Gardening with Roy Treherne, Wyevale Garden Centres (From Warrington Guardian)

Gardening with Roy Treherne, Wyevale Garden Centres

IN winter start preparing your garden for spring and summer planting.

Weeds: Weed seedlings germinate during mild spells and even in the depths of winter.

Knock out weed seedlings with a hoe to save time and effort come spring.

Perennial weeds should be dug up with as much of the root as possible and put in the bin. Pieces of root left in the soil or put on the compost tend to start growing again, increasing the weed problem.

Leaves: Any decaying leaves should be put on the compost heap. Clear the crowns of herbaceous perennials and alpines, as these are vulnerable, especially the latter, to rot in prolonged damp conditions under fallen leaves.

Leaves are best composted, not burned, as they can then contribute to the goodness of the soil.

Compost leaves on their own can form a leaf mould, which is fantastic border mulch.

Seeds: Choosing your seeds can be daunting so stick to tried and tested varieties, although it can be fun trying new ones. Store packets in a cool spot, ideally in a sealed plastic container in the fridge.

Soil: Barrow organic matter over frozen ground.

Spreading manure or garden compost can be messy but in these conditions the barrow glides over the ground without getting caked with soil.