ADAPT Gardening hints

This is the first of a monthly series of Gardening Hints that the ADAPT Food group will be making available on AudlemOnline

Gardening tips for October

Frost sensitive plants

Now is the time to lift frost sensitive plants such as Begonias, Callas, Dahlias and Gladioli. Dry them off (Dahlias with stems downward).

Place is a frost free, mice free dry position in a shed etc. Spread then out so any that rot will not affect the others, Check monthly. Outside established sensitive shrubs can be protected by wrapping in horticultural fleece topped off with bubble wrap.

Sweet peas

For best results with Sweet peas, they should be sown in late October early November. Sow in root trainer or 2inch pots, germinate a in a propagator set at 60-65 or in a light place in a warm room.

Once germinated drop the heat and maintain at 15ºC. Water lightly form the bottom, place in a tray. Transfer to a cold frame, protecting if very cold with fleece. In March pick out the growing tip to encourage side growths, Plant out when the soil is beginning to warm usually mid- March, but depends hugely on the spring temperatures.

In the average year first flowers should appear in May

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