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Ask Our Gardening Expert
Susan Explains Planting Strawberries
BULBS FOR SPRING
1.
Which variety / type? The varieties change so frequently that
it's impossible to recommend specific ones and the choice of colours and
shapes is a personal matter. However, as a rule, choose smaller varieties
for exposed and windy conditions, they are far less likely to be damaged by
the weather.
2.
Where to plant? They prefer to be in full sun or shade. The soil
should be free draining and not water-logged. Add some compost and / or grit
below the base of the bulb if the conditions are too damp.
3.
How deep to plant? Follow the instructions on the packet. Failing
that, a good rule thumb is to plant them so that the top of the bulb is at a
depth twice the size of the bulb. For example, a daffodil bulb which is 5cm
(2in) high should be planted in a hole which is 15cm (6in) deep.
4.
How far apart to plant? For almost all bulbs, plant them about
the same distance apart as the depth of the hole you plant them in. So,
using the example of the daffodil above, planted in a 15cm (6in)hole, plant
them 15cm (6in) apart. The exception to the rule are hyacinths which should
be planted about 20cm (8in) apart.
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WEEK'S "WHAT TO DO
WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN FOR
SEPTEMBER WEEK 1
Oh so tasty strawberries can be planted in September or around April time.
September is best because the plants establish good roots and will give lots of
fruit next early summer.
Plant in areas of full sun with good, crumbly free-draining soil, raised beds are
ideal. It is essential to plant them with the soil at the same level as they were in
the pots.
Click here for pictures.
Now is the time to plant most bulbs for spring colour although tulips should be
planted a month or two later. There's a huge number of varieties and a huge number
of types but the planting rules can be summed up below.
Pick apples as they become ripe.
Pick pears as they become ripe.
Harvest sweet corn when the tassels turn brown. Peel back the husk and prick a kernel
with your nails. A milky liquid indicates that it is ripe.
Harvest summer spinach.
Harvest globe artichokes.
Dead head plants to encourage more flowers.