WINTER GARDENING TIPS

from S41 Local - 38 March 2023

by Chesterfield Local

CFC

Words: Transition Chesterfield

Images: Robert Nixon Betts

Many people put their plot to sleep for the winter. They clear out the vegetables that have finished in the autumn and leave them empty, doing nothing until the spring. But it is still possible to leave some root crops in the ground, removing them when needed for the table. These include beetroot, carrots, parsnips and turnips.

Have you thought of covering your plot with a membrane? e.g., black plastic, weed control fabric or anything that removes the light, perhaps even an old carpet. This prevents weeds from growing and the goodness leeching away from the soil.

It is a good time to deep clean and sharpen all the tools lying in the shed. A thin film of oil appropriately used is recommended for steel tools put away for the winter.

Outdoor sowing of broad beans is still possible if you choose Super Aquadulce, a hardy variety. A greenhouse or windowsill can give you a tremendous start to next year if, before the end of December, you sow seeds for peppers (sweet & chilli), tomatoes & onions.

This is the time of year to begin to plan for next year, send off for the new season’s seed and nursery catalogues. Time can also be usefully spent looking through the hundreds of company websites and searching the internet to find interesting and new varieties. Don’t be overambitious though, only plan for plants where there’s space.

Winter is the best time to dig the heavy ground, incorporating manure or compost, but don’t try to do it all at once - you’ve got a good couple of months to finish it all.

Keep everywhere clear of debris, which can harbour diseases and harmful organisms. But try not to be too fussy; old logs and piles of leaves tucked away somewhere are excellent over-wintering spots for essential wildlife. Reduce the watering of houseplants, and mist them regularly to stop the central heating drying them out. The ideal is to keep them clustered together in an unheated but light room.

Make leaf mold. Although some leaves begin to fall in September, the time when the bulk of fallen leaves are available is at the end of November and into December. Why not make a clamp with four posts and chicken wire into a container and put all of the leaves you can collect within it? This weed-free soil conditioner is best spread on the ground later in the year.

IKEA Child’s High Chair: £10

IKEA ANTILOP to include tray, supporting cushion and cushion cover. Vgc used for grandchildren. £10 for donation to Ashgate Hospice.

T: 01246 206760 (Brampton)

Ladder: £40

Brand new still boxed Telescopic Ladder 2.6M/8' extended.

T: 07896 469381 (Brimington)

LEGO: £Various Various LEGO Sets, all complete sets with instructions but not boxed, see pictures.

Bin Lorry (4432) £10

Pull Back Technics (42033): £10

Arctic Outpost (60035): £35

T: 07764 801080 (Brookside)

Adverts for items (and groups of items) under £200 are free. Adverts for over £200 are £5 which we donate to Ashgate Hospice (picture items donation priced on request).

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Across

1. Clergymen and very nearly a book in the Old Testament (13)

7. Confesses and lets in (6)

9. Leading a winning distance (5)

10. Literal incongruity from disheartened Ivy looking after Ron (5)

12. Returning sailor is a traitor (3)

13. Frames for stretching and holding snooker balls (5)

16. Underwear being cleaned in mind-changing process (9)

18. Streets in Broadstairs (5)

19. Use the letters for court action (3)

20. Pickled condiment or playful leap (5)

22. Tinted photograph of the cuttlefish (5)

23. Lisa covers this country looking for a tall dog (6)

24. Copying letter for duplicate metal plate in printing (13)

Down

1. Formerly a collier and now an adjudicator (8)

2. Arrived with nothing for a short appearance (5)

3. Guard is beheaded for admission (5)

4. Former Dutch colony and volcanic Indonesian island (7)

5. Charge with improper

Name: Tel:

Address: Email: conduct in office or a serious crime like treason (7)

6. He’s in the outskirts of Salford looking for a storage opportunity (4)

8. Charlotte, Emily and Anne (7)

11. North French (4)

14. Largest continent (4)

15. Heather is under famous bird (8)

16. Gain possession of tube requiring wind in Scotland (7)

17. Hears a sailor is involved in attack (7)

20. Be shy of meeting cleaner with penultimate letter (5)

21. District in Hamburg, prefixed by Saint (5)

22. Blackthorn fruit (4)

Last month's answers.

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