Your Garden – November’s tips

November GARDENING TIPS

It is now the time to prepare for next year. Winter digging is a priority and is best done as quickly as the ground conditions allow, so that there is plenty of time for the frost to break down the soil and provide a good tilth for sowing next year’s crops. Make sure that the plot is tidy and clear of summer crops; don’t leave them to rot as this can increase the risk of disease and harbour unwanted pests. Once dug over, add well-rotted manure (no need to dig it in) or compost and cover the soil with plastic or weed suppressant as this keeps the weeds at bay and, as it keeps the soil relatively warm, planting can start earlier in the spring. Autumn always brings a plethora of leaves. They take a while to rot down in the compost heap, but leaf mould makes a good mulch. Make a cage to contain the leaves, using four stakes and stapling chicken wire around them. Just throw the leaves in and leave them for a year to rot down. Alternatively, you can put them in a bin liner with some soil, make holes in the side and leave to rot down. Tasks for this month include: • Propagate rhubarb crowns by lifting and dividing into smaller pieces, planting at the same depth in their new position, spread well-rotted manure around the plant, but don’t cover the crown.

• Secure covers over compost heaps/bins; although the material needs to be damp, winter rain and snow will saturate it, thus slowing the rotting process down. • Plan the crop rotation for next year. Planting one group of vegetables in the same ground year after year increases the risk of a build-up of disease. There are websites that provide planners, one example is www.gardenplanner.suttons.co.uk • Dismantle bean canes, if you haven’t already, as leaving them in the ground will cause the bases to rot. • Start to harvest winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks and parsnips, (wait until after a frost for the parsnips, as the frost encourages the sugars which give parsnips their sweetness). Pick sprouts from the bottom up as this allows the top ones a chance to swell. • Plant garlic cloves, if you haven’t already, and if you have heavy soil that tends to hold water then put either gravel or sharp sand in the base of the hole before planting. If you have planted them check that the birds have not dislodged them. • Check netting on brassicas as the pigeons will be hungry in the cold months and can strip a plant bare in no time. Remove any yellowing leaves as leaving them to rot risks spreading grey mould. • Plant early ‘overwintering’ broad beans (either in the ground or in pots), peas, shallots, and onions. Happy gardening!

Deeping St James Community Primary School

Ihave to say that the children have coped brilliantly with the new rules and systems that we now have in school (as have the staff!). We now teach the children in rows, with their own equipment in their individual trays. Many of the Year 6 children have recently been participating in their Cycling Proficiency tests, where they learn how to ride safely on the roads. The test is quite rigorous and some of you may have seen the children cycling up and down Broadgate Lane, performing all manner of manoeuvres. Next term, we will be starting some clubs. Obviously, these will generally be attended by a single year group bubble. The Year 4 children are having the opportunity of joining a Paralympic sporting club, playing Boccia (which is a little bit like bowls). As always, if we can be of any assistance in the local community, please let me know! Take care and keep safe! Ian Wilkinson, Headteacher

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