VEGETABLE CARE IN JANUARY 2008
(July in Australia)

BRUSSELS SPROUTS
There's not a lot going on in the vegetable patch during January but if you have Brusels Sprouts you should still be able to harvest them this month. It pays, to harvest them correctly (from the bottom upwards) and also to clear away any yellowing leaves.
Click here for full information on Brussels Sprouts.

A lover of the English climate, peas prefer cool moist conditions so they are very suited to being started off early in the season with cloche protection.
Click here for easy to follow instructions.

RHUBARB
Late January is a good time to start forcing rhubarb. It's simple, just cover them with a dustbin to trap heat and exclude light.
Click here for easy to follow instructions on rhubarb care.

LEEKS
Leeks are in their main harvesting season during January providing well-needed fresh vegetables.
Click here for easy to follow instructions.

COMPUTER DESKTOP GARDEN CALENDAR
EXCLUSIVE TO GARDENACTION

The GardenAction Computer Desktop Calendar
Designed by GardenAction this computer desktop diary fires up every time you start your computer and immediately goes to "today's" entry. All the major vegetables, fruit and herbs are covered with sowing, planting, care, pruning and harvesting dates.

You can add notes yourself and enter reminders, birthdays and other memorable dates. It lasts forever, providing you with a reminder of key dates for years to come and the cost is a one off payment of only £7.49.

Even better, we let you try it for 30 days completely free of charge. If you are not happy with it, then you pay nothing. An exclusive birthday present which will last for ever.

Click here to download your free trial diary now.

 

FRUIT AND HERB CARE IN JANUARY 2008
(July in Australia)

APPLE TREES
January is a good time to plant your new apple tree. Apple trees are dormant in January so now is a good time to prune or transplant them. The GardenAction article has over 60 pictures of different apple varieties. It also has extensive coverage of when and how to plant your apple tree. Apple tree rootstacks are also covered in depth.
Click here for easy to follow instructions.

PEAR TREES
Pruning and planting pear trees is similar to pruning and planting apple trees. But there are a couple of differences
Click here for easy to follow instructions on planting and pruning pear trees.

PEACHES
January is the time to winter prune your peach trees. Pictures are the best way to describe what to do and there are several clear pictures on the GardenAction site for pruning peach trees.
Click here for easy to follow instructions.

GOOSEBERRY BUSHES
Gooseberry bushes can be pruned in January and February. Cutting back the stems which fruited lasted year is the main task. If you are planning on planting a new gooseberry bush, now is an excellent time.
Click here for easy to follow instructions.

BLACKCURRANT BUSHES
Planting Blackcurrant bushes in January will give good results. Don't prune one year old blackcurrant bushes, wait until they are about two years old and they can be pruned in January.
Click here for easy to follow instructions.

GARDEN PLANT CARE IN JANUARY 2008
(July in Australia)

 This month the spotlight is on:
SOWING SWEET PEA SEEDS
The very best sweet peas come from those sown in early autumn but so often this is forgotten at that time of year. The second best time to sow sweet peas is now in January or February.
This should be done under some form of cover at this time of year such as in a greenhouse, under a cold frame or even on a windowsill or conservatory.
Sow two seeds per small pot using standard potting compost. Just cover the seeds with a small layer of compost. Make sure the compost is damp by placing each pot in a bowl of water for 3 minutes. It's best to cover the pot to exclude light at first. As soon as the seedlings emerge (check every day), remove the cover to ensure they have good light and ventilation. When the plants are around 10cm (4ins) high they should be planted in their final growing positions. This is normally around April time. When you do this, at the same time pinch out the growing tip just above the top set of leaves. This will encourage bushier and healthier plants.
Click here for easy to follow instructions.

GARDENACTION ADDRESS:
1 Old School Cottages, Southam Street, Kineton, Warwick CV35 0JN

This Month's Recipe

Christmas Cake Recipe

Making a Christmas Cake can be a bit daunting but GardenAction have come up with a delicious recipe that is tried and tested. There are step by step pictures to guide you through the process. We also show you how to ice the cake in the traditional way or using ready roll icing. As if that wasn't enough, we have a couple of cooking tasks to keep the kids occupied while you do the baking! It's a great way to spend an afternoon.
Click here for this delicious recipe illustrated with lots of step by step pictures.

UNUSUAL

Sage is an unusual herb, in that much of the folklore relates to a specific variety. In general however, "sage" means a wise man, and this term comes from the belief that sage was thought to impart wisdom and improve one's memory.

The English herbalist, Gerard wrote that, "Sage is singularly good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory, strengtheneth the sinews, restoreth health to those that have the palsy, and taketh away shakey trembling of the members."

Gardening folklore assures us that the wife will rule the household when Sage flourishes in the garden, and that Sage will flourish or not, depending on whether the household's business prospers or fails. Put the two together and make of it what you may!

Sage symbolizes domestic virtue, wisdom, skill, esteem, long life, good health, mitigates grief, and increases psychic powers.