Weather Has Gardeners Really Confused

OVER the past week the weather locally has been somewhat warm for this time of year and of late we have experienced a real mixture, changing hour by hour in some cases. Indeed, we have seen some dull days, mist and warm temperatures – unusual at this time of year.

Even when the sun has broken through the clouds, sudden change can bring on a spell of heavy rain which will take us all aback and will last for about an hour. When the rain abates the sun returns and soon the ground is dry once more.

With such weather patterns just how do plants survive, we wonder.

Coupled with the warmth, the hours of daylight are decreasing fairly rapidly and before 9pm it is dark and gardeners have not really had time to tackle any of the chores which require to be done.

There is lots of clearing up to be done to expose soil for spring planting, so now is an ideal time to start a new compost bin for the winter. Grass will soon be getting its last cut of the year and cutting can be put into the compost bin together with weeds and withered plants. Hedge trimmings are good to add to the compost bin, as are old newspapers, cardboard and egg shells. However, do not add food waste.

Water is Vital for Certain Plants

THERE are a number of plants that need lots of water if they are to thrive.

Just now we need to make sure they get a plentiful supply of water if they are to survive and blossom well in the spring of the year. Plants or shrubs such as camellia should be given water in September to assist the plant in developing new buds over the winter. Other plants and shrubs can be treated likewise.

It is a good idea to clean out your water butt and refill it with clean fresh water and use the replenished water during the winter months, even for watering plants growing in containers.

Alliums are Attractive Bulbs to Grow

ALLIUMS are basically flowering onion bulbs and they are nice round spiky flowers and are available in a wide range of colours resembling something of a rocket in shape. Alliums do not need too much attention and look attractive when grown alongside other bulbs such as daffodils.

Have a look around your local garden centre and see what is on offer and use them to brighten up your borders or patio.

Herbs are Colourful and Also Good in the Kitchen

ONCE upon a time herbs were grown and cultivated for their medicinal or tonic properties but with the advent of modern pharmaceutical products this has declined.

However, growing your own herbs can add a bit of colour in the garden and at the same time allow you to create some exotic recipes.

Most herbs are easy to grow and do not take up too much space in the garden. Ideally, grow herbs near to the kitchen door so they are to hand when you need them. This page has featured common herbs such as parsley and mint previously but this week we will look at some others.

Chives is a mild member of the onion family and it’s grass-like stems can be cut from March to October and it is used to improve the flavour of many dishes. Much of it’s flavour is lost by drying,

It is a herb with many uses including potato salad, stuffed eggs and egg sandwiches. Chives can be added to soups and salads and cream cheese. Chives are easily grown from seed and the ideal situation is to grow in moist soil and in full sun. Chives is a very versatile herb and the herb plant can last for several years with just the minimum of care.

Another popular herb is sage which is an attractive bush with grey/green leaves and spikes of blue flowers and is attractive in the shrub border and the herb garden.

A single plant should satisfy all your requirements - a pot grown plant growing in a sunny well-drained location. Sage has a strong flavour and is used to accompany onions in the traditional stuffing for many large birds such as duck and goose. Be careful not to use too much because it is one of the strongest flavoured herbs.

Garden Talk Takes Place at the End of the Month

CACTI and succulents are popular house plants and in general terms these are plants that thrive on neglect.

However, recently most garden centres are experiencing difficulties with procurement but members of Gourock Horticultural Society are being educated on how to grow these plants from seed by expert grower Ewan Brown who will be addressing the members on this subject on September 26 at Cardwell Garden Centre.

The meeting begins at 2pm and normal meetings usually last for about an hour.

Readers who may wish to attend will be welcome at the talk and can enjoy meeting others who share an interest in gardening.

Exchanging gardening problems with others can be interesting and you will soon realise that you are not the only one to suffer these problems.

Everyone gets an opportunity to speak and can go home with their problems solved. For more information Telephone 01475 633422.

On the Vegetable Patch

Growing vegetables in the garden can provide you with some quick growing vegetables which you can start from seed even at this late date. Some are quite fast growing and provide you with enough to keep you going for several weeks.

Excess vegetables are easy to freeze to give you a supply during the winter months. Find out more about this next week.