Gardening

GETTING READY FORAUTUMN

Welcome again to my rather hot potting shed.

Last month saw several hosepipe bans come into force, so it’s out with the watering cans and a modest use of our water. I’ve no need to remind you that early morning and late evening is the best time to do your watering – just enough, directed at soil level. Our lawns have been depressing with yellow sandy coloured areas. Don’t worry, the green, green grass of our home lawns will return; it always does.

We’re heading for autumn next month. At this time of year, our gardens produce garden waste that will add invaluable organic richness back into your soil next year.

It’s a good time to make a gift of your flowers. Plant hyacinth and amaryllis bulbs indoors so you can give your friends and family a flowering pot for Christmas. One of my favourite flowers (and I have many) are lilies. Most lilies should be planted during October and November but an exception, and one I recommend, is the lovely Madonna Lilly ‘Lilium Candidum’ which can be planted any time now. Don’t bury them too deeply. Just an inch of soil above them is ample.

Early September is the time to take lavender cuttings and those taken with a heel (a thin strip of bark), root most readily. They can be rooted in a sunny, sheltered bed outdoors or in sandy soil in a cold frame. Your rose cuttings can also go in now. Rambler roses always grow well from cuttings as do many of the old-fashioned floribunda.

Finish planting your strawberries as soon as possible. Otherwise, they will not have time to establish themselves and build strong crowns for fruiting next year. Onions are late ripening some seasons, which is hardly surprising when you think of the unpredictable nature of our climate. If the tops have not been turned over yet to expose the bulbs to the sunshine, promise me you’ll do it now. Continue to gather early apples and pears as, generally speaking, these early maturing varieties are not long keeping.

Remember, none of us are ever too old to stop learning. A lesson I have learned and want to share with you is the enduring happiness that the love of gardening gives. Something else I’ve learned… plant and your spouse plants with you, weed and you weed alone.

Please get out there in your gardens and enjoy every minute – planning, preparing, planting, caring for it and enjoying all its fruits, colours and tastes.