Fact Sheet Seven - Download here THE GARDENERS DIARY
WEEK 7
14 November 2004 ORNAMENTAL JOBS - Protect tender shrubs for winter Tender shrubs out of doors should be given some protection for the oncoming winter months. Myrtle's, Ceanothus, Abutilons etc. are just some of the varieties that will need protecting. The old fashion method was to cover the plants with some bracken, straw or mats, or even very twiggy branches from trees. In this day and age we can use protection fleece which is available at most garden centres. The fleece can be very awkward to keep around the plant with it being such a light material and it can easily blow off leaving the plant exposed to the elements. The best thing to do is build a temporary frame around each plant using some timber built into a box shape frame work. Once the frame is built use battens to connect the fleece to the top of the frame then role down the fleece each side of the framework. Trim the fleece so it sits onto the surface of the soil and then connect a second piece of batten to the end coiling the fleece around it. Then with use of either two large cup hooks or bent nails on each side of the frame work place the rolled up fleece into them. How it works is when the plant needs protection all you do is unroll the blinds of fleece and then use netting pegs to secure the fleece blind in position. Once the frost/bad weather spell has passed recoil the blinds back up and this will make it easier than storing masses of fleece in the winter months thus saving you space in your shed and greenhouse.
GREENHOUSE JOBS - Carry out minor repairs
With the greenhouse not being used much. November is an ideal opportunity for carrying out any minor repairs and maintenance to the building. With the possibility of adverse weather conditions just around the corner ensure that all nuts and bolts are as tight as possible. Make sure that all wire clips holding the glass are in position and remove any cracked or damaged glass and replace. On wooden framed buildings treat with a wood preserve to prolong the life expectancy of the timber. It's best to do this whilst the weather is fine. If your structure is in an exposed position also make sure that the greenhouse is securely anchored down.
FRUIT & VEGETABLE JOBS - Clear up herb beds
Herb beds should be cleaned and tidied for the oncoming winter months. Cut down mint stalks to the base. If your mint is growing in a container then to insulate the root system sink the container into the ground for the winter months. Trim and tidy thyme by brushing dead leaves from among the plants.
LAWN CARE JOBS - Clean machinery and equipment
As you store away your lawn equipment for the winter, ensure that it is cleaned and oiled. Lawnmowers should be stored away at this time. If you have a petrol machine start it up once every couple of weeks to keep the engines from seizing up. It can also be cost effective to get machines serviced, as it can be cheaper to do it this side of Christmas before the repair shops put their prices up for the year 2005. Electric models should be clean and then stored. Replace blades ready for next season and coil up cables tidily. As you do this check cable for signs of disrepair. If the cable is badly damaged throw away and replace.
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