Spring bulbs ... will appreciate a liquid feed at this stage.
Plant onion seedlings in a rich, sandy soil in full sun and where there is plenty of room for air to circulate.
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When planting seedlings, cut the roots to about one centimetre long and reduce the top leaf growth by about one-third.
Plant two centimetres deep at spacings of five centimetres between plants, and 30 to 40 centimetres between rows.
Firm plants into the soil and keep moist until they start to move.
Always autumn
Autumn leaves are beginning to fall so make the most of them by turning them into lovely compost.
Weeds, lawn clippings, vegetable plants and any organic matter can be added to the compost heap.
On the move
When a plant is dug up and transplanted it loses part of its root system, so to compensate for this, and to restore the balance between the roots and top, it’s worthwhile pruning the plant at planting time.
To do this, reduce the branch system by about one-third by shortening the leader of the main trunk and shortening the side branches back to more or less the same height.
This is especially important if the plants being transplanted are difficult to relocate.
Small packages
Dwarf conifers have a striking form that easily lends them to be used as accent plants for certain positions in the garden.
They make a definite terminal point either in the open ground or in ornamental containers, and can be planted to set off a front doorway or path, to flank the entrance of a pergola or as a focal planting among other plants in a rock garden.
Flower functions
As a general rule native plants with glossy foliage are a good choice for planting in windy situations.
The foliage of Helleborus orientalis should be cut back before the flower buds appear to improve their winter display.
The best way to divide perennials is to lift the entire clump and take outside segments for replanting.
The old centre can be thrown away.
Remove the saucers from underneath outdoor containers to allow for free draining and to help prevent waterlogging, especially for the coming wet months.
Lift dahlia tubers after the foliage has died off if you intend to store them for winter. If you don’t plan to store them, cut them back to ground level.
Spring bulbs are starting to push through the soil, and will appreciate a liquid feed at this stage.