Rhubarb crowns and asparagus roots can be planted. Sow seeds of broad beans, peas, onions, radish and cress. Certified strawberry runners can also be planted.
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Blueberries are pruned in late winter to maintain vigour and to promote fruit production. Remove low spreading, damaged or crossed branches then open up the centre of the bush to allow sunlight and air in.
To take full advantage of the limited space in a small vegetable garden mini varieties can be used. Rows should face north-south so plants can receive maximum sunlight.
Boosting broccoli
When planting broccoli seedlings nip off the first leaves up from the roots and trim back the roots by a third and the outer leaves by half then plant the seedling down to the true leaves.
This deep planting firms the seedlings and stops them from wobbling about.
Space plants about 40cms apart.
POTTED PERFECTION
The native rhododendron, R. lochiae, with its shiny green leaves and clusters of waxy red, bell-shaped flowers from spring to summer, requires a moist, shaded, well-drained, sheltered position protected from frosts.
This slow-growing rhododendron would make a great specimen planting for a large container.
fruit check
Check peaches and nectarines trees daily for the first signs of pink in the buds.
Once noticed, take action and spray to control curly leaf.
Apricots can be sprayed against shot hole.
WINTER COLOUR
Polyanthus are the quintessential winter bloomers in vibrant shades of pink, red, blue, yellow, cream and white, mostly with contrasting yellow eyes.
They make an impressive sight whether mass planted, used as part of a border display or in groups of containers to highlight features such as entrances and steps.
SHADY CHARACTERS
Hellebores present their attractive blooms in shades of white, pink, maroon and pale green in the cold winter months.
These cold-tolerant plants like light shade and will tolerate being mass planted under trees if protection from hot winds and afternoon sun is provided.
BLENDED FORMULA
When you see a plant label F1 Hybrid it means that the plant is a result of a cross between two perfectly true parent plants.
The offspring from these parents are trialled for several years before they are released to the general public.
During the trial period the hybrids are examined for vigour, improved performance, uniformity of colour, habit and size and, in some cases, disease resistance.
If seed is collected from the hybrids and gown on, the seedlings will not be identical to either of the original parents.