Gardening tips Keep Wales Tidy - claim some free seeds from #InflunceUs

YOUR HOME GARDENING TIPS

from Wendy Jones at Keep Wales Tidy

It may seem as though nature has gone to sleep at this time of year, when the clocks change, and the nights draw in. But as the daylight hours shorten, it is even more important to wrap up and get outside to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunlight to lift our mood.

Even if it’s cold or damp, I try to get outside and smell the air. It’s believed that people who spend two hours per week, or roughly 20 minutes per day outdoors in nature feel physically and mentally healthier than those who don’t. Life is always lighter when I have spent time in nature. As part of my role at Keep Wales Tidy, I’m very lucky to be able to help community groups to improve their local environment. By tackling litter through our Caru Cymru project or creating spaces for people and nature to thrive, with our Local Places for Nature grant packages. For me, this time of year is as important for planting as the spring and early summer, and I can often be found out in my wellies planting trees. Not everyone has the space to grow a forest or even an orchard, but we can all get the benefits of growing, whether it be food for the family, florals for the soul or a cactus in the kitchen.

At this time of year, I like to take stock in the garden. I think about what the family and I enjoyed growing and eating this year, what grew well, or not so well, what I could have done to improve my yields, and most importantly, I get excited about the beautiful and delicious things I would like to grow next year! I still have a few hardy crops keeping us going through the winter, such as Swiss chard, kale, and sprouts. Late autumn and early winter are an ideal time to plant garlic and some varieties of onions for harvesting next summer. While my veg bed is less full, I like to weed and top dress with well-rotted manure, leaf mould or homemade compost to improve the soil structure and replenish nutrients for the following season. Most of all for me, this time of year is about reflection, like the falling golden leaves, I take pleasure in my own senescence, rest, recharging and get ready for the next spring to burst into life.

For more information about Keep Wales Tidy projects in your area, or how to get involved, visit our website www.keepwalestidy.cymru

FREE SEEDS Contact #InfluenceUs to get your free pack of seeds. Let us know if you would like veg, fruit, general planting seeds, this can be for indoor or outdoor. Email your request to InfluenceUs@clwydAlyn.co.uk or call 07880431004

Residents in LLYS ERW, RUTHIN

WELL DONE TO ALL

Residents in Llys Erw, Ruthin have started to enhance their communal area, after being successful in gaining a grant.

Resident volunteers and Keep Wales Tidy started by installing new raised beds and a greenhouse.