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Tips Febuary 2012

Although the weather can be terrible, there is no longer any doubt spring is on the way.The days are drawing out, buds on the trees and shrubs begin to swell.
If the jobs such as winter digging, planting bare-foot trees and shrubs, pruning fruit trees are not yet completed, this is the time these jobs should be completed.
Flower boarders should be tidied,removing weeds and debris that shelter slugs and snails.If the weather is mild, some of the herbaceous boarder plants will be growing and their young shoots are irresistible lure to slugs. Protect individual plants by surrounding them with a barrier; crushed egg shells,sharp sand and grit,garden lime and clinker are tradional deterrants, but strips of plastic are much more effective. Cut strips about 3-4 inches wide from empty plastic bottles and push them firmly into the soil around each plant so that 2-3 inches pertrude above grond level. At this time of year its usually a better and more effective method of dealing with slugs than slug pellets.
Mulching is equally important. Use a quality chipped ornamental bark, or a good mushroom compost. (mushroom compost should not be used as a mulch around acid loving plants i.e Azalia, rhododendron. The mulch will help to retain soil moisture throughout the spring and early summer. Be careful not to apply mulch too closely around emerging plants, because it can encourage slugs. Leave a clear space immediately around the crowns.

As previous keep of the lawn if possible.
If the weather is dry and mild, you may mow the lawn and prepare the ground for a new lawn.

Start to clean-up pots, de-weed.
Still to early to plant If you are becoming impatient,treat yourself to a pot-grown spring-flowing bulb.
Deadhead your winter flowing pansies in tubs and hanging baskets.