AUTUMN & WINTER IN THE GARDEN
As we advance towards the clocks being changed, here are some reminders of seasonal tasks, both indoors and outdoors.
SEASONAL TASKS
If outdoor activity isn’t possible use this opportunity to check over your houseplants. It is easy to ignore them, just watering now and then when we remember, but they will benefit from a bit more detailed attention. Find out what the plant is and check what it needs in terms of light, water and feeding. It can be quite a revelation to realise, for example, that the common Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) actually prefers a position out of full sun because it is a jungle species not a desert species.
​
There’s still time to plant Spring flowering bulbs, in fact Tulips are best planted in November either in pots or in the ground. A quick and easy job with the bonus of a splash of colour to look forward to. If mice, or squirrels are a problem, try putting a piece of chicken wire over or around the bulbs to protect them.
If you have a greenhouse or polytunnel once all summer crops have been removed and the greenhouse/polytunnel has been cleaned you can use the space to grow some winter salads or early Spring vegetables. These can be sown into the soil border if you have one or in large pots or containers. If you don't have a greenhouse or polytunnel containers of herbs and winter salads can be grown indoors in a sunny position to give some fresh produce in the winter.
​
***********
Autumn and Winter can be a challenging time for us all but it is also a time to reflect on your gardening year and make plans for next year.
​