Lockdown has meant us spending more time than ever before in our homes, so there’s a fair chance you’ve been sprucing up your garden.
As part of the Government’s updated advice this week garden centres have re-opened in England.
So, if you can bear the queues, our Clerk of the Course at Wincanton and Exeter racecourses, Daniel Cooper, has put together a checklist of things to pick up this weekend (or order online!) to help get the most out of our gardens.
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Vegetable plants and seeds can still planted in May, so why not buy carrots, beetroot, cabbage, chard, leeks, lettuce or onions?
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Bark or copper tape is incredibly helpful to put around your planting to prevent slug damage.
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If you are pot planting then new compost should be at the top of your list – peat-free is best. Compost needs to be annually renewed to get the best yields.
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Herbs are so easy to grow, especially in smaller locations and have the added advantage of being added to your home cooking. Purchase some chives, rosemary, mint, parsley, thyme, or coriander. They’ll take 7-10 days to start growing.
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Coloured plants, such as fuchsias and coleus, will grow vibrantly this summer and you can clip them for some indoor houseplants.
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We are still at risk of low overnight temperatures and have even seen some light frosts recently. Therefore you should cover your vulnerable plants with any old bedding, towels or buy some frost fleece but remember to remove it each morning. Only do this in cold forecasts.
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Consider buying some Cottage Garden plants, which have beautiful vibrant colours all year round.
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Lavender is in flower at the moment. It’s a lovely all year plant and very resilient to the British weather. It grows in soil and your rockery.
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Lastly remember to water regularly each morning or evening, but not too much!
