Fact Sheet Twelve - Download here THE GARDENERS DIARY
WEEK 12
19 December 2004 THE DIARY FLOWER GARDEN JOBS: Christmas Jobs. One thing I would suggest with the festive season kicking in is to plant a tree. A commemorative can be a great way to mark a special occasion and this may be the last week to get to the garden centres and nurseries before they close down for the festive season. There are plenty of plants to choose from to use for this task with most people heading straight for a native species. The majority of these are only suitable for large gardens though there are plenty of cultivar's to choose from as well. If you are unsure on the height of the tree or whether you choice is suitable for your garden and conditions then seek help and advice from the nursery staff.
GREENHOUSE JOBS: Start moving bulbs into the house.
Those of you whom have forced on some bulbs for Christmas flowering should now start to bring them into the house to hasten the flowering growth. As the forced bulbs start to show bud break move them into their final flowering positions to help brighten and cheer up the festive season.
FRUIT & VEGETABLE JOBS: Last chance for fruit planting.
If you're dreaming of a millennium full of fruit pies and bowlfuls of top fruit to grace the table then this week is your last chance to plant your trees, bushes and canes. The chief season to plant your fruit is November as the soil still retains some warmth and is helpful to get some initial root growth. This advantage is almost gone. If planting is not done this week it will be better to wait until March. Do not overcrowd just because they may seem small; allow your plants the space to grow to their ultimate size. Spaces in between can be used for other food crops until the plants are established.
HOUSEPLANT PROBLEMS: Wilting Poinsettia's.
If the prize Poinsettia that you purchased for this festive season is losing leaves it's a cultural problem. There are two causes of the loss of leaves. If your plant wilts then drops its foliage then this is due to over or under watering. If the surface of the compost is sodden then you are over watering. If it is dry then gently knock of the pot to see if the soil is barren and if so water immediately. The other cause is the loss of leaves without wilting; this is a sign that the temperature is too low or that the plant is subjected to hot or cold draughts. The remedy of this is to move the plant into either a warm room or out of direct line with radiators and central heating systems. 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 | 
