1. I've put this tip at No1 because I think this year is going to be a real battle against slugs & snails here in UK. Keep a container of salt at hand when you are out in the garden or down the plot. Cooking salt is probably better than table salt. Carry a salt shaker in your pocket and sprinkle any slugs/snails you see with the salt.
2. Although the weather in my area is still very wet it is also very mild. Some seeds that can be planted directly outside this month are: Broad beans, (Peas under cloches beware of very wet ground and vermin), Lettuce and other salad crops (under polythene cloches), Carrots, Chicory, Radishes, Spring onions & Beetroot can all be sown under cloches. Raspberry canes, Blackberries, Strawberry plants & Rhubarb crowns can be planted outside now, unless the ground is frozen or waterlogged.
3. Shallot sets can be planted this month (not into waterlogged soil). The planting area should have been manured/composted in the Autumn. Rake over the planting area removing any weeds. Add some general purpose fertilizer and plant in rows 30 to 40cm apart with a space of 20cm between each set.
4. Planting areas can still be covered with dark polythene sheeting or cardboard sheets. This will help to warm the soil earlier and also prevent nutrients being washed away by further rain.
5. If you are planning to plant fruit trees this year, ensure they are planted before March, again do not plant them into waterlogged or frozen soil.
6. The majority of Beetroot seeds consist of a cluster of several seeds. Some monogerm varieties are available. If you sow these varieties then less thinning is needed.
7. The following can be pruned in February, Apple, Blackberry, Loganberry, Buddleja davidii, Clematis (Summer flowering), Currant (black red white), Fig, Fuchsia (hardy), Gooseberry, Honeysuckle, Hydrangea, Lilac, Raspberry, Some Roses.
8. Check the Ph of your soil this month so that you know whether it is too acid, alkeline or it is balanced.
9. Top up your pots tubs and planters with fresh compost this month.
10. Keep checking your stored vegetables for any signs of decay, rot or mould.
2. Although the weather in my area is still very wet it is also very mild. Some seeds that can be planted directly outside this month are: Broad beans, (Peas under cloches beware of very wet ground and vermin), Lettuce and other salad crops (under polythene cloches), Carrots, Chicory, Radishes, Spring onions & Beetroot can all be sown under cloches. Raspberry canes, Blackberries, Strawberry plants & Rhubarb crowns can be planted outside now, unless the ground is frozen or waterlogged.
3. Shallot sets can be planted this month (not into waterlogged soil). The planting area should have been manured/composted in the Autumn. Rake over the planting area removing any weeds. Add some general purpose fertilizer and plant in rows 30 to 40cm apart with a space of 20cm between each set.
4. Planting areas can still be covered with dark polythene sheeting or cardboard sheets. This will help to warm the soil earlier and also prevent nutrients being washed away by further rain.
5. If you are planning to plant fruit trees this year, ensure they are planted before March, again do not plant them into waterlogged or frozen soil.
6. The majority of Beetroot seeds consist of a cluster of several seeds. Some monogerm varieties are available. If you sow these varieties then less thinning is needed.
7. The following can be pruned in February, Apple, Blackberry, Loganberry, Buddleja davidii, Clematis (Summer flowering), Currant (black red white), Fig, Fuchsia (hardy), Gooseberry, Honeysuckle, Hydrangea, Lilac, Raspberry, Some Roses.
8. Check the Ph of your soil this month so that you know whether it is too acid, alkeline or it is balanced.
9. Top up your pots tubs and planters with fresh compost this month.
10. Keep checking your stored vegetables for any signs of decay, rot or mould.
