Bulb planting depths and distances

It's bulb planting time again so here are few of the popular bulbs you may be planting and the suggested planting densities.

Alliums ( large bulb) (depth) 20cm (apart) 20cm

Alliums (small bulb) (d) 10cm (a) 10cm

Crocus (d) 8cm (a) 8cm

Hyancinths (d) 20cm (a)15cm

Daffodils (small flower) (d) 15cm (a) 10cm

Daffodils (large flower) (d) 20cm (a) 13cm

Tulips (short) (d) 12cm (a) 12cm

Tulips (tall) (d) 12cm (a) 13cm

It's better to put a bulb in too shallow than too deep, a bulb will pull itself down with its roots to a correct depth all on its own but a bulb that is planted too deep can not pull itself up. 

 

 

 

Cutting a laurel hedge

Hedge cutting time is open us now, the last cut before winter sets in but do not make the age old mistake of using a cordless, electric or petrol hedge clipper on a laurel hedge. When cutting a hedge there's a simple rule to follow. Large leafed evergreen hedges such as laurel need to be cut back using secateurs rather than a hedge trimmer. This is because if you use a hedge clipper you will be cutting the leaves in half which will then  die back leaving a very unsightly mess. Smaller leafed evergreen hedge such as privet can be cut and shaped nicely with a hedge trimmer be it cordless, electric or petrol versions. 

Start dead heading your roses

Roses are in full flower now and you need to keep up with the dead heading with repeat flowering roses. If you let a rose bud set seed after flowering then the plant produces a chemical to say 'hey, my job's done here, no need for any more flowers'

Watering - now's the time

I've been doing some planting the last few days and am surprised how dry the soil is and with more hot weather to come I advise now is a good time to get out there and start watering. The best time of day is the morning as any surplus water is then evaporated and will not cause unsightly problems like mildew on your plants foliage.  

Hedges

If your planning on planting a hedge next year then now is the time you need to be organising it. The cheapest way of buying hedging is from now until March. This is because it is the only time of year you can buy 'bare root' plants, simply they are just pulled from open ground in the nursery, bundled together and sent by courier to you. This can only be done until March as the plants are 'dormant' however the roots will need to be kept moist so as soon as you receive them you will need to 'heel' them in if not quite ready to plant.

You can buy hedging plants up to around 7 ft high so if there's a boundary fence that needs replacing why not think about a hedge instead. I know what I would rather look at! It acts as a perfect foil for your plants, is an excellent home for insects and nesting birds and doesn't even need painting every year.

If you would like further help on selecting and sourcing  the right hedge for your garden and  would like to contract our services to plant your new hedge then please get in touch.

Last chance for spring bulbs

Most if not all garden centers have now stopped selling Spring bulbs however I have been successful in finding a supplier who is still fulfilling orders. Their bulbs are very well priced however their delivery charge is a bit steep (£10 per order) but beggars cant be choosers.gee tee bulbs

October is the month for lawn care

To keep your lawn looking great and prepare it for next year you will want to give it a good top dressing. A good top dressing you can make yourself, half multi purpose compost and half sharp sand. Mix it in a trug or wheel barrow and spread over the entire lawn. I've got into more detail on a previous post about what to do if your lawn suffers from moss.

Buy and plant daffodils, crocus and tulips soon.

It's that time  when, if you haven't done already you need to get your spring flowering bulbs in the ground, although you can plant successfully up to December (I've never had a problem) for spring flowering, all you will be left with is a very limited choice of bulbs from your local DIY store. Big garden centers such as Syon Park and Chessington are stock to the brim with different bulbs (but not for long).

If you do not have time to trail over to a garden centre then Bloms bulbs carry a huge selection and come with a very good reputation. Bloms Bulbs

Apple and pear pruning

Prune apple and pear espaliers, fans and cordons this month. Cut whippy stems back to four or 5 buds.

Vegetables to sow this month (March)

Below is some of the vegetable seed you will want to be starting off this month. Always check with your seed supplier the sowing conditions favoured for each variety.

• Beets
• Broad beans
• Brussels
• Chillies
• Leeks
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Peas
• Rocket
• Salads
• Tomatoes (cherry varietys)
• Turip