Monthly Garden Advice for November
Extend Spring Colour
Select a large container and multi - layer it with bulbs. Put crocks over the drainage holes and then about 5cm of multipurpose compost in the bottom and space Narcissus over this first layer. Add some 8cms compost and then layer of Tulips.
Repeat and for the top layers use smaller bulbs such as Crocus, Muscari or Scillas. Finish with Pansy or Viola on top.
Superfoods
Now is an ideal time for planting soft fruits that are proving to be so good for us. Select from our wide range of blueberries, blackcurrants and blackberries. Raspberry canes that have fruited this summer may be cut down to ground level and the new canes tied some 15cms apart. Prune back the tips to 1.5m. All old wood can be cut out to ground level on established blackcurrants leaving 5 or so well spaced one year old shoots, these should be about 1.2m long. Redcurrants should have 5 or so shoots some 1.2m long well spaced.
Lawns
may still need mowing in open weather but do remember to raise the height of cut to 4-5cms. Apply an Autumn lawn feed in mild weather and remove leaves to the compost heap. In open weather continue to scarify, aerate and topdress.
Quick Tips
- Greenshoots on variegated evergreens should be pruned out to their point of origin.
- Eleagnus, Holly and Euonymus are worth checking over
- Net ponds - to keep leaves out.
- Plant Amaryllis bulbs indoors. Water in and keep warm to encourage rooting.
Instant Colour
This can be achieved by planting some of our Pansies and Violas. Fill a large tub or bowl with multi-purpose compost, water in after planting and site in a sunny, sheltered position to promote flowering through the winter. Regularly dead head and feed with Tomato feed every week.
