Topical Tips for the Gardener- February (including the 29th) -
By P H Newtrall
Prunes. This is the last month for pruning deciduous trees including apple trees but excluding cherries plums and walnuts. Start with taking off all diseased or dead branches. Then look for places where two branches are rubbing against each other, removing the weaker of the two or the one that points inwards. Lastly cut back last year's strong bits pointing vertically and thin out limbs in tree centre so that you finish up with a sort of cup shape, giving room for fresh air to circulate. This will reduce infections, much better than spraying to get rid of nasties.
Wisteria can also be pruned this month. Cut back last year's runners to a few buds, otherwise it can get out of hand. Leave any new growths where you want to expand the beast. Similarly honeysuckle can be neatened by cutting all straggly bits with secateurs.
Containers. Ornamental grasses in containers can be given a severe short back and sides ready for the new year's growth. Most plants and shrubs will appreciate a drop of compost. Loosen soil on top of pot and remove. Replace with compost and water if dry. Make sure it's with rain water, especially if azaleas are being seen to. Keep giving frost protection to outdoor pots if plants are a bit fragile, particularly overnight.
Fruit. Strawberry plants give better crops if sprinkled with potash this month. RAF pilots swear by it. Per ardua add ash to. There's nothing like fresh, home grown fruit. Why not plant a red or blackcurrant or gooseberry bush, or even two blueberries. (Needed for cross pollination.) They're easy to grow and children love to pick.
Veg. It's time to chit or sprout seed potatoes. Place in trays, eyes up. After a few weeks shoots will have grown and are then ready to pop into the ground for the promise of delicious new potatoes if early varieties are grown. Try Charlotte for a succulent waxy spud.
Flowers. Check stored dahlia tubers and remove mouldy ones. Shoots will soon appear if kept damp. Either use as cuttings or replant later in spring. Or try some and some. Pinch off seed pods of winter pansies to extend flowering. They are good value for bedding. Garden shrubs in the wrong place? February is a good month for replanting. Prepare the right place by digging in compost, make a generous hole and then dig up bush from old position and, keeping as much soil on roots as possible, insert into hole. Return earth to hole, keeping the shrub at the same level as previously. Tread round it to firm roots and water well. I wish I had a water well.
Wildlife. Feed the birds, at this time of the year in particular. There's not much available for them in the garden. Spring clean all nest boxes. Birds will from now on be inspecting accommodation and choose desirable nesting spots. Give a rose on the 29th. Cheerio.
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