HOME GARDEN
“Herbaceoiulls borderstow begin life come to ” this month .
GARDENING
on Victoria Roberts
H
&
WILDLIFE WATCH
Damselflies are small, delicate-looking insects. They can be seen near garden ponds. When at rest, most species hold their wings closed along their body. All four wings are the same size and shape. Adults reduce the numbers of nuisance insects such as flies, mosquitoes and biting midges.
WITH VICTORIA ROBERTSON
A seasonal guide to help you get the most out of your garden.
appy gardening month of May! The summertime is now quickly approaching and the herbaceous borders will begin to come to life this month. You will notice now that the soil is warming up the weeds will begin growing rapidly too. Keep removing the weeds as you see them grow! Vegetables can now be planted outside into their final growing positions. Sow some more of your favourite seeds directly into the soil too such as Sweet William, spinach and radish. There still might be some late frost so keep the fleece to hand to cover them all up if necessary.
SOFTWOOD CUTTINGS
Now is the perfect time to take softwood cuttings
to propagate. Lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, scented geraniums and many shrubs and trees will also root easily.
1. Take softwood cuttings from the new growth. 2. The best time to do this is early in the morning. Cut a 4 inch cutting from the stem of the plant at a 45-degree angle, about 1/2 inch below a node, where a leaf emerges from the stem. Remove any flowers or buds as well as leaves from the lower part of the stem. 3. Dip into a root medium
and place the cuttings in prepared containers. You can put several into one pot, leaving the top part with leaves exposed. 4. Place pots in a warm, semi-shady to semi-bright location and cover with a clear plastic bag or dome. 5. Keep moist but don’t over-water. Be sure to open the bag or cover for an hour every day to provide ventilation. 6. When cuttings send out new leaves and roots have formed remove the bag or cover and repot each plant in its own pot filled with potting soil. Allow the new plant to put on some growth before transplanting to the garden. By amenity horticulturalist & gardening committee member of Copped Hall and Epping Horticultural Society Victoria Robertson
PESTS AND DISEASE
Cutworms are dull brown caterpillars ranging in length from 1 to 2 inches when fully grown. They curl into a C-shape when disturbed. Normally they are found on or just below the soil surface or on lower parts of plants and are commonly active at night. Hand-picking them off at night with a torch is very effective. Clip and dispose of infested foliage and blossoms.
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