Winter is the time when you can plan for next year’s garden. There’s nothing better than browsing through seed and plant catalogues and thinking about what you want to grow again or for the first time. Here are some tips to help you get ready for 2021:
• Think about what worked well this year and what didn’t. What kept on flowering, or what kept producing? What looked amazing or what tasted amazing?
• Think about the time you spent gardening this year. Do you want to spend more or less time next year?
• If you sowed annual flower seeds last year collect their seed or leave them to set their seed for free plant babies.
• What do you like to eat? It sounds simple but only grow what you like!
• Order your seeds now; support local garden centres and British producers – they need all our help.
• Have a tidy up in the shed – clean and stack all your old plastic pots ready to reuse in the new year.
• Now’s the time to give the lawnmower a service too. Make sure its clean of all debris and if the blades need sharpening local garden centres and hardware shops should be able to help.
• Winter is a great time to look at the bare bones of our gardens – think about how you used your outdoor space this year and whether there are any changes you’d like to make to seating areas, paths or working areas.
• Spring is a great time for planting and splitting plants. Think about what gaps you might have and then immerse yourself in magazines, tv and internet to choose new plants!
I hope those tips help you enjoy your planning for next year. If you have a Gardener in your life you may well be looking for Christmas present ideas. Here’s what’s on my wish list this year:
• Amaryllis bulbs for flowering indoors over Winter.
• Secateurs – I’m forever losing them!
• Bare root roses – I’m a new fan of roses and bare root roses can be bought over winter and planted straight away! They’re cheaper, more environmentally friendly and should be flowering by the Summer.
• A magazine subscription to either Amateur Gardening for practical gardening tips or Gardens Illustrated for inspirational ideas and escapism.
Have a wonderful Christmas and here’s looking forward to a green 2021.
Renée is a local gardener and designer. You can read more about her work at:
