately after the flowers have faded. Prune around the edges and very lightly over the top of the plant.

take cuttings May - June

See previous notes

After flowering remove faded flowerheads and apply a slow-release fertiliser around plants.

Remove any unwanted growth in late spring

Plant out when all risk of frost has gone

3rd batch planted [beg Mar] should be ready for lifting.

When the first truss has set it’s time to start feeding.
Feed weekly at least to keep the plant going.... see previous notes.

Stand outside when fear of frost has passed.

See previous notes

See plant notes

See plant notes

See plant notes

Take cuttings May - Aug

Some staking may be needed to support the flowering stems.

Some staking may be needed to support the flowering stems.

Fungal diseases may occur in cool, wet springs so prune out any affected parts and spray the remaining sections with fungicide.

take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings 5-7.5cm (2-3in) long from late spring to summer.

Gladioli need a regular supply of water when the buds begin to appear.

see previous notes

See previous notes

Transplant young plants [with Brassicas to divert caterpillars] in the garden 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) apart, depending on the variety. See previous notes.

Return to pond when all threat of frost has gone.

May - June

See previous reminders

If required, feed the plants in the spring, use a weak solution of tomato feed which is high in potassium. Feeding with a nitrogen rich feed will only encourage leaf growth at the expense of fruit growth. The best time to feed the plants is when you see the fruits forming in late spring.

Remove surplus runners, they will sap the plants thus reducing fruiting

May – July: Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

May - Aug spray against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. Etc.

May – Aug: Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

remove excess growth May -Aug and cut back all side-shoots to two or three leaves.

See previous reminder

To encourage new basal growth, flowering should be prevented by regularly removing lengthening stems May - July.

Take cuttings in late spring and early summer, after the Easter cactus has finished flowering for the season. They root in 6-8 wks.

Cut branches back to within 3-4cm of stem after pink flush fades to maintain plant shape.

A liquid feed every month over the growing season

Plant the Ismeme fall bulbs in the spring after the last frost.

Divide after flowering. Very easy, the divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions if required.

May/June: Keep the blooms cut – if they set seed flowering will be curtailed.

Plant overwintered plants, cuttings or tubers the following spring when all danger of frost has passed, which is usually in May or later in most locations.

in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun when danger of frost is over, usually May to early June.

See: www.vegetable-garden-guide.com/how-to-grow-potatoes.html

When the first truss has set it’s time to start feeding.
Feed weekly at least to keep the plant going.... see previous notes

After hardening off plant in flowering position.

Only prune if it has outgrown its growing space. Prune immediately after flowering, reducing gradually over two or three years (if it is cut back too hard there is a danger of losing the entire plant).

Begin watering when fruits start to swell

Set out in the garden when all threat of frost has gone.

Set out in the garden when all threat of frost has gone.

Return to pond when all threat of frost has gone.

Start thinning gooseberries during late May or early June removing about half the crop. See previous notes

First batch [planted beg March] may be ready for lifting

See: www.vegetable-garden-guide.com/how-to-grow-potatoes.html

Pick fruit as they ripen.

Harvest June & July

Take cuttings June - August, from the current season’s growth. For method see previous notes

Cut back the old stems after flowering.

divide June - August.

Time to divide plants: June to July

Time to divide plants: June to August

sow seed in June to produce plants that will flower in the following year.

June - Aug: See previous notes

Immediately after flowering cut back shoots which bear faded blooms.

Cut privet hedging

If not grown in fruit cage, cover bushes with netting during June and July to keep off birds. See previous notes.

Summer pruning is not essential, but pruning sideshoots back to five leaves in June allows the sun to reach into bush centre and help ripen the fruit.

June - August lift in the green & form blue, pink & white clumps .

Keep well watered through the summer - if possible use rain water.

Keep well watered through the summer - if possible use rain water.

Keep well watered through the summer - if possible use rain water.

Keep well watered through the summer - if possible use rain water.

Fertilize in SUMMER, see previous notes

Fertilize in Summer, see previous notes.

During the growing season apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month.

Spray against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Thin out excess growth regularly in the summer to prevent it swamping the pond.

Thin out excess growth to prevent it swamping the pond.

Bugleweed is easily propagated by separating the little plants that arise from the spreading stolons. This can be done any time of year. Bugleweed also can be started from cuttings in summer.

Bugleweed is easily propagated by separating the little plants that arise from the spreading stolons. This can be done any time of year. Bugleweed also can be started from cuttings in summer.

Remove dead wood in Summer or Autumn

shorten stems by 25-30cm (10-12in) after flower to encourage a second flush in autumn

Remove any frost-damaged stems to the base.

Take soft-wood cuttings June - August

plant (or divide June to August) Sept -Dec

Keep well watered through the summer - if possible use rain water.

See plant notes

See previous notes

In summer, see previous notes

Prune new growth back to two buds in early summer to keep plants compact. Leaders should be pruned to outward facing buds unless the branches are bending, in which case they then should be cut to upward facing buds.

June - July

Birds love especially red currants, and they must be netted from the time the berries start to ripen to the last picking - about mid-June till mid-August - or entire crop can be stripped overnight.

Deadhead after flowering.

Lightly prune back flowered shoots after first flush .... to encourage second display.

see previous notes

Stake with twiggy pea-sticks well before the plant starts to flower.

Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer (or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer). Some bottom heat may be required

Lift and divide large clumps every three to five years after flowering or in autumn.

Keep well watered through the summer - if possible use rain water.

You’ll get better plants and berries if plants are stood outside for the summer

See plant notes for method

hedge cut

mid growing season trim

to protect from birds

spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

See previous reminders

May – Aug: See previous reminder

June - Aug take semi-hardwood cuttings

Time to divide plants: June to August

Sow from June to July at a temperature of 20°C (68°F).

... when large enough (pricked-out seedlings have a better root system).

After flowering [June-Aug] cut back the faded flower-stems, but make sure you always wear gloves when working with Peruvian lilies, as contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation.

cut back hard after flowering (in summer) to produce a second flush of flowers,.

propagate by cuttings from semi-hard stem tips in summer,

every 5 to 10 years, divide the clumps of bulbs in early summer.

it can be put outdoor for the summer. It likes shade and normally is hang in a tree.

Repot in well draining soil after flowering & while not actively growing, as necessary if potbound and no frequently than every 2 -3 yrs.

Dead head during summer to prolong flowering

snip back vines that have grown too far, as necessary. Sweet potato vines can grow up to 6 feet in width in a single season and may need to be controlled to keep them within bounds

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer (or hardwood cuttings in winter).

Keep well watered in summer, mist leaves occasionally

If the flowering begins to stall, deadhead and prune the plant back to encourage reblooming.

take summer cuttings and overwinter the stems indoors

During the growing season keep the compost moist and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every month.

semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

This SECOND HARVEST will be packed full of natural sugar and taste delicious.

2nd batch [planted mid March] may be ready for lifting

Leave the leaves for at least six weeks after flowering - longer if possible - before removing them.

3rd batch [planted beg April] may be ready for lifting

pruning the soft, current season's growth late June - mid-Aug, before it has chance to become woody. See notes for method.

late-June - mid-August prune the soft, current season's growth before it has chance to become woody.
see previous reminder for method

Prune lightly into shape June - Aug (any necessary hard pruning in spring and). Well suited to be clipped into topiary shapes such as Bay standards or Bay cones.

Dry off as the leaves die down in summer.

In mid-summer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded, by removing old flowered stems and leaves.

After flowering remove old and over-crowded shoots.

Control its easy going ways by trimming it, especially after it has flowered.

Dead head regularly to prolong flowering.

Use secateurs to shorten over-long branches by up to a half in midsummer after flowering. Do not cut into older wood as the stumps may not regrow.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very easy.

Time to divide plants: July to September

After four years, divide the congested clump ... see previous notes

Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots ...see previous notes

To grow as a biennial, sow seeds outdoors in July or August. see previous notes

During the growing season apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month.

Spray against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame

First batch [planted beg Apr] may be ready for lifting

Prune July - August ... see previous notes

(Prune in early winter, but) will also tolerate summer pruning if needed. Pay particular attention to stems that are encroaching on windows, guttering or roofs.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10 - 12 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in the following spring

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

Give it a trim after the first flush of flowers to encourage further blooming.

See previous notes

Keep in check by pruning.

Cut back to fit the available space again in mid-summer if necessary.

Remove the lower flowers as they fade and trim the stems regularly.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Either put the cuttings in individual pots or pot them up as soon as they start to root. Easy[K]. Keep them moist in a dry spring.

see previous notes

will keep its satisfying density if clipped annually after flowering.

Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and AGAIN AFTER FLOWERING to encourage further blooms.

See previous notes

Feed with a balanced fertiliser [in Spring and again] AFTER FLOWERING to encourage further blooms.

See previous notes

from established runners to maintain stock

spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

See previous reminders

May – Aug: See previous reminder

See previous reminders

See previous reminders

July – Aug: Harvest

July – Aug: Take cuttings

July – Aug: Prune ... Blackcurrant bushes need constant renewal to ensure heavy crops. Older branches will bear fruit, but quantity and quality decline with age. For this reason new bushes are planted deeply so that the plant produces vigorous young branches annually from below ground. These are then used to replace older ones cut out after harvest.
Each year remove about one third of the oldest stems - the bark is very dark to the point of being black - and any that are weak or very low. Always cut back to ground level or to a strong new shoot. Combine pruning with picking the fruit, [or wait until winter].

See previous reminder

After flowering cut out all dead, diseased and unwanted growth. Pinch back growth after flowering to encourage the plant to bush out more.

semi-ripe heel cuttings in mid- to late summer.

Shear in midsummer to encourage a bushy habit, a second flush of pink growth and red stems in winter. Mature plant size is dependent upon frequency of pruning..

to maintain good show of flowers July-Sept

Feed only twice a year, (once in April) and once in July with a water soluble fertilizer.

mid-summer to mid-autumn

July/August:
Water if the weather is dry but make sure you do this early on in the day to minimise bud drop and to prevent scorching. Feed with a weak solution of your favourite plant food (formulated for flowers) if your plants are starting to look weaker

once flowers appear feed with a high potash liquid feed every two weeks from July to early September

semi ripe cuttings mid July ... see previous notes

2nd batch [planted mid Apr] may be ready for lifting

See previous notes.

Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.

Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.

see previous reminders

take cuttings Aug - Sept, see previous reminders.

Prune out thin, old shoots.

Take cuttings from non-flowering stem tips in late summer and over winter for planting out the following year

Remove the faded blooms regularly to prolong flowering.

During the growing season apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month.

Prune in late-summer immediately after flowering, removing one in four of the older stems to ground level.

See previous notes

Cut to within an inch of old growth after flowering to keep them from getting horribly straggly

Trim August or September.

See previous notes

See previous notes

Se previous notes

Spray roses against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

See previous notes

Lift and divide large clumps in late-summer.

Cut out damaged and unwanted shoots, allowing time for wounds to heal before leaf fall

3rdbatch [planted beg May] may be ready for lifting

After flowering lightly trim back shoots that spoil the symmetry of the plant.

Take hardwood cuttings Aug - Sept

Take hardwood cuttings Aug - Sept

Take hardwood cuttings Aug - Sept

Take hardwood cuttings Aug - Sept

Take hardwood cuttings Aug - Sept

Remove dead flowering stems.

Aug - Oct plant autumn flowering corms, under chickenwire to prevent squirrels digging them up.

Prune ... honeysuckles that flower early in the season, on short side shoots on the previous year's growth should be pruned back by about one-third in late summer immediately after flowering.

Propagate by (softwood cuttings in early summer or) semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required

See previous notes

end of growing season trim

See previous reminder

spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

Spray fortnightly against greenfly and blackspot. etc.

See previous reminders

May – Aug: See previous reminder

See previous reminder

See previous reminder

See previous reminder

See previous reminders

Remove dead heads. [Pull up and discard plants in late summer once plants have begun to whither.]

remove dead heads. [Pull up and discard plants in late summer once plants have begun to whither.]

Late summer is the best time to move or divide most forms. When dividing the rhizome, keep the young, vigorous parts and discard the old. Water the newly planted sections in dry weather in their first season after transplanting, to help them establish new root systems.

Clumps may be easily divided in late summer.

auriculas produce plantlets from the side of their tap roots, which should be detached and potted after flowering. August is a good month to do this.

When supports have been covered, thin and shorten excessive growth by removing one in three of the oldest stems entirely
If space is restricted, prune out all stems that have flowered and tie new ones in to take their place
Finish by shortening side shoots by about two-thirds

Cut back after flowering to maintain compact shape

take cuttings in late summer and root them indoors in vermiculite or perlite.

Aug - Sept

mulch well when leaves wither

Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings taken in mid August.

Harvest 'Discovery' apples

4th batch [planted mid May] may be ready for lifting

Prune in mid spring or LATE SUMMER .... see previous notes.

Cuttings can be taken, and ideally these need to have three inches of brown stem below the rosette of foliage. The technique is to tug them away with a heel rather than cut them. This can be done in September and October (when the cushion of foliage is dense), or in late summer. A cold frame is ideal as it keeps the root cool.

When cropping slows in early autumn, gather green fruits and kept in a warm, dark place to ripen.
Dispose of plants.

Harvest mid season apples

Divide clumps in AUTUMN or spring

When the flower spikes are past, the stems may be cut down to within a few inches of the ground.

Fruit for eating are best left to completely ripen on the tree. Harvesting takes place between September and October depending on the cultivar.
Fruit for preserving are best harvested slightly early.

Divide congested plants in (spring or) Autumn.

Plant more to top up stock.

Prune the plant every autumn to keep the plant to the ideal size for your garden.

In autumn trim back lightly any branches that obscure the display of fruit.

divide plants: September to November

Autumn is here so decrease the frequency of mowing and gradually increase the height of the cut.

See previous notes

Feed the lawn with an application of autumn lawn feed.
Feeding Your Lawn Naturally:
PHOSPHATE ...Sprinkle a handful of bone meal per square meter (yard) over the lawn in autumn. See previous notes.

Re-seeding or re-turfing is best done early in the autumn - see previous notes.

Brush up autumn leaves.

Divide clumps in autumn

After trimming apply a generous 5cm - 7cm mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.

See previous notes

Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.

Cut back the stalks after the flowers have faded.

Make it more compact, take out about a third of old wood

See previous notes

See previous notes

Time to divide plants: September to November

divide plants: September to April

Trim after flowering.

Cut back old stems and foliage in autumn.

dig in a good amount of well-rotted garden compost or manure every autumn.

... into a slightly larger pot with J.I. no.2 if showing signs of being pot-bound.

See previous notes

Take semi-ripe cuttings.

In autumn cut back all dead flower stems to the ground.

Sept - Nov .... see previous notes

Cut back when foliage dies back in autumn to encourage new growth in spring.

Evergreens take well from hardwood cuttings, about 20-30cm (8-12in) long, from autumn to mid-winter.

Apply a mulch in autumn

Do not cut back the flowerheads in autumn, they provide interest in the winter garden.

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

Lift and divide large clumps every three to five years after flowering or in autumn.

See previous notes

See notes for Penstamon 'Garnet'

They may be propagated from offsets or by dividing the rootstock in (early spring or) Autumn

Sept - Nov ... tidy hedge sides when they become ragged & level top.

to maintain stock

Sept – Nov: Prune after the flowers start to fade. First remove dead, diseased or dying branches.
Tie in any new shoots and remove any really old branches if the plant is heavily congested - this will stimulate new growth.
Prune side branches growing from the main framework, cutting them back to leave two to three leaf buds.

Sept – Nov: Prune after the flowers start to fade. First remove dead, diseased or dying branches.
Tie in any new shoots and remove any really old branches if the plant is heavily congested - this will stimulate new growth.
Prune side branches growing from the main framework, cutting them back to leave two to three leaf buds.

Sept: Feed ... a couple of handfuls of bonemeal should be all that is needed.

Early Sept to late October

When cropping slows in early autumn, gather green fruits and kept in a warm, dark place to ripen.
Dispose of plants.

When cropping slows in early autumn, gather green fruits and kept in a warm, dark place to ripen.
Dispose of plants.

dig up in (spring or) autumn and break up into separate plants each with roots. Plant out straight away. Discard old weak parts.

Divide and replant congested colonies in September, applying a generous mulch of composted leaf mould around the base of the plant.

For late spring or early-summer flowering, plant ixias between September and November, five to seven corms to a 6-in. pot 3 in. deep and 3 in. apart in a mixture of sand, leafmould and good garden soil and in a sunny position . The pots should then be buried to their rims in peat or ashes protected from frost by glass or straw in a frame or in the shelter of a wall where they can be left undisturbed. Ixia need a covering of leaf mould or compost during the winter which should be removed when new shoots appear in the Spring.

They will need lifting in autumn for storing in a frost free position. Plant corms in autumn, about 8-15cm (3-6 in) deep and 3-5 cm (1-2 in) apart. Plant into John Innes No 2 compost and grow on under glass in full light and allowed to winter grow. PLANT IN BAY POT?

divide Sept - Oct

Cut back in Autumn and mulch / divide if congested.

Sept – Nov: Cut back all dead flower stems to the ground.
Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn (or spring).

In autumn provide a dry mulch of bracken or bark chippings to help protect the crowns.

See previous reminder

Sept-Mar

In autumn it must be brought indoors

Clip plants lightly after flowering is over, to promote bushy growth from the middle.

September - November or March - May

plant seeds: September to May

divide plants: September to October

For earliest flowers from early June onwards sow September/October and over winter under glass

Time to divide plants: September to May

See previous reminder

Propagate annuals and all species by seed in autumn (or early spring).

Lift and pot those growing in the soil before the first autumn frosts. See plant notes

To reduce disease infection from the older canes, the young canes are trained fan-wise on the opposite side from the old canes. The two ages of cane occupy alternate sides annually. Ten to 12 fruiting canes are retained per plant. Fruiting is on one-year-old canes, which are cut down to ground level in October after fruit harvest.

divide in (spring or) autumn

In the Midlands and the South of the UK consider planting seeds now.

Plant seeds Sept-Oct about 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Thin them so that the remaining plants are about 8 inches apart when they germinate, which takes 14 to 21 days.

Remove faded flower-stems in autumn.

divide tired clumps in autumn to propagate.

Sept - May propagate by division

dig up again in autumn for storing in a dry frost-free place.

In late September, cut them right back again.

Late Sept - Nov plant spring flowering corms.

bring them back indoors in autumn before the first frosts

lift once the first frosts have browned the foliage and, kept dry, through the winter

prune back the previous years growth to two buds. Prune out any shoots that are growing into the centre of the bush, and cut back leaders by one-third.

Bring indoors before the first frost

Bring indoors before the first frost

Harvest 'Cox' apples

A covering of leaves from Oct. to Feb. will help in winter

see previous notes

Protect using a thick, dry mulch, eg. shredded bark.

Divide C. grandiflora and its cultivars every two or three years, otherwise risk losing them in winter. [ due 2013 but overwinter portion in greenhouse]

Most of perennial Lobelias are not 100% frost hardy and will need protection during the winter months by covering the soil with leaf mould or peat.

Divide in [spring or] autumn. See previous reminders

See previous notes

See previous notes

See previous notes

pot up in autumn.

Over winter indoors

See previous reminder

See previous reminder

Oct-Nov ... see plant notes

When the leaves die down in fall, cover the base of the plants with fallen leaves or hay.

The plant has period of rest from October to Feb. During this period it prefers a cool place and the soil should be allowed to dry between watering.

Cover them with mulch or compost. (Alternatively, dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place during the cold season.)

Protect over winter

bring them indoors when the first frost is forecast.

Remove the Ismene bulbs from the soil after the last foliage turns yellow and before the first frost.
Remove the yellow foliage from the Ismene bulbs.
Allow the bulbs to air dry for several days so the bulbs do not rot during storage.
Store the Ismene bulbs in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

overwinter in a cold greenhouse with no water given.

Dig up tubers, and clean and store them in dry peat moss for planting the following year Move container-grown sweet potato vines indoors during the winter, or allow them to die back outdoors with the first frosts of winter.

gently clipping in April, July and October

Cut plants to the ground after the first frosts have blackened the foliage. carefully prise plants out of the soil
Dry off naturally and then clean away any soil clinging to the tubers. Trim stems to 15-20cm (6-8in). Trim off any fine roots.
Place tubers in shallow wooden boxes or open trays and pack with a peat-free compost or dry sand, just covering the tubers but leaving the crown exposed
Store in a dry, cool, frost-free place.

Hungry bullfinches feed on the gooseberry buds in winter, so use netting to keep them at bay.

Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel, November in a frame.

In late Autumn, removing old leaves is all it needs.

See previous notes

Keep in check by pruning.

Divide in early Spring or late AUTUMN, recommended every 3 to 4 years.

cut back old flowering stems to ground level.

...... and apply a generous mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.

Plant bulbs to increase/maintain stock

Plant bulbs to increase/maintain stock

In winter, feed monthly balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Cut back old stems in late autumn with a pair of secateurs, as pulling the stems can damage the buds underground.

In late autumn, lift the corms and dry them off.
see previous notes.

To rejuvenate and minimise congestion lift and divide clumps in late-autumn (or early spring) every two years.

See previous reminder

Nov – Feb: Prune ... Blackcurrant bushes need constant renewal to ensure heavy crops. Older branches will bear fruit, but quantity and quality decline with age. For this reason new bushes are planted deeply so that the plant produces vigorous young branches annually from below ground. These are then used to replace older ones cut out after harvest.
Each year remove about one third of the oldest stems - the bark is very dark to the point of being black - and any that are weak or very low. Always cut back to ground level or to a strong new shoot. [Combine pruning with picking the fruit, or] wait until winter.

See previous reminder

Add protection ... Ixia need a covering of leaf mould or compost during the winter

Mulch with an acid organic material in winter.

See previous reminder

avoid dry atmosphere in winter by misting

Renovate late Autumn to late Winter

Sow Nov-May, January to March is the main sowing season.

Winter watering: they only need to be kept JUST MOIST

Propagate by offsets after the leaves have died down

Plant seeds Nov-Feb in temps about 60'F. Aim for strong compact plants so bring them up 'hard.' Keep them in a coldframe (or a cold greenhouse if you do not have access to a coldframe). Don't coddle them and keep the lights open as much as possible. Close and lag if bad weather is forecast.

Propagate by (semi-hardwood cuttings in summer or) hardwood cuttings in winter.

Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter.

water infrequently in winter.

move into a cold conservatory, porch or greenhouse over winter.

but don’t let the compost from dry out completely.

Cuttings of mature wood in winter. Very easy, just plant the cuttings direct into their final positions, about 95% usually take. Keep them moist in a dry spring.

In Winter or early Spring lift and divide large clumps every three or four years, discarding old, woody rhizomes

rune in early winter. Pay particular attention to stems that are encroaching on windows, guttering or roofs.

Cut stems down to the ground in winter.

Prune bushes by removing diseased or very old branches in winter, see plant notes

Apply liquid fertiliser monthly

Dec – Feb: Remove damaged or crossing branches during the dormant season

See previous reminder

... with liquid fertiliser during winter months,

Remove pot to sheltered spot & water well.

Display and decorate for Christmas

Remove unwanted stems.

Apply liquid fertiliser monthly

Prune in mid-winter, cutting back to fit the available space,

Remove damaged or crossing branches ... see notes

See previous notes

See previou notes

Apply a weak, balanced liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks before flowering.

Give a cool, fairly dry rest period after flowering.

After Christmas keep in a sheltered spot in the garden (maybe porch?) for at least a month to acclimatise to being outside again.

Plant three potatoes to a 25cm(10") pot filled with potting compost in late January or early February if there is some heat in the greenhouse[ or maybe lobby/PORCH], or late February in a cold greenhouse. By the middle of April the young potatoes should be ready for eating - during May for those in an unheated greenhouse.

... in suitable position in the garden.

See previous reminder

Feb -Mar apply top - dressing of granular rose food each year.

Apply top - dressing of granular rose food in late winter / early spring each year.

See previous notes

apply granular rose food in late winter / early spring each year.

apply granular rose food in late winter / early spring each year.

See previous reminders

Feb – Mar: Top dress ... apply granular rose food in late winter / early spring each year.

See previous reminders

See previous reminders

Plant three potatoes to a 25cm(10") pot filled with potting compost in late January or early February if there is some heat in the greenhouse[ or maybe lobby/PORCH], or late February in a cold greenhouse. By the middle of April the young potatoes should be ready for eating - during May for those in an unheated greenhouse.

Sow seeds Feb - Apr

Apply liquid fertiliser monthly

See previous notes

Plant three potatoes to a 25cm(10") pot filled with potting compost in late January or early February if there is some heat in the greenhouse[ or maybe lobby/PORCH], or late February in a cold greenhouse. By the middle of April the young potatoes should be ready for eating - during May for those in an unheated greenhouse.

See previous reminders

See previous reminder

See previous reminder

See previous notes

See previous reminders

See previous reminders

Choice of Plants
Decide if you want a colour theme; multi coloured baskets tend to be most colourful, with a good contrast between splashes of blues against yellows and reds, or whites in amongst purples and oranges standing out well. It is very important to understand the growing habits of the different plants; you need truly hanging plants for the very base of the basket, eg. surfinia petunias, verbena, nepeta, covolvulus, lysimachia nummularia aurea goldilocks - better known as creeping jenny, or for lovely silver foliage try Dichondra Silver Falls. Above these, a mix of two different growth habits, the plants that grow out horizontally and produce the width of the basket, eg.scaevola, bidens (although you would do well to get the shorter varieties), any of the helichrysiums for foliage colour or trailing ivy leaved geraniums - the continental varieties are great for this as they produce a true mass of flowers; don't overdo these "horizontal growers", 2 or3 at the most, otherwise they can look a mess! Among these use shorter and more compact basket plants such as million bells, diascia, bacopa, the lovely orange anagalis sunrise and for a splash of vibrant colour some busy lizzies. Finally for the top of the basket some of the best plants to use are trailing fiberouse rooted begonias, or their upright cousins - the Non Stop begonias, alternatively upright or semi trailing fuchsia can make a good centerpiece. The remainder of the top is a good place to plant either more busy lizzy, or trailing lobelia around the edge.

Prune lightly in Spring

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Divide congested plants in Spring (or autumn).

Separate offset bulbs each with a good supply of roots. See plant notes.

take softwood cuttings from spring to autumn.

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Lift and divide congested clumps in spring

dividing every five years or so, in the spring

feed each spring with a fertiliser, such as Vitax Q4.

If needed, in spring, remove dead, diseased or dying branches. At the same time, thin out branches to allow light into the centre of the tree and remove any branches that spoil the shape

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Young plants should be potted up in the spring. Remove the growing tip to induce a more bushy plant.

thin, weak stems may also indicate that the crowns have become overcrowded and need dividing. Divide crowns every five or six years. Lift them when dormant, usually by November, using a fork to avoid damaging the thick roots.

Then, using a spade, split the crown into sections with a healthy portion of thick root and at least one strong bud; discard old or decayed material. Replant or wrap in damp sacking until ready to plant.

You can divide rhubarb anytime from November until early March. Cultivate the soil deeply, adding plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure. Drainage is important and as the crop will be there for a number of years, eradicate all perennial weeds prior to planting. Plant the crown with the growing point at, or just below, the soil surface. On wetter soils plant the bud just above the soil to prevent rotting. Space plants 1m (3ft) apart, with 1-1.8m (3-6ft) between rows.

Repot every two to three years in well-drained andfertile soil.

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increased by division in spring, replanting pieces into a new position.

Divide congested colonies in spring

Divide May - June immediately after flowering & before foliage dies backbut only if absolutely necessary.