WINTER EDITION 2023
The perfect
Christmas TRee
Plot Planning for Spring
Also in this issue • Mulching • Jobs for the winter • Herb gardens • Recycle & Sparkle
EDITORIAL
Editior James Davis Feature Editor Cheryl Elizabeth Davis CONTRIBUTORS
Bearded Growers David Gallacher Marie Guillon Jan O’Brien Kelly-Jane Leach Jenny Winnard Stef Davies PHOTOGRAPHY
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Winter Edition
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4 Lingfield Road Royston Hertfordshire SG8 9JB editor@whattogrow.co.uk DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and are not necessarily the views of the publisher and/or editor. All published material, adverts, articles, editorials and all other content is published in a good faith. WhatToGrow Magazine cannot guarantee and does not accept liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by our website or those websites or businesses advertised. WhatToGrow does not accept liability for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent.
As the world outside transforms into a Winter Wonderland, this edition invites you to make the most of your garden this season. Explore the unique charm that winter brings to your green space. Turn them into a place of beauty and resilience. As always, I’m extremely grateful to all those who contributed their articles to this edition. From the beginning, we wanted to involve as many people as possible to create a community of dedicated and talented gardeners. This edition wouldn’t be complete without hearing from our readers. Share your winter gardening stories, photos, and tips with us, and be part of the Winter Wonderland Gardens community.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION Facebook WhatToGrowUK
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Stay warm and keep gardening!
This edition
14 Christmas Poinsettia
WINTER 2023
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Winter Gardening
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The perfect Christmas Tree Choosing the right tree
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Tips for choosing the right christmas tree
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Decorating a Christmas tree
16 Jobs for December
18 Plot Planning for Spring
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Embrace Indoor Herb Gardening
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Lets Grow Together
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Mulching
28
Jobs for January
30
Recycle & Sparkle
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Growing Lily of the valley
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Jobs for February
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Victorian Christmas Decorations 3
Winter Gardening by JJ on behalf of @Bearded.Growers
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inter gardening in the UK presents unique challenges due to the colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. However, with proper planning and care, it is still possible to enjoy a thriving garden during this season. One important aspect of winter gardening is selecting the right plants. Opt for cold-hardy varieties that can withstand frost and low temperatures. Some popular choices include winterflowering pansies, hellebores, and cyclamen. Additionally, consider planting evergreen shrubs and trees to provide structure and interest to your garden throughout the winter months. Preparing the soil is crucial for successful winter gardening. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to plant health. Adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients. Protecting plants from harsh weather conditions 4
is essential. Consider using mulch to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from freezing. Covering delicate plants with horticultural fleece or cloches can provide additional protection from frost and cold winds.
Regular maintenance is still necessary during winter. Although growth may be slower, continue to water plants when necessary, especially during dry spells. Be cautious not to overwater, as excess moisture combined with cold temperatures
can lead to root rot. Additionally, remove any fallen leaves or debris to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases. Lastly, take advantage of the winter months to plan for the upcoming gardening season. Research and order seeds or bulbs for spring planting, and consider starting seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season. Remember, these are just general guidelines, and it’s important to consider your specific location and the unique needs of your plants. Consulting with local gardening experts or referring to specialised gardening resources can
provide more tailored advice for your UK winter garden. I hope this information helps you in your winter gardening endeavours. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask! You can find the bearded growers on Instagram, the radio show will be back on air in late March on Cotswolds Radio.
quick Winter Gardening Tips PROTECT OUTSIDE TAPS To stop your outside taps from freezing this winter, you’ll need to protect them using an insulated cover or even a couple of old ,thick, socks. CLEAR OUT YOUR GUTTERS During Autumn your gutters are probably fuel of leaves and other bits. Now is the time to get up there and clean them out so you can collect more precious rainwater.
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The perfect
Christmas TRee by David Gallacher @davidgallacher62
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ll Christmas trees are perfect. But there’s no getting away from the fact at some point they many will drop there needles and clog up the vacuum cleaner but some more than others. With our help we will try to guide you through the various types of Christmas tree available, with some advice on the benefits of each, from scent to needle retention. We also help you how to get the best from your tree over the festive season – and beyond.
Lift up your tree and check the weight; the heavier the tree, the more water it has and the fresher it will be. Also give it a gentle bump against the ground to make sure it holds onto its needles. Next check it’s Fullness Take a Stand back and check the tree from all angles to make sure there aren’t any gaps and try to avoid buy a tree that has already been netted. You can see how full it is....
CHOOSING YOUR TREE
Next check the Foot
Choosing a Christmas tree can be a great activity to do with all the family especially on a cold winter’s day.
There should be adequate room at the bottom of the tree so that you won’t have to remove any branches to get it into the stand .If you need to remove the lower branches try to imagine how it will look with these branches removed
CHECK BEFORE YOU BUY It’s important to check Freshness
Try to use a stand with a built in water reserve
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Pick the Right Tree Stand Choose a tree stand that is sturdy and the right size. Pay attention to the size of the tree trunk that each stand will accommodate. The taller your tree, the bigger the diameter of the trunk. If you have a tall, wide room, be sure to get a large stand for the large tree you’ll select. If you’ll put your tree on a table, a smaller stand will work fine. Look for tree stand models that hold a lot of water. You’ll spend less time refilling the water pan throughout the season. Get a stand that is easily adjustable so the tree can be levelled. Check it will fit Fit Decide Where to Place the Tree; avoid placing your tree near a heat source (sunny windows, radiators, heating vents, and fireplaces). Try to keep the tree out of high traffic areas where it might be bumped or overturned, or where someone might trip on light cords. Avoid any spot that might be dangerous, such as next to a fire in the fireplace or up on a wobbly table. Take the measurements of your space and find a tree that will easily fit it to the space in your house – attempting to prune a tree to fit into the space will never look quite right. Remember that both your stand and treetop decoration will add height. Bring Supplies Take heavy gloves to protect your hands and a tape measure to help select the right size tree. Find an old blanket to protect your car from pine needles and sap. Take twine or rope to tie it securely to the car (unless you know the tree lot will provide this). Once home, locate a saw so a fresh cut can be made before placing the tree in water. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water so your tree can start drinking water as soon as it gets home and has a fresh cut. Find your tree stand (or determine if you’ll need a new one) and set it up.
Confirm the maximum tree trunk diameter that will fit into the stand. Protect Your Floor Place plastic or other waterproof covering on the floor where your tree will stand so you don’t ruin the carpet or get watermarks on hardwood flooring. Adjust the Top You may need to make small adjustments on the top of your tree, depending on your ceiling height and the type of ornament (angel, star, etc.) that will be placed on the top. If your tree is too tall, clip away any stray branches that may be in the way, but avoid chopping off the tallest vertical branch if you can. This is usually a stiff branch and will be a steady foundation for the tree top decoration. Use any clippings you may have to decorate your mantle or to make a centerpiece. Trim Any Straggling Branches If any of the lower branches look imperfect or hit the furniture or walls, trim them off. Try to trim at an angle that is about parallel to the floor, so cuts are less noticeable. Use these extra boughs and branches to decorate your mantle or table, keeping them in water until you arrange them.
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Choosing the right tree
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Noble fir Abies procera
The noble fir is a popular Christmas tree , with more open foliage and needle-like but blunttipped leaves, making it good for decorating. The tree also keeps its needles well, has a lovely fragrance and an upswept, conical, symmetrical shape. A lush, glaucous-green in colour. Has a very long tap root because of this does not grow well in pots
Norway spruce Picea abies
Blue spruce Picea pungens
This is a popular garden conifer from western North America, this spruce is now increasing in popularity as a Christmas tree because of its attractive blue-green foliage. It also has a strong citrus scent, but the plus points are weighted against some very prickly needles, which are hard to pick up. If container-grown this makes a beautiful garden adornment.
Fraser fir Abies fraseri
A little pricey, because of the time it takes to grow, but as with other firs, it has strong needle-holding ability. Dense foliage when young, with strong branches – hence good for decorating – and a slimmer conical shape means that it fits well in smaller spaces. Dark silvery-green leaves are shortish and needle-like but soft, and have a pleasant fragrance a little like turps.
This is known as the original Christmas tree . Has a mid-green, delicate foliage, with a really ‘Christmassy’ fragrance. The bushy, conical shape creates an attractive, sought-after silhouette but needle retention is not so good.
Nordman fir Abies nordmanniana
A popular Christmas tree of dark green, soft foliage, with long, flattened needles. It’s known for its strong needle retention and the symmetry of its shape, but can be expensive as it takes twice as long to grow as a spruce. Leaves have a citrus scent when crushed.
Serbian spruce Picea omorika
One of the newer trees, the Serbian or omorika spruce has dark green colouring and a slimmer, more graceful conical shape than other trees. The leaves are flattened needles with silver undersides and do not hold wonderfully well, but are soft and bear a pleasant, strong fragrance. Branches are well spaced, which makes decorating easy.
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Tips for choosing the right christmas tree Pines tend to hold their needles best, followed by firs and then spruces. The Freshly cut Christmas trees retain their leaves for longer, so try to buy directly from a grower. Check needles and branches. If any are already dry the tree won’t last long. If in doubt look for one with the label of the British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association (BCTGA). What’s the difference between potted and pot ( container grown)
Potted trees These will have been grown in the ground, then potted up usually in November prior to selling Almost inevitably their roots will suffer some damage in the process, so trees like these are unlikely to be successful if replanted.
Container-grown These Trees have been grown in their pots, so will be much more successful if transplanted, or moved outside in their container, after the festive season. Firs, particularly the noble, have long roots that Container make it suitable only for large gardens. So check if it’s Container grown or been pot grown Before decorating, put your cut tree in a dry, cool, shaded spot in a bucket refilled with water daily. Potted or container-grown trees should also be watered. All trees should be kept away from heat if possible.
Planting a tree after Christmas
Don’t attempt to bring the tree back inside again next year as it won’t survive another temperature change.
It’s very important to Acclimatise the tree first by gradually moving it outdoors during the day and back inside at night or moving it to a garage or greenhouse for a few weeks.
If you bought a living tree in a pot with soil, you can plant it out into the garden after Christmas. If you plan on doing this, the key to success is buying a ‘container-grown’ tree to begin with.
Choose a dry mild day to plant out and water the pot well so you can easily slide the tree out.
This will ensure the least amount of root damage. Dig a large square hole. Mulch well and ensure good drainage. Place tree and rootball in hole, loosening roots,
Decorating a Christmas tree, top tips. Lavish or lean?
by David Gallacher @davidgallacher62
O
nce you’ve bought your Christmas tree, you can enjoy decorating it.
It’s best to put your Christmas lights on first, otherwise your decorations might get tangled up and damaged. If you only buy one thing for your tree, make it lights. They create the wonderful, magical effect of Christmas. Mix matt and shiny baubles to create a fuller effect. Place the shiny baubles closer to the trunk and matt baubles on the tips of the branches as they do not reflect the light as much. Choose your colours according to your room. If your tree is going to stand in a darker area choose lighter, brighter decorations such as golds, silver and white combinations, reds or pinks that will stand out against the colour of the branches. In a lighter, larger room you can afford to be bold with darker colours such as purples and blues.
The first Christmas tree They became popular here in the UK in 1841, when Prince Albert brought a fir tree home from Germany for Queen Victoria. It’s estimated that we now buy around seven million trees
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If you’re going for the look of luxury, pile on as many decorations as possible but keep them coordinated. Go for no more than two sizes of bauble and no more than two styles at once. If you’re going for a more contemporary tree, less is more but make it big. Use large glass decorations and less of them, rather than a mass of small glass baubles which will just get lost. One of the most effective decorations is ribbon, tied in big bows at the end of the branches. Fruit and spices are worth adding too
LED Using LED lights rather than older incandescent bulbs , help reduce the amount of energy needed and don’t heat up like the older lights.
Water In the first week or so, give your tree plenty of water while it adjusts. An average sized cut tree can drink up to two pints a day. You can boost your tree even more by mixing in a couple of spoonful’s of sugar with the water. You can also use cheap full fat lemonade to this effect. Keep a reservoir of water in the Christmas tree container and check daily to keep it topped up.
Do not Don’t use fertiliser as this is designed for plants with roots and won’t benefit your cut tree. If you have a tree that is in a pot with soil, make sure the soil is consistently moist, but not sodden.
Disposing of your tree Recycling your cut tree after Christmas is really important for helping the environment, as many trees end up in landfill. Luckily, with real Christmas trees there are several ways we can dispose of them easily that won’t harm the environment.
Recycling Your local council may well run a Christmas tree recycling scheme, or there may be a charity running a scheme nearby. When buying your tree you can also ask at the garden centre or farm you went to if they are able to take back your tree and recycle it for you. Some councils will even offer kerbside collection, so check online for your local regulations first of all. Trees can also be cut up and put with your green recycling or taken to a household waste recycling centre. With so many recycling options here, there really is no excuse for putting it in your general waste!
Composting You can break your Christmas tree down and add it to your compost heap but bear in mind that it will take a very long time to break down. Also shake off the needles and use them as a protective mulch over your soil , especially ericaous plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers– they’ll decompose slowly adding nutrients and insulating your soil. You can also chop the tree up and use the wood for firewood, log stacks for wildlife.
Christmas Poinsettia Every year the garden centres and supermarkets are filled with a vast range of Poinsettias, many get them as presents but sadly once you get them home they quickly loose there leaves and start to die.
Here are some tips on how to care for your Christmas Poinsettia. by David Gallacher @davidgallacher62
Every year the garden centres and supermarkets are filled with a vast range of Poinsettias, many get them as presents but sadly once you get them home they quickly loose there leaves and start to die.
1. STEADY TEMPERATURE
4. FEEDING
Poinsettias don’t like fluctuating temperatures and prefer a steady room temperature between 13c and 20 C.
Feeding is essential for a long lasting display that can last through to March. Try feeding with our a Houseplant Feed once a week .There are quite a few ready to use houseplant feeds .
They need warmth and light so unlike most houseplants they can be kept close to a radiator and but keep away from drafts. Don’t keep them near the fire (can get too warm), doorways or windows they don’t like cold drafts
2. INSPECT THE LEAVES Get into the habit of inspecting the leaves for any that are turning yellow or falling off. This indicates you are probably over-watering. They need little water so only a few sips every few days will do. But the roots shouldn’t be allowed to dry out .
5. WILTING If your plant wilts you should be able to rescue it by soaking the root ball in like warm not hot water for an hour or so. It might not last as long but it should recover.
6. EXTENDING ITS LIFE If you’re feeling really brave you can try to keep the plant for next year. If you want to do this start gradually reducing its water intake from March and then prune back once the leaves drop and keep fairly dry.
3. A MIST A DAY To ensure good colour, mist spray your plants daily to raise the humidity levels. Or sit the pot in a tray with gravel and water the gravel but only enough to keep it damp not sitting in water
In May/June increase watering and re-pot when new shoots appear. It will need feeding once a week once it’s taken to its new pot.
Jobs for December 1
Clean Up Remove any dead plants or debris from the garden beds. This helps prevent diseases and pests from overwintering.
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Protect Delicate Plants If you have delicate plants that are susceptible to frost, consider covering them with burlap or other protective material on cold nights.
Mulching Apply a layer of mulch to protect plant roots from freezing temperatures. This is especially important for perennial plants and newly planted ones.
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Indoor Plants Take care of indoor plants. Make sure they are positioned where they receive adequate light, and adjust watering schedules as needed.
December is a transition month in gardening, particularly in colder climates where winter is setting in. Here are some gardening tasks you might consider for December.
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Pruning Prune deciduous trees and shrubs. This is best done when the plant is dormant. Remove any dead or damaged branches.
Lift and divide rhubarb crowns Rhubarb canbe divided done all the way through Autumn and right through the Spring (Nov – Mar).
Plan for Spring Use this time to plan for the upcoming spring. Order seeds, plan your garden layout, and think about any changes or additions you want to make.
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Bird Feeders Keep bird feeders stocked to attract birds to your garden. They can help control pests and add some life to your winter garden.
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Check for Pests Even in winter, some pests can be active. Inspect your plants for any signs of pest infestations and take appropriate action.six months to fully grow and mature.
Composting Continue composting kitchen scraps and garden waste. A well-maintained compost pile can provide nutrient-rich compost for your garden in the spring.
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Winter Pruning for Fruit Trees If you have fruit trees, especially apple and pear trees, you can do some winter pruning to shape the trees and remove any diseased or dead wood. evaporates causing the level to drop.
12 13 Invest in a water butt
Using is rainwater is much better for your plants. Installing a water butt will also lower your water bills.
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14 Check for Pests
Check Stored Bulbs If you stored tender bulbs like dahlias or gladioli, check them for rot or disease. Discard any that show signs of damage.
Winter Cover Crops In some regions, you might be able to plant winter cover crops like clover or rye to protect and enrich the soil.
Even in winter, some pests can be active. Inspect your plants for any signs of pest infestations and take appropriate action. 17
Plot Planning for Spring by Kelly-Jane Leach @dirtygardenhoeuk
As the colder weather and longer nights are upon us, it’s an ideal and mindful time to plan for your next year at the allotment. This period of opportunity is one I have learnt to relish, and I can’t wait to see what possibilities are in store, taking this time to also make changes to my allotment layout. If you have just taken over an allotment space, this is now your chance to make it your own. Don’t panic, it’s your blank canvas! If you’re a seasoned allotment-eer, then the reflection on the previous year is a vital and annual process. What worked and didn’t work for you? Are you thinking about trying something new? Every growing year varies, and we learn from our experiences constantly, so it’s now the time to apply that wonderful knowledge to be better gardeners for the future.
Plant selection Allotments aren’t just limited to annual produce, and there’s a whole host of delights you can include. Perennial vegetables are a great option as some produce a constant crop, some even throughout winter, such as the perennial Asturian tree cabbage. Herbaceous perennials, 18
artichokes in this example, are a great addition to an allotment and require very little care. They’re also very popular with pollinators when they are left to flower and have one of the richest blue flowers I have seen. Spring flowering bulbs are a great addition for a needed pop of colour, and they’ll also give you something to look forward to. Bulbs like Alliums and Narcissus multiply too, so the show is different and fuller each year. It’s a great time of year to buy in plants bare root. Raspberries, currants, roses, fruit trees, hedging, and much more. Bare root plants are typically in their dormant phase for winter, so are sold with their roots exposed, and with no foliage. You get more for your money, shipping is cheaper and easier, and these bare root plants are planted in the colder months. You might also want to take this
opportunity to move dormant plants in your space too.
Soil preparation & maintenance Your soil type will dictate when you can cultivate your soil, but
if you have a no-dig allotment, you typically apply your mulch layers in autumn to break down over winter, ready for spring. If you have clay-heavy soil, it’s best to cultivate in spring otherwise you will compact it, leaving fewer air pockets, and possibly causing flooding. Sandier soils can be cultivated at any time but try not to dig
over before winter unless you’re planting, as nutrients are often leeched from the soil due to heavy rainfall. I would recommend mulching in autumn in all cases to constantly improve soil texture and structure. Your allotment doesn’t go to sleep over winter, so you’ll also still need to weed regularly. Winter is also a vital time of year for organic matter and soil to break down and if you have heavy clods of soil, these will expand and retract through freezing and thawing. The weather will break these clods down, so try not to cover the soil and let nature do its thing. I find that growing over-wintering crops helps me sustain my allotment relationship as it keeps me visiting in the colder months. It also keeps me aware of
the seasonal changes within that environment and is an opportunity to make changes, even if it’s just to keep me warm there.
Plant Care Particular plants, Malus domestica (Apple trees), will need pruning when the tree is in dormancy but not when it’s wet. 19
Keeping your plants in good shape will reduce the risk of disease and keep your plants healthy for a bountiful crop the next growing season. When pruning, remember the essentials: dead, diseased, damaged, crossing, crowded, competing. Consider whether the plant fruits or flowers on new or old wood and whether you need to prune in dormancy. Stone fruits, for example, need to be pruned after fruiting in summer to prevent fungal infections. You can also take very easy hard-wood cuttings when pruning a healthy parent plant. Free plants!
Plot planning Make structural and landscape changes during the colder months. Take the time to start repairs, tidy up, wash pots, and prepare yourself for seed sowing in spring. It’s very easy to get caught up in buying a lot of packets of seeds, and something I am very guilty of myself, but remember that each pack will need its own place in your soil. Drawing out a rough plan of your space will show perspective as to how much you can realistically squeeze in, and you have licence to be creative with that space! I love a climbing crop or cut flower as I can use the vertical space to fit more in, and as I’m on an exposed site, these plants provide well needed shade and wind protection, preventing water evaporation from the soil. I save my own poles from when we prune the orchard and also use cheap garden arches, to maximise my vertical growing space. There are a lot of ideas you can find online too.
Enjoy the process! Allotments are sensational because they are personal spaces, and no two allotments are the same. They are places to think, socialise, share likeminded ideas, rest, and are often expressive outlets and spaces for solitude. 20
That being said, this should be an enjoyable process. If something isn’t working for you, change it. If it all seems too much, then work in smaller, more manageable sections. There are always other options, other processes, other plants. Grow what you like to eat and see. The rewards of your patience are part of the process, and it’s the greatest reward of them all.
Why You Should Embrace Indoor Herb Gardening This Winter (and how to do it)
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inter often dims the gardener in all of us. The chills and frosts make us retreat indoors, and we bid farewell to our beloved garden. But here’s a secret: winter doesn’t mean the end of gardening. In summer, my sunniest windowsill is home to basil. But as winter arrives, it becomes a sanctuary for a more cold-hardy collection: coriander, chives, chervil, parsley, thyme, and mint. Their appeal extends beyond the kitchen. Their invigorating scent acts as a daily well-being tonic amidst winter’s chill, filling my home with fragrant greenery despite the cold outside.
Choosing Your Winter Companions Chervil: This delicate herb with a hint of aniseed loves the coolness of winter. Chives: Unfazed by winter, offering a gentle onion-like zest. Coriander: It thrives with winter’s touch, bringing forth its aromatic leaves. Mint: A hardy herb that maintains its invigorating aroma even in colder months. Parsley: Curly or flat-leaf, parsley does splendidly in winter. Thyme: An aromatic delight, thyme stands well against winter’s tests.
About the author Marie Guillon is the writer, organic gardener and creator behind Wildly Bountiful Garden. She is a lover of nature, and passionate about growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, in a way that is respectful of nature and wildlife. She firmly believes that by working with nature, it is possible to create a garden that is not only easier to manage but also more productive. She writes about gardening on her blog Wildly Bountiful Garden and on Instagram @wildlybountifulgarden 22
The Right Home for Your Herbs Ensure your herbs have a pot that’s at least 6 inches deep with good drainage. A welldraining soilless potting mix, rich in organic content, is ideal.
Embracing the Light Sunlight is essential. Most herbs crave at least 6 hours daily. South-facing windows are gold, but when unavailable, a grow light can help.
Cultivating Your Herbs While buying mature plants offers immediate rewards, there’s a unique joy in nurturing from the very start. Propagating from stem cuttings can be quick, especially for herbs like thyme, mint and even parsley. If you have chives in your garden, consider dividing them. Meanwhile, sowing seeds directly is best for coriander and chervil, even if it requires a bit more patience.
w o r G Lets her Toget s y a w e In mor ! e n o n tha
by Jenny Winnard @ jenny_ourfamilyallotment
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row-Alongs – have you joined in with one yet? To me they are far more than just growing the plant, whether it be a vegetable or a flower – they create an opportunity to foster personal development, they enable learning and knowledge to thrive, and can also help us to create important community connections. This year a good gardening friend and I decided to undertake a Potato Grow-Along together. We wanted to grow something new to us and share our experience of the whole process, from start to finish. We hoped that other people would join in with the Grow-Along, and guess what – they did! But for me, this was about more than growing potatoes, the whole process and approach of the Grow-Along had such a positive impact on my mental health, on reflection it reinforced the practice of the 5 Ways of Wellbeing which evidence suggests helps us to improve our mental health and wellbeing, the key components to the 5 ways of wellbeing are connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. Grow-Alongs really do support the 5 Ways of Wellbeing in my view. 5 steps to mental wellbeing NHS (www.nhs.uk).
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Through the Grow-Along a number of connections were made, people were introduced to each other, friendships were formed and fostered, our common goal connected us in a way that was fun, informative and supportive. The Grow-Along made us active, it encouraged us to go outside, get our hands in the soil, water and tend to our plant, it made us take notice of what the plant was doing and what it needed which meant we were learning whilst also sharing our experiences with others, giving people the opportunity to offer support and advice. Lots of people shared their experiences during the potato grow along, the best part for me was the harvest time, seeing the joy on peoples faces, having photo’s shared with us of their harvets, involving the whole family in some cases, gave me so much joy to see. The Grow-Along created a lot of happiness for a lot of people, which can only be a good thing right! The mammoth Onion is the next Grow-Along I am doing! Fancy joining it? Go for it, check out my Instagram page for details.
MULCHING by Stef Davies IG and TikTok @The_Aplotmentshire
I
never thought I’d get so excited about mulching, but this winter it is all I can think about. In Spring 2023 the soil was not in a good condition on my plot, but I didn’t appreciate how bad it was until too late. My inherited beds were so compacted from being walked on too much; in fact they were lower than the paths! And, living in Northampton I also have clay soil to contend with. None of my direct sown seeds germinated and a lot of my plants struggled with poor drainage.
Mulching has many benefits including suppressing weeds, adding much needed nutrients back into the soil and improving soil structure. This is why I am investing so much time this winter in refilling my raised beds 26
with mulch and ‘putting my allotment to bed for the winter’. I have lots of videos on IG and TikTok about mulching, because it’s one of my favourite jobs.
Cardboard Worms love it and anything you can do to encourage worms is 100% worth it! Make sure you take off the labels and tape before putting on your beds.
Manure My rabbits produce plenty of this. Their little poops are FULL of nutrients and the hay and paper bedding breaks down into the ground. I absolutely love that my animals have a 360° involvement in my plot, eating the produce and giving the nutrients back. I’ve also spread 2 tonnes of horse manure all over the beds too.
Lava-Lite I throw Lava-Lite Composter+ & SoilRestore. The Composter+ speeds up the biological process and the Soil-Restore does exactly what you’d expect. More info can be found on their website or you an DM me on Insta for more information.
Wood chips Often free and fills up beds extremely quickly. Of course any homemade compost also gets included and some green manure doesn’t hurt either. This all gets thrown in and turned over the winter - ready for the perfect soil come the spring! 27
Jobs for January 1
Planning Review and update your garden plan for the upcoming year. Order seeds and plants for the spring season. Research and plan any new additions or changes to your garden.
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Tool maintenance Prepare your garden tools, clean, sharpen and inspect and repair any damaged tools.
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The gardening tasks you can focus on in January largely depend on your location and local climate. In general, January is often a time for preparation and planning, as well as taking care of some maintenance tasks. Here are some gardening jobs you might consider for January
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Test your soil and amend it as needed with organic matter or fertilisers. Mulch around existing plants to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Indoor gardening Start seeds indoors for plants that require a longer growing season. Take cuttings from houseplants for propagation.
Winter vegetables Continue to harvest winter vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.
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Soil preparation
Pest and disease management Check for signs of pests or diseases on plants and take appropriate action.
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Bird feeding Provide food and water for birds, as they may have a harder time finding resources in the winter.
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Garden cleanup Remove any dead plant material from the garden. Clean up fallen leaves and debris.
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Hardscape maintenance
Prune honeysuckle
Check and repair any hardscape elements like fences, trellises, and garden structures.
Now is the best time to prune and cut back honeysuckle. This will encourage healthy, new growth in the spring.
Take hardwood cuttings
Now is the time to take hardwood cuttings from gooseberries, black, red and white currants, fig and mulberry.
Sow winter salads
Ideal for greenhouses, conservatories or on a your windowsill, for harvests within a few weeks.
Top up bird baths Use fresh water daily and on those colder days, melt ice with warm water.
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Bird boxes Before the nesting season starts, install bird boxes in well sheltered spots including on tree trunks, sheds or walls.
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Plant bare-root plants If the ground isn’t frozen, you can plant bare-root roses, shrubs, hedging and ornamental trees.
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What you need:
Recycle & sparkle by Jan O’brien @theflowermummysgarden
Winter is nature’s incredible way of telling us it’s time to stop, reflect, rest and heal otherwise known as ‘wintering’. Why not enjoy some mindful crafting this winter and create these pretty lanterns, decorative plant pots and gift tins. If you enjoyed this project or would like more gift ideas, why not join in the #Wintercraftalong over on my page @theflowermummysgarden
Happy Crafting! Festive Woodland napkins from Tesco Pressed flower shortbread recipe on my grid.
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Empty, clean, tin cans
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Modge Podge /PVA Glue
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Watercolour refillable pen
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Acrylic paint/ paint spray
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A paper napkin
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Cling film
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Wire
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Ribbon/Raffia/Twine
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Paintbrush
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Nails
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Hammer
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Sand
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Lantern template (download, print and cut out)
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Masking tape
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Scissors
Decoupage tins
1 Empty a tin can, clean and remove glue.
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Paint your tin in a colour to tone with your napkin.
5 4 Cut out your shape from the napkin.
7 Place your design onto a piece of cling film and brush glue on the reverse.
Fill your refillable water pen (or you can use a fine paint brush). Take your napkin and ‘Paint’ around a small section of the design leaving a 5mm gap.
Pull away the excess napkin around the water line to feather the edges.
8 Turn over your cling film and place onto your tin. Gently push the design into the ridges to smooth, then remove the cling film.
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Peel the napkin layers until you have 1ply.
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Decorate with twine/ raffia/ ribbon. For a hanging plant pot , punch holes in the sides and twist wire through to make a handle.
Lantern tins
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2 Cut out your template and attach to your tin can with masking tape.
Fill your empty can with sand and water and put into the freezer.
3 Hammer your nail through the template and the tin until you have completed all the holes.
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Remove the template and sand, then wash your tin.
Paint or spray paint your finished design, add any ribbons or twine and a wire metal hanger if you wish.
Lily of the valley Highly scented, Lily of the Valley are low growing plants with delicate white flowers which come up year after year in May time for about three weeks.
L
ily of the Valley, alsoknown as Convallaria majalis, is a perennial plant known for its low growth, making an annual appearance in May for approximately three weeks. Its delicate white flowers produces a captivating fragrance enhancing the charm of gardens during their brief but enchanting blooming period.
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They grow to 30cm (1ft) high, the leaves start to appearing in late March/early April.
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Can successfully be grown in containers.
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Leaves die down in October November time - the perfect time to divide plants if required.
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Lily of the Valley thrives in consistently moist soil throughout its growth period. This adaptable plant can be found in various soil types including clay to sandy.
Pot up now for early flowering Dig up a small clump and pot up them up now. Leave them in a warm place to give them an early start. Trim the roots, if required, buy be care not to take too much off. Choose a deep pot as these root spread and place them in indirect sunlight until early spring.
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Jobs for February 1
February is an interesting time for gardening, as it marks the transition from winter to early spring in many regions. Here are some gardening tasks you can consider for February:
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Soil Preparation Prepare garden beds by turning the soil. Add organic matter or compost to improve soil structure.
Planting If the weather is mild, start planting cold-tolerant vegetables like peas, lettuce, and spinach. Plant bare-root fruit trees and roses.
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Mulching
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Mulch around trees and shrubs to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Prepare vegetable seeds Prepare vegetable seed beds, and sow some vegetables under cover.
Protecting Plants If there’s a late frost risk, be prepared to protect tender plants with frost cloth or other coverings.
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Indoor Seed Starting Start seeds indoors for plants that require a longer growing season, such as tomatoes and peppers.
Fertilising Apply a slow-release fertiliser to perennials and bulbs as they begin to emerge.
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Divide snowdrops Divide large clumps of snowdrops and winter aconites after flowering.
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Plant rhubarb Plant rhubarb into enriched soil.
Prune wisteria Cut back wisteria side shoots to three buds from the base, to encourage abundant flowers in spring.
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Plant dahlia tubers Plant dahlia tubers in greenhouses to encourage shoots to develop.
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Chitting first early potatoes Keep them in a cool, light, frost-free place ready for planting towards the end of the month.
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Sow some herb seeds Sow herbs under cover such as chervil, parsley and coriander.
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Tidy & mend Scrub and hose down patios and paths to get rid of any slippery mud or moss.
Wildlife Put up a nest box, choose somewhere in a sheltered spot away from the reach of cats Fill your bird feeders and try to remember to defrost the birdbath. 35
Christmas Decorations By Cheryl Elizabeth Davis FamilyPast.co.uk
E
mbrace the winter solstice with the shortest day of the year on the 21st December. The term “Solstice” comes from the latin word solstitium which means ‘sun stands still’. The winter solstice also is the start of winter and for many gardeners there are many jobs which can be done around the garden like pruning rose bushes, cutting back trees, clearing debris and harvesting vegetables. However, many consider this time of year just too cold to go outside and sometimes in hard frosts it’s impossible to do anything. Not all is lost, why not bring your outdoor inspirations and creative side inside your home with some indoor plants. Perhaps Christmas being on our doorsteps is also a time to get creative with traditional Christmas plants. The poinsettia is a great way of bringing some deep tones of reds to a room. Include some evergreens and mistletoe which go back to pagan traditions, adding holly and not forgetting decorating wreaths and christmas trees. In 1904 people used a wooden hoop 36
to tie rags around which they sewed leaves on and then added berries made of sealing wax. In the early 1920s many people were inspired to use rustic style christmas decorations such as dried moss with brightly coloured fruits and nuts as a centerpiece on the table. They also were inspired to use remaining isolated roses from the garden for decorative table features. The Victorians used laurel as a popular plant to use around the home as a christmas decoration which goes back to roman times as laurel symbolised peace, victory and joy. The victorians were also very superstitious and used laurel branches not only for decorative purposes but to be rid of evil omens. Today, many of us are still very traditional overall with Christmas decorations, however, modern influences are inspiring people to try alternative plants and styles in and around the home.
