Gardening

December in the garden

by Graham Mitchell

I wonder what type of winter we will see this year. Will it be mild, or will we get a lot of snow? Either way, for gardeners, it is all about a mix of preparation and caution.

If you grow vegetables there is still plenty to harvest, and after a few frosts the fl avours improve so there should be tasty parsnips and brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner. If you mulch the parsnips with some straw, it will be easier to dig if it freezes. Celeriac and leeks can also be harvested. Remove yellowing and old leaves on the brassicas, such as kale, to prevent mould and other disease. If you have a pigeon problem some netting will prevent you having to share your produce with them.

Preparation for next spring is vital. A little work now will reap huge rewards in a few months’ time. It is a good time to plant some new fruit trees. If you are limited for space then think about training as cordons, fans or espaliers. They are not only effi cient but very attractive and can be used as screens.

Caution is not just about the freezing temperatures. You should have already protected your delicate plants a few months ago and brought all your watering equipment inside to prevent splitting. Waterlogging is a big killer, so ensure drainage-holes are free. Indoors you can reduce watering of houseplants but keep an eye on those

Brussels sproiuts

geraniums that you have brought inside. They can rapidly dry out if you forget about them. Strong winds are a gardener’s nightmare, so it pays to do regular checks on trees, shrubs and structures. Better some preventative work now than clearing the damage later.

If you have a pond remove all the sodden, fallen leaves. Make sure you leave them a couple of days next to the water, so that pondlife can escape, before adding to the compost pile. We’ll be feeding and providing water for the birds, but if you are storing fruit and veg, make sure that the mice can’t get at them.

Then it is time to sit down with a brandy and a mince pie. Happy Christmas!

ALL TYPES OF GROUNDWORK AND LANDSCAPING FROM HOME IMPROVEMENTS TO MAJOR SITES INCLUDING SITE MUCK AWAYS

Transformative consultative competitive

TARMAC | FENCING | PATIOS | FOOTINGS | CONCRETING | ARTIFICIAL GRASS | DRAINAGE Highly skilled local tradesman in Oswestry and surrounding area, With 15 years’ experience in heavy plant operation and muck aways. The Muckshifter believes in good old-fashioned values - honesty, attention to detail, professionalism and delivering our client expectations.

Best company around for “Muck Aways”! Recently used The Muck Shifter to dig out footings, in a very tricky, and challenging, area of our property! All staff worked extremely hard, the work was completed to a very high standard, and our property was left tidy, and in good order!

Would highly recommend Will and his team! Mrs Davies