The Link Autumn 2019 The Link Oct-Nov 2019 v2 | Page 20

ESTABLISHED 1886 www.caterhamdistricthorticulturalsoc.weebly.com www.facebook.com/cat.hortisoc A utumn, season of falling leaves and a faltering sun, is a dazzling time for copper tints and subtle colours. Deciduous shrubs and trees look quite spectacular. The days get shorter and temperatures start to fall. * * * * * There are important jobs to be performed outdoors in October: • Collect all fallen leaves on lawns, ponds and beds and convert into an excellent soil conditioner. Modern mowers collect and shred all fallen leaves on the lawn. • Remember to turn the compost heap for aeration. • All tender plants, including aquatic, should be moved either to a greenhouse or frost free area. • Spring flowering bulbs such as crocuses and daffodils should be planted. • Hardy spring flowering plants could be put directly into the soil e.g. viola and wallflower. • Plant sweet peas and spring flowering patio plants in pots and rest on bricks. • Cut back and divide herbaceous perennials that have died down. • Sow winter salads and spring cabbages. • Clear cucumber, tomato and pepper plants in the greenhouse. • Harvest tender and hardy vegetables and move pumpkins and gourds, to a dry location. • Harvest apples, grapes, pears and nuts. • All stored produce should be kept in a frost free area. Check regularly for blemishes. • Tidy asparagus beds • All vacant beds should be cleared of unwanted debris. * * * * * N ovember is a month when most berrying plants are at their best. Viz holly, pernettya, callicarpa, the sea buckthorn and euonymus. Chrysanthemum and the perpetual carnation also enliven the autumn scene. Some of the jobs to be carried out in November are: • This month is the recommended time for planting tulips. • Plant fruit trees in dry weather. Wrap grease bands around established fruit trees. • Plant deciduous shrubs and trees. • Mulch bare vegetable beds and dormant perennials. • Continue to collect fallen leaves for composting. • Prune established roses to prevent wind-rock. • Paperwhite daffodils and prepared hyacinths, forced in darkness, should be kept in a frost free room. • Pot up hippeastrums (amarylis) bulbs, water and feed regularly. • Reduce watering of house plants. • Divide rhubarb crowns. • Insulate outdoor taps and containers. • Protect your brassica crops with netting. • Provide food and water for wild life 20 To advertise call 01684 833715 or email: [email protected]