and Narcissus ‘Pueblo’ for the Spring Show competition
1. Time to get those tulips planted either in pots or in the ground. If planting in the ground plant deeply and remember to protect from squirrels who see them as a delicacy. If you don’t have time this month even next month is not too late so don’t worry.
2. Try and get all other bulbs planted so they can get their roots down for the winter. Don’t forget to plant your Narcissus ‘Pueblo’ bulbs in a pot for the Spring Show competition.
3. Cut back shrub roses by about a third to prevent wind rock but save the main prune for later on or they’ll start sprouting again.
4. Do plant more Salvia for next year. We visited Great Comp a couple of weeks ago on a warm day and the Salvias were absolutely stunning. I noticed they have replaced a lot of the Dahlia beds with Salvias and Chrysanthemum which appeared to have survived the drought well. Grasses too make good drought tolerant plants and come into their own at this time of year.
5. Protect the crowns of borderline hardy plants just in case, like some larger flowered Penstemon using mulch or fine wood chips. Don’t cut Penstemon down until spring but just make sure old flower spikes are removed.
6. The same goes for more tender Fuchsias. If in the ground dig up and put in pots and bring under shelter or place in a sheltered spot. I left a couple to their own devices last year and they were too late coming through.
7. Pull out old tomato plants and their supports but do not add to the compost heap if diseased. I can’t believe I picked a bowl full last week – in November… but I think that’s it now!
8. If you haven’t already done so plant some broad beans this month, or leave until February or March. They are very hardy but in mild weather slugs will feast on the new shoots.
9. Clear all climbing beans from their supports but leave the roots in the soil to fix nitrogen. You may find some bean seeds on the haulms to save you money next year.
10. Make sure to clear leaves from ponds before they decompose and pollute the water.
Happy gardening all!
Pat K
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