In the Garden - April's Essential Tasks
Well, what a difference a few weeks makes! We've had a fair run of decent weather round our way since my last gardening post, which means the ground is now drying out, making it more pleasurable to work and easier to weed.
Both Little Miss and I are happy to report that all the herbs and shrubs that we either separated, re-potted or replanted last month, are all doing exceptionally well and experiencing a growth spurt.
The Coriander and Basil have begun to make their presence known, and the rhubarb is growing great guns. We've already gathered two batches of good stalks from it already!
Our newest additions to the garden, Little Miss's Gooseberry bushes, have greened up nicely, but have yet to flower. Time to plan ahead and get a frame sorted to keep the pigeons off the fruits, when they start to show.
There's no sign of the potatoes breaking ground yet, but I reckon another two weeks could see us topping up the bags.
April brings its own gardening tasks. It's a good idea to keep any bird baths topped up, so our feathered friends are assured of water to drink and somewhere to bathe.
If you grow citrus plants, now is a good time to start feeding them.
Tomatoes, courgettes, beetroot and peas can be sown now and if you have grown asparagus, it should be ready to harvest around this time.
If you're looking for a good, natural feed for your plants, why not try making your own from nettles?
They are growing quite rapidly just now and are ready to harvest. (Don't forget your thick gloves!)
Here's how...
1. Collect enough to fill a black bucket, then cover with water.
2. Make sure that all the nettles are completely immersed under the water, to prevent any mold developing.
3. Cover with a dark lid.
4. Leave to steep for about three weeks.
5. Once the three weeks are
up, strain off the liquid into a suitable container. (WARNING...it smells!)
6. What remains of the nettles can be added to your compost heap.
7. Decant the liquor into a suitable screw-topped container and store in a dry dark place.
8. When ready to feed, dilute one part liquor to ten parts water and feed as required.
Not sure about feeding it to your prize winning fruit and veg? Try it on a small selection first, I think you will be surprised at the results.
Another good use for nettles is as a tonic. If ever I'm feeling out of sorts, I'll usually harvest a couple of fresh Dead Nettle tops, because they don't sting, and add them to a handful of Mint leaves to make a lovely fresh Dead Nettle and Mint tea. A good way to cleanse the system and aid digestion.
As always, if you are not sure of what plants are safe to consume and which are not, DO NOT pick them or use them. Seek advice from a knowledgeable source and always consult your Medical Practitioner if you have any under-lying medical conditions, and are taking any form of prescription/over the counter medication, BEFORE using them.
Both Little Miss and I are happy to report that all the herbs and shrubs that we either separated, re-potted or replanted last month, are all doing exceptionally well and experiencing a growth spurt.
The Coriander and Basil have begun to make their presence known, and the rhubarb is growing great guns. We've already gathered two batches of good stalks from it already!
Our newest additions to the garden, Little Miss's Gooseberry bushes, have greened up nicely, but have yet to flower. Time to plan ahead and get a frame sorted to keep the pigeons off the fruits, when they start to show.
There's no sign of the potatoes breaking ground yet, but I reckon another two weeks could see us topping up the bags.
April brings its own gardening tasks. It's a good idea to keep any bird baths topped up, so our feathered friends are assured of water to drink and somewhere to bathe.
If you grow citrus plants, now is a good time to start feeding them.
Tomatoes, courgettes, beetroot and peas can be sown now and if you have grown asparagus, it should be ready to harvest around this time.
If you're looking for a good, natural feed for your plants, why not try making your own from nettles?
They are growing quite rapidly just now and are ready to harvest. (Don't forget your thick gloves!)
Here's how...
1. Collect enough to fill a black bucket, then cover with water.
2. Make sure that all the nettles are completely immersed under the water, to prevent any mold developing.
3. Cover with a dark lid.
4. Leave to steep for about three weeks.
5. Once the three weeks are
up, strain off the liquid into a suitable container. (WARNING...it smells!)
6. What remains of the nettles can be added to your compost heap.
7. Decant the liquor into a suitable screw-topped container and store in a dry dark place.
8. When ready to feed, dilute one part liquor to ten parts water and feed as required.
Not sure about feeding it to your prize winning fruit and veg? Try it on a small selection first, I think you will be surprised at the results.
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| Dead Nettle tops |
As always, if you are not sure of what plants are safe to consume and which are not, DO NOT pick them or use them. Seek advice from a knowledgeable source and always consult your Medical Practitioner if you have any under-lying medical conditions, and are taking any form of prescription/over the counter medication, BEFORE using them.
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