We know the British love to talk about the weather, but honestly! This year has been so unpredictable, with hot days in February and snow in April, that it's hard to keep up. It's a good job we love our gardens too, because growing plants well this time around is proving taxing.
Anyone who ordered plug plants this year made the right decision, because random hot days in April killed off many seedlings through scorch (yes, ours included), which means starting again; either losing the early start or buying larger plants at some expense to stay at the same stage.
The plug plants on the other hand, grow in a controlled greenhouse, ready to be delivered long after the peculiar conditions passed - it's definitely a lot less risky!
Young plants
If you have young plants delivered by post, make sure you unpack them as soon as you can. Water them to settle the compost (which will have been disturbed on the way) and stand them in a well-lit position, out of direct sun. they will need moving into larger cells or small pots straight away to keep them growing well.
Which compost?
Young plants need a small amount of fertiliser to encourage growth, but it's important not to overwhelm them by using a compost that is too strong. Multipurpose (peat-based, peat-free or loam-based) is quite adequate at this stage. John Innes composts (numbered 1-3) contain increasing amounts of fertiliser and are designed for older, hungrier plants. Using these may damage the young plants and hinder their growth.
Hardening off
May brings much warmer daytime temperatures and the greenhouse will be too hot for many plants, even if it is shaded. Stand the young plants outside during the daytime and even overnight as long as there is no threat of frost.
In the garden
Apply slug control around new shoots of bulbs and perennials.
Prune any shrubs that have already flowered, removing the shoots bearing the faded flowers.
Mow the lawn once a week when it is dry. |
