General Maintenance
- Test the soils pH level and apply lime if needed.
Don’t use it at the same time as manure as it will react against it. - Winter dig when conditions are right.
- Keep clearing debris but leave a few areas for beneficial insects to over winter such as a pile of leaves, stones or logs.
- Repair sheds and fences and tackle any other DIY jobs that have been left.
- If not already done clean, sharpen and oil tools.
- Clean pots and trays to remove any pests and diseases.
Vegetables
- Earth up spring Cabbage and Brussels Sprouts to combat wind rock.
- Keep removing yellowing leaves as these can harbour disease.
- Main crop Carrots, Turnip, Swede and Beetroot that is left in the ground may need cloche protection if the weather is really harsh.
- Celery and Leeks can be covered with layers of garden fleece to protect from severe frosts.
- Harvest Brussels Sprouts from the bottom up and remove yellowing leaves.
Fruit
- Check ties, supports and stakes of trained fruit.
- Winter prune Apples, Pears, Gooseberries and Currants on days without hard frost.
- Clear away debris from around Strawberry plants.
- Spread a layer of compost or well rotted manure around fruit bushes and trees.
Greenhouse
- On warm days open up the greenhouse and frames for a short while to let air circulate.
- Consider insulating the greenhouse with bubble wrap to add an extra layer of protection over winter.
- Slabs of polystyrene placed under pots and trays give some level of insulation to the compost.
- Horticultural fleece draped over plant inside can give a couple of degrees of protection from hard frost.
