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March’s Gardening T ips From Paul Chatfield of Chatfield’s Garden & Property Services Trees and Shrubs There is still time to plant trees and shrubs if the task has not been already completed. Making sure the holes are dug big enough and deep enough for the root ball, also taking in consideration to use a good tree and shrub compost. Climbers and Wall-Plants Species and cultivars of Clematis that flower Summer & Autumn on new shoots made in the current season will benefit from a hard prune now. Roses The main pruning of bush and standard Roses should be carried out between the middle of the month and late March. Borders and Beds During mild spells weeds will start to grow. Deal with them as soon as they appear as they will be easier to remove. Bulbs and Corms Dahlia tubers in store for the Winter should be inspected to make sure that they are healthy and plump. Any bad patches should be cut away with a clean and sharp knife and dipped in Sulphur. Rock Gardens and Pools All leaves should have been removed by now. Mild spells may bring weeds & slugs, remove weeds while small and treat the slug s with slug bait (with suit able containers sunken in the ground, beer is a good tip.)
Fruit There is still time for both planting and pruning but try to complete task before new growth starts. Vegetables Seed potatoes should be removed from their bags and set to sprout in trays or shallow boxes (shed or greenhouse). Greenhouse and Frame Greenhouse should have been sterilized. Carnations and Chrysanthemums can be propagated from cuttings 55-60f (13-15c). Give free ventilation except on cold nights. House Plants Plants at home, particularly flowering ones need lots of light and free ventilation not stuck between blinds or curtains kept out of drafts and be careful not to over water, just damp. Always check how your plant looks. Chatfield’s Garden & Property Services North 2, Sway Storage & Workshops Barrows Lane, Sway, Lymington Hants, SO41 6DD Tel: 01590 682828 Mobile: 07821 610923
Lawns Prepare for the growing season by raking with good wire rake removing worm casts and rubbish from lawn. Cut lawn but not too short then weed feed and moss kill as early as one can depending on the weather.
TSL March 2011 page 20
Tuesday, March 01, 2011 16:13 Black Magenta Yellow Cyan