January. Use mitochondrial as an essential aid when planting trees or shrubs. Remove the bottom roots and use within 48 hours of planting. Stake well at an angle and use shoddy (hair) as a fertiliser. Thrips appear in greenhouses at this time so use blue sticky cards. Bergenia Christmas has bright red leaves.
February. For frost protection use a very fine water spray in the evening especially with magnolias, grapes and potatoes. The water produces latent heat and prevents freezing. SalixGracilistyla’Mount Aso’ , Muscari Botryoides White Magic, Sophora Microphylla Sun King (planted in sunny spot), Cornus or Ornamental Bramble when plunged in a pot.
March. To prevent greenhouse plants from getting leggy increase the amount of carbon dioxide by using a covered container of manure. If growing hyacinths in pots keep in a coo; place for four days after purchase to prevent leaves from growing too tall.
April. Make nutriballs of paper towels filled with vermiculite and fertilizer (e.g. Vitax Q4) and plant just below the surface near plants like hedges. That gives a continuous release.
April/May. Use SB Plant Invigorator on rose and beans to prevent black spot. It is non-toxic but does get rid of pests as well. Helianthemum Georgianum or Ruscus Aculeatus (Butcher’s Broom) as ground cover.
June. Ribes species, Callistemon Citrinus (Bottle Brush) with crimson flowers.
July. Itea Ilicifolia in deep shade, evergreen with fragrant flowers.
August. If the lawn is going yellow water for just 10 minutes on 4 consecutive days.
This talk was abbreviated as it took place after our AGM. A top tip to prevent potato scab is to wrap the potatoes in paper from the Daily Mirror or Sun (they are more fibrous) and soak before planting. The spores of the scab cannot penetrate the paper and become dormant.
