Hints & Tips

ORGANIC TIPS and HINTS FOR THE NEW YEAR
Blackspot control on roses - If you've had problems with Blackspot on your roses this year, winter is the time to act. Remove all fallen leaves from the rose bed to get rid of infection. Prune well in spring, before growth starts and mulch with compost, manure, leafmould or other organic material.
Free plant food - Nettle leaves make a good, if rather pungent, general liquid plant food, and it won't cost a penny. Simply steep the leaves in water (approx. 500g nettles per 5 litres water) for 2 weeks, then strain for use. Dilute 1 part nettle juice in 10 parts water.
Don't forget to cover your compost heap! An open heap gets too wet, and precious nutrients are washed through the heap and away. Cover your compost heap with carpet or polythene sheet, or several layers of cardboard to keep that heat in.
Break the chain - Pests such as mealy aphids and cabbage whitefly can easily over winter on old plants. Break the cycle by removing all infested material before you plant out next spring.
Don't waste it! - Don't dig in compost or manure in the autumn. Winter rain will wash many nutrients out of plants' reach. Apply in spring, when plants are growing.

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