The group shared their love of sweet peas which, if not yet started should be asap – and  then planted out with support as soon as ready. (Pinch out the top two leaves once three pairs of leaves have formed to encourage ‘bushiness.’) Wanda has great success supporting her seedlings with twigs up to a privet hedge where they romp away once at that height.

Update on Monty Don Gardeners World sweet pea trial: This trial a couple of years ago compared the performance of the same variety of sweet peas (Monty Don) and found that where  seeds were started in October they produced twice as many flowers as those started in the spring.

Maureen reported back that the spring bulb pot she demonstrated has flowered well although she would not include daffodils next time as they tended to hide the lower flowers.

Spreading Ground Elder has become a problem for one member; Bill reported  that gypsophate in a stick form to wipe onto the leaves should help/eradicate this.

Having agreed at our last meeting to have a go at growing potatoes and courgettes, seed potatoes (Arran Pilot – 1st early high quality and good cropping) and courgette seeds were shared out with those interested. Brian explained  potato planting options are endless-  in a big plot in drills, amongst flowers in borders , in potato grow bags etc , Tubers should be planted once sprits have formed, approx 4 inches down in ‘loose’ rather than heavy soil, with fleece or black plastic covering the area to stop weeds and conserve moisture. Cut a cross in the fleece when shoots are coming through. Earth up soil against the plants as shoots grow to increase yield and stop potatoes becoming green. Plants should not be over fed as this can encourage top growth but few potatoes .

Courgette  seeds should be planted mid April to May with the seed on its edge lightly covered with soil –  jiffy pots are useful and can be used in a window propagator or greenhouse. Germination should be in about 5 days  when the jiffy pots can be planted  out 18 to 24 inches apart in an open sunny position as long as there is no risk of frost. Courgettes need  lots of water – 2 to 3 buckets once a  week are better than watering every day. The more courgettes that are harvested , the more will grow

We briefly discussed growing outdoor tomatoes in pots or baskets:  plant seeds , prick out once 1 inch tall and plant in 3 inch  pots. RHS further advice is at the RHS website https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/tomatoes

Any winter flowering plants such as jasmine and late flowering clematis which have finished flowering can now be pruned. New plants can be encouraged by layering –   by bending down and securing a low shoot to the soil with a clip or metal peg, and covering it  with soil. A new shoot should form and the new plant can then be cut away.

Roses can be pruned now with a first feed applied if shoots are forming.

All are looking forward enjoying our gardens over the coming months

New members are very welcome to this relaxed enthusiastic group