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WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN FOR
SEPTEMBER WEEK 2
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Susan Explains Pinching Out
Plants naturally grow towards the sun and they often grow taller than we want at
the expense of becoming bushy. To encourage plants to bush out we pinch out the
growing tip of the taller stems. Pinch out by nipping off the top 2cm (1in) of a
stem with the ends of your finger and thumb. Tomato plants are often pinched out to
prevent too much fruit forming. |
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Rose Cuttings
Early September to October is a good time to take rose cuttings. It is surprisingly easy
and your chances of success are very high. This is something even the very amateur
gardener can do.
Cut a woody, thin stem from the rose about 30cm (1ft long which
has at least three buds on it. A sharp knife is required. Now trim the stem just
above the top bud and just below the bottom bud. Dig over a patch of soil which is
protected from harsh winds then insert the cutting into the dug soil just over half
the length of the stem.
You can increase your chances of success by taking three or four cuttings. If
they all root, you friends and neighbours will be sure to take the excess ones.
Leave the cuttings in the ground until next autumn / fall then move to their final
position. Click here for more
details and helpful pictures. |
PLANTING SPRING FLOWERING OUTDOOR BULBS
Now is the time to buy and plant bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops. In
general, buy bulbs which are big for their type and also firm, with no signs of rot.
The planting depths differ for each bulb type. Daffodils should be planted
so that the top of the bulb is about 12cm / 5in below the surface, crocuses and snowdrops
7cm / 3in below the surface.
Dig the hole and scatter in a handful of sharp sand to improve the drainage.
Set the bulb well into the sand and cover with soil. Make sure you don't leave any air
pockets around the bulbs. Try to plant the bulbs in drifts rather than lines. Daffodils
should be planted about 12cm / 5in apart, crocuses 10cm / 4in apart and snowdrops 7.5cm /
3in apart.
Choosing a variety is a matter of personal taste although remember that
taller varieties are more prone to wind damage.
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