A VIEW FROM THE POTTING SHED IC O OP F
TH ON
THE M
GARDEN COMPOST
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The beautiful floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth were cleared with care to be composted, but how do you produce a decent compost from your garden waste? It does require a bit of effort, but its benefits far outweigh the input.
Bins usually have instructions that will advise the do’s and dont’s. No cooked food or raw meat as these will attract vermin. Grass cuttings, prunings, veg and fruit waste and annual weeds are ideal for the 50% ‘green’ waste (for nitrogen). Perennial weeds and diseased plants should be kept out. You will also need to add 50% ‘brown’ waste (for carbon), using egg boxes, cardboard tubes, shredded documents, torn up newspaper plus straw or pet bedding (check that it’s homecompostable). The other essential is air, and ideally the compost should be turned on a regular basis. Turning is not so easy with a plastic hive bin, so make sure you mix green and brown as you add the layers, especially grass cuttings, and fork as much as possible through the top to prevent compaction. Finally, be patient. It’s worth the wait.
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November’s chill will nip plants back, so be ready to rescue those that cannot survive hard frosts. It’s recommended to lift dahlias once the foliage has been blackened by first frosts, but could the tubers be left in the ground? My neighbour leaves hers in-situ, has done for years. Heavily mulched and south facing, they always provide a glorious display. Right plant, right place? TO D
O
Large gardens can afford the space for a compost heap, for the average back garden a compost bin is a better bet, better still two bins, then one can be left to rot down while you fill the other. There are many bins available, including ‘hot bins’ for faster composting, while those with the skills can make a wooden compost box. Price and space will dictate your choice, but whatever you choose needs to get some sun. A dank, dark corner isn’t going to work.
milder weather saw a resurgence of growth as plants were refreshed by the autumn rains, and dished out a delightful display.
WHAT
My autumn borders have been especially colourful this year. Summer’s drought drooping dahlias had cowered behind a thick yew, while begonias hid from the heat beneath the pergola. A welcome return to
JOBS FOR NOVEMBER
3 Protect plants that are prone to frost
damage e.g. hardy fuchsia, agapanthus, Nerine bowdenii; mulch with leaves, straw or chipped bark. 3 Drain and store hoses and lag outdoor taps. 3 Prune apple and pear trees after leaf fall. 3 Try a row of broad beans, or early peas like versatile Douce Provence. Use a cloche for extra protection.
MEMBERS’ NOTICE BOARD November is AGM month and the first awards evening since 2019, due to the contraints of the pandemic. We look forward to seeing you all 7pm Tuesday 29th November at St Luke’s Church, Walmer Road. If you have transport problems please contact us and we can try to arrange a lift.
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