GARDENING IN WALES

Gold Affiliates Wanted!

                     October:- General Tasks.

Use Slow-acting Fertilizers: This is a good month to use slow-acting fertilizers like basic slag (phosphates and lime), bone-meal (phosphates) and kainit (potash). Lime can also be applied now. Scatter the fertilizers over the ground - the rain will wash them in.

Gather Fallen Leaves: they are particularly dangerous to rock gardens. Pile them in a corner, with potato peelings and carrot-tops to rot down.

Turf and Repair Lawns: you could also aerate them, if they have had 'heavy traffic'.

Prepare Rose Beds, Fruit Sites, etc.: dig in plenty of animal manure; dig it deep as it is no good to young roots and we will be planting in November. Finish with a dusting of slag.

Lift Begonias, Dahlias etc.: cannas and Salvia patens. They need to be protected from frost, which can start now, but usually occurs later yet.

Plant Spring Bedding: as soon as you have cleared the beds of their summer occupants. Plant wallflowers, forget-me-nots, daisies, coloured primroses, tulips and hyacinths.

Plant Herbaceous Perennials: can also be done in March.

Not many birds in my garden now, although I still see one magpie every now and again.

Enjoy your garden!

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 Last Updated: June 23, 2008