In the garden with Jane
Greetings to all tenants who love growing plants! Whether that be to eat, look or smell beautiful.
You may have a garden, allotment or indoor plants, or anything that holds a growing medium. I’m sure that whatever you’ve grown this year has given you pleasure.
You might have kept it to simple herbs in a window box or a tomato plant on a windowsill, so if you are a first-time grower, well done! Never mind if they didn’t come up to expectations, only a couple of months before you can start all over again!
Choosing Your Seeds:
I think a nice thing to do on a cold wet miserable day is to settle down with a cuppa and flick through the latest collections of seed catalogues. They’re full of wonderful ideas of what to grow in the next season.
When you place your order, the plant nursery will hold the order until the correct planting time. For example, potatoes, raspberry canes and plug plants. Plug plants can be sent through the post and are ready for planting when they arrive. This is a great way to get established plants if you don’t have space for propagating seeds.
Preparing for Winter
Outdoors, get a head start on tidying up. Now is a good time to clear up perennial weeds and give your shed, tools, and garden a good once-over.
Indoors, Patios and Balconies
Sweep and clean flat surfaces, shift outdoor plants to sunny spots and check on your indoor greenery. Some dusting and leaf shine goes a long way.
Houseplants that Combat Condensation
Certain houseplants help reduce moisture and the risk of dampness and mould. They thrive in low maintenance, requiring minimal watering.
4 Great Options:
• Peace Lily (Mildly toxic)
• English Ivy (Toxic)
• Snake Plant (Low-maintenance)
• Palms (Effective moisture absorbers)
Christmas Plants:
Last year’s poinsettia is still going strong? My secret: a bright windowsill. I’ll kickstart my amaryllis in early November, aiming for holiday blooms.
I do hope you have picked up a few hints and tips from my column over the past year. If there is anything you would like me to address or research for you, please let me know.
Have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Bye for now,
