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Midwinter
The shortest days are best suited to armchair
gardening, to planning and ordering seeds and
plants. Give some thought to last year’s
stock.
 Were all the plants successful and worthy
of reordering?
Make gardening catalogues your first read of the
New Year.
TREES AND
SHRUBS
During mild spells, prune dead or diseased branches
from established deciduous trees and shrubs while
they are bare.
In areas exposed to frost and chilling winds,
protect early flowering rhododendron and azalea
buds with sacking or plastic sheeting; this can
be removed during dry spells.
Re-firm soil that may have been loosened by frost
around roots of newly planted heathers and other
shrubs.
CLIMBERS
Prepare ground ready for new spring plants.
ROSES
Plant during mild, dry, frost-free periods.
HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS
Take root cuttings of perennials such as Phlox
paniculata, Anchusa
azurea and Papaver
orientale.
ALPINES
Top dress all alpines with small chippings of
granite, or limestone for lime-lovers.
Protect plants from slugs and snails.
WATER AND BOG PLANTS
If the pond contains fish, float a rubber or plastic
ball on the surface to create a ‘breather’
hole when ice forms.
Remove snow from ice surface, or plants may die
from lack of light.
BULBS, CORMS AND TUBERS
When bulb foliage appears, aerate the soil by
lightly pricking around the plants with a fork.
ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS
Sow sweet peas
under glass for June-October flowering.
When weather permits, dig over beds and borders
for spring planting of annuals.
LAWNS
Brush off leaves and worm casts, but keep off
the lawn if it is very wet or frozen.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
On warm, sunny days, make sure that frames and
greenhouses are well ventilated to prevent diseases
such as botrytis (grey mould).
Buy or prepare seed and potting compost, and store
in a cool, frost-free place until ready to use.
Next:
Late Winter
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