www.mywokingham.co.uk
march 2024
MyWokingham
GARDENING
27
GREENFINGERS… the Alan Titchmarsh Column
H
e’s a magnificent broadcaster, gifted gardener, brilliant author and all-round horticultural visionary. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about readying your garden for the spring season… and beyond! As the days grow longer and the air becomes warmer, our gardens beckon for attention. From pruning roses to sowing wildflower seeds, each task plays a crucial role in ensuring a vibrant and productive garden. As usual, there is so much to do and so little time to do it, so while I will rattle through a long list of possible jobs, remember you can only do as much as you can do, and it’s about prioritising rather than trying to get absolutely everything done. So… starting with flowers, manage your spring bulbs correctly. For daffodils and other spring bulbs, remove any developing seedheads, yet allow the foliage around them to die back naturally. Spring is of course the perfect time to finish pruning your roses – as well as planting new ones if you feel like it! – as early trimming ensures healthier blooms and reduces the risk of disease. Do the same with alpines as they begin to flower - this not only enhances their appearance but also protects them from damp soil. Another important task is the rejuvenation of willows and dogwoods (the latter being more prevalent in the south of England). Pruning these down to the base stimulates vigorous new growth, ensuring lush foliage and vibrant colours. Don’t forget about your forced bulbs, either. Once they’ve faded indoors, plant them out in the garden. They might not bloom this year, but with care, they’ll be ready for next year. Also, now is the perfect time to plant lilies and other summer-flowering bulbs in pots and borders. Tidying up these borders by removing established and newly-germinating weeds, then generously mulch with garden compost, which not only nourishes the soil but also helps with the retention of moisture and weed suppression. For a natural touch, sow wildflower seeds in trays or modules to create a mini-meadow. This will also add pollinators and beauty to your garden, though keep an eye on aphids and act swiftly to prevent infestations. Moving to fruits and vegetables, it’s crucial to start early to get the most out of your garden. To avoid carrot root fly, sow carrots under cloches or fleece (in fact, pop your spinach under there at the same time); while tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers and aubergines should go indoors. Herbs planted in containers are best located near your back door, for convenience, while planting onion and shallot sets now will ensure a good
crop later in the year. Early potatoes can be planted in trenches or large tubs, depending on space, while parsnips require a long growing season, so sow them as soon as the soil warms up. Feeding cabbages and other brassicas with nitrogen-rich fertiliser is essential for their growth, while bare-root
asparagus crowns planted now will yield delicious spears in the coming years. Regular hoeing of veg beds is essential as weeds germinate quickly in warmer weather, and finally, planting strawberries in a hanging basket is a clever way to protect them from slugs. With so much to do, it can be difficult
to know where you start, yet as you nurture your garden this spring, remember that each little gift of nature is unique and individual, and has its own needs and timing. And while you can’t get everything done, the effort you do put in now will lead to a lush, productive, joyful bounty later in the year. Happy gardening!
