GARDENING WITH MICHELLE Welcome to Spring. The warm spring temperatures fuel our passion to get outside and make a start in the garden but beware late spring frosts can take us by surprise until mid or even late May. So where do we start this year? My advice firstly is don’t rush into planting summer bedding outside just yet. The large chains offer us such tempting buys far too early, emerging from hot greenhouses and not quite ready for the shock of our spring temperature outside. I have visitors to the garden centre every year that comment on their summer baskets and bedding plants not making it past July when they should continue blooming up until October or the first winter frosts. Plant them out late May, early June onwards and reap the rewards of waiting. Make the most of inexpensive spring bulbs, primroses, pansies and viola which will provide weeks of cheerful colour to your borders, baskets and containers. Wherever you choose to purchase your plants look for good friendly advice and information as to when it’s safe for planting out and what conditions they require. Spring has so much to offer and is my personal favourite with bursts of fresh buds and glimmering shades of green changing every day. Remember we have four seasons and each one produces its own little miracles. March and April usually provide us with sunny days, which makes it a great time to get busy preparing beds, sowing seeds, cutting back winter shrubs and giving the garden and patio a good tidy up. Make a plan of what you would like to achieve this year - maybe you fancy having a go at growing your own fruit and veg, which has been very popular the last couple of years. Start off with simple produce like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, strawberries and enjoy the challenge.
JOBS FOR EARLY TO MID SPRING Clear away weeds, mulch beds and borders Prune hedges, fruit trees and roses Sow hardy veg outside Clean the pond Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials Replace compost in containers Remove frost damaged shoots from evergreens Plant summer bulbs Apply a general purpose fertiliser to beds, trees and shrubs LAWNS If the weather isn’t too wet, start with a light cut on the lawn, apply a high nitrogen fertiliser and mosskiller if required. If you have bare patches that need repairing wait until late April to apply lawn seed for best results. KIDDIES’ CORNER Why not get the children interested and involved at an early age. A sensory or butterfly garden introduces them to the wonders of nature. Inspire them to grow quick and easy plants such as strawberries which ensures a successful experience and a very tasty reward. I hope my tips help you enjoy your spring garden - check out my blog page on the website which is updated as the season progresses and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and advice in the summer issue.
MICHELLE BELL Michelle’s Garden Centre, Lloyd Street Heywood OL10 2BP 01706 360648 www.HeywoodGardenCentre.co.uk 36
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