Fact Sheet Six - Download here THE GARDENERS DIARY
WEEK 6
31 October 2004
HOW TO:
Prune Roses
Roses will tolerate being hard pruned and although many gardeners will wait till spring you can prune them now. If you have climbing roses the first thing to do is cut away any string that is holding the growth in place. The next step is to remove the three D's. The three D's are everything on the plant that is dead, damaged or diseased. To reach these problem areas you might need to cut off some normal growth but don't worry it will grow back. When you are pruning make sure you cut just above a new bud and cut at an angle away from the bud. This will stop any water resting on the cut or running in toward the cut. Most climbing roses would be up against a wall or frame so think about cutting it back to form a hand shape on the wall or frame. Leave the major stems to form the hand shape up against the wall or frame and prune any outward growing branches. If you have flora bunda roses (rose bush) hard prune right down 3-5 buds up from the base of the plant leaving 3-5 strong healthy stems.
PATIO JOBS:
Show attention to damaged patio plants.
Strong winds can play havoc throughout the garden. Containers on your patio can end up smashing and you could end up losing your plants. To ensure that your plants stay upright throughout the windy periods of the winter why not screw a batten onto an exterior wall leaving a small gap between the batten and the wall. Strap your plants to this using tree ties. ORNAMENTAL GARDEN JOBS:
Now's the time to plant hedging plants. With winter waiting in the sidelines, November is an ideal time to plant hedging. There are many trees and shrubs that can be used as a screen or barrier; but the first question to ask yourself, is do I want a formal or an informal screen?
A formal hedge is obviously a screen that has been shaped and trimmed and an informal hedge is where you allow the plants to keep their natural shape and only trimming them when required. On an informal hedge you can plant any mixture of plants as long as they all grow at similar rates and will eventually screen your property; there is nothing more horrific for a gardener to see an informal hedge that resembles a roller coaster. Formal hedging is easier and is much simpler to create; chose a single species to create your barrier and then plant it at the recommended spacing. In Fact Sheet 8 we will be including a 'How To' section on exactly how to plant your hedging. Week 8 of Gardeners Diary which will air on Sunday 21st November will feature hedge planting. GREENHOUSE JOBS:
Insulate. If you haven't already insulated your greenhouse then this week is the time to do it. Insulate the whole greenhouse with bubble insulating material and the recommended insulating clips make hanging it a lot easier. If you have a wooden greenhouse then still use the bubble insulation using pins or staples to connect it to your constructions frame. This will act like double-glazing reducing your heating bill by at least 20-25 per cent. If the crop you are over-wintering requires maximum light then only insulate the north side of your greenhouse. Don't forget to insulate cold frames at the same time. FRUIT & VEGETABLE JOBS:
Start gathering sprouts. Brussels Sprouts are now ready to be picked and used. When picking, do not strip one plant, but take the largest sprouts from the bottom of a number of plants. Harvest them by either twisting the button off with your fingers or cut them with a sharp gardening knife. Using a knife is always better if they crumble and do not seem firm. LAWN CARE JOBS:
Trim if still fine. With the weather staying open (neither frosty or wet) and the surface is firm, mow once with blades set on the highest setting. This will probably be the last cut though if the mild weather continues then repeat until the winter sets in. Listen to The Gardener's Diary with Luke Ashmead on BBC Three Counties Radio every Sunday afternoon at 2.00pm Contact The Gardener's Diary Here BBC Three Counties Radio 98, 103.8, 95.5 and 104.5FM | 
