Springtime in the Garden

http://www.ribblesdalenurseries.co.uk/

We enjoyed another fabulous talk this month from our speaker, Phil Dunnett of Ribblesdale Nurseries, Woodplumpton, Lancashire.

Despite an early, mild spring this year, bringing with it a cacophony of simultaneous blooming (e.g. hellebores with camellias /rhododendrons) there is still time for us to do that most special thing – revitalise our soil in the borders and pots.

A good feed now will ensure essentially health growth through this year's growing season. The best way to achieve this is to use granule/pellet based feeds – these formulations allow for slow release of fertiliser for six months, whilst liquid feeds require fortnightly application.

Phil recommends using feeds with a high mineral content e.g. seaweed for all plant types. Minerals promote strength in all parts – roots & leaves, thus making the plants less susceptible to “Ps & Ds” (pests and diseases).

Plants' raison d'être is to reproduce themselves. Plants like to grow – so that's the easier bit! However once they prepare to flower they have to accelerate their work, so more nutrients are needed. But what do they need most of in these phases? This brings in the science of elemental needs – NPK Balance: Nitrogen / Phosphorus / Potassium!

Horticulturists will therefore vary their NPK ratios of fertiliser during the season; using a high Nitrogen (N) content fertiliser early in the season to promote growth and changing to one with higher potassium (K or potash) ratio in May when there is evidence of budding/flower formation.

High Mineral Fertilisers - seaweed / fish/blood /bone are good for root formation & health ( remember dogs dig when bone meal is added)

Balanced Fertilisers – tend to promote growth but do less for root growth and flowering, as N is taken up preferentially to P and K.

Pots & Tubs – soil becomes rapidly impoverished, so a new annual top layer of soil & fertiliser is critical.

Watering Tips -

• never water over foliage
• proper hydration of pot plants is essential for root survival
• a properly watered hanging basket should feel so heavy that it barely moves when you place you hand underneath, so this becomes the 'push' or 'weight' test.

Pests & Disease ( fungal especially) Control Tips -

• Anti-fungal treatments are preventative, so start treatment before leaves open. Treatment needs to be applied fortnightly.
• Some pest preventatives ( e.g. for blackfly) can offer six months protection.

Phil also brought a lovely collection of spring plants for sale. He described and defined them by their suitability for shade / light as well as their usual emergence time in spring.

So there were more that a few of us delighted and laden on the way home!