Fact Sheet 39
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THE GARDENERS DIARY
WEEK 39
26th June 2005
THE DIARY THE FLOWER GARDEN: Remove suckers - One job to put on the priority list is the removal of suckers.
- Suckers are young shoots which shoot up from the base of many deciduous and some evergreen trees and shrubs.
- These shoots can be from a stronger growing root stock. If not removed they will eventually sap the strength from the cultivar which you originally bought and nurtured.
- Removing these is easier than it seems. Dig down carefully to where the sucker has sprouted. Then remove the growth using your secateurs.
- Apply a pruning compound like Arbrex or Medo to the wounds. These compounds will seal the wound stopping any chance of disease entering . Once applied, allow to dry before replacing the soil.
- Any buds which are starting to form from the rootstock area can be rubbed off using thumb and fore-finger.
- This job will be continuous right through the growing season so add it to your list if you haven't already.
THE GREENHOUSE: Sow hardy perennial seed If you want to increase your stocks of herbaceous plants, this week is the ideal time to sow seed of new varieties. Most seed companies will have a wide variety of popular and unusual varieties but before purchasing your seed check that the variety you have chosen will be right for the area you have available. Sow seeds thinly into a seed tray and lightly cover and place into a propagator. Once the seeds have germinated and are large enough to handle, pot them on. As the plants mature slowly harden to outdoor conditions ready for planting out in the autumn.
FRUIT & VEG: Give shallots and garlic a helping hand
Shallots and garlic will be ripening well, especially where they were planted out in February. The soil should be brushed and pulled away from the cloves to allow them to ripen. Hoe gently between the rows to disturb any weeds which are attempting to take control. Once the bulbs are large enough start harvesting as and when required. LAWN CARE: Off green? Use a feed! If your lawn is starting to turn from the shade of green it should be then it could be a sign that the lawn needs a feed. Steer clear of granular feeds. These need regular rain fall to water them in and at this time of year its very dry. Try and use a high nitrogen liquid feed to help green-up the blades. Keep doing this until the lawn has regained its colour.
PEST PROBLEM OF THE WEEK: Sawflies eating Granny's Bonnet
Aquilegia or Grannies Bonnets can show signs of attack at this time of the year. Leaves can soon be stripped and what can seem like overnight. At a close inspection you will find some green caterpillar-like larvae feeding upon the leaves that will slowly defoliate the whole plant. If left, your plant will become just a skeleton of stalks and flowers. The adult sawfly will lay small batches of eggs on the underside of the leaves. The adult sawfly are black and 6mm long. They have two pairs of transparent wings and reddish-brown legs which makes them very distinctive. Spray with insecticide an then continue to spray at bi-weekly intervals. 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 94.7, 98, 103.8, 95.5 and 104.5FM | 
