April News from Upchurch Horticultural Society - From the Potting Shed

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Well, here we are again. I didn’t manage to get back in March but am ready for April to get to grips with another year in the garden. I was busy retiring in February so failed to produce an article last month, but now have all the time in the world. Curiously, I recently discovered that Russia and Ukraine supply 40% of all the world's fertilisers, so be prepared for a possible shortage.

Enough of this relaxation there is weeding to be done. As usual, I am behind in clearing the weeds from the borders which diminishes the effect of the Spring bulbs. The first Crocus flowered on 05 Feb 22, which is the earliest date so far, and the Spring flowers are in full bloom, although the Snowdrops have gone over now. I have started pruning the hedges around the vegetable patch which will open it up and get more air and light to this year’s seedlings. I am also digging trenches where I intend to grow vegetables and filling them with well-rotted compost to improve the condition of the soil. Seedlings and cuttings were started early in the greenhouse and just starting to germinate now. I do not intend to do too much in the vegetable patch this year as part of the retirement plan is to move to a quiet part of Suffolk and start all over again!

The lawn improved considerably last year and is now ready for the first cut. The blades are set high which will give an even cut but not too short. That will be followed by a good scarification with a rake to get all the dead thatch and moss out following the Winter. Then break up the compacted soil with a fork to allow air to get into the roots. Finally, a high Nitrogen Weed & Feed to get everything greened up and growing and clear the weeds… who needs Green Thumb!

The next two months are very intense in the garden, and it’s a question of keeping going. Everything falls into place eventually, and you reach the end of May with a garden looking good and ready for the Summer.

The more effort you put in now, the better it will be.

UHS is always looking for new members and tries to encourage a fun attitude towards friendly competition. So if you want to grow your own fruit, vegetables, and flowers or even enter any of the shows we hold each year, please get in touch. We would be happy to hear from you.

If you are interested in becoming a new member, (all ages are welcome), please contact Rosey on: 01634 377812 (evenings) or Email: rosemary@ringwoodaccounting.co.uk

Sean Barry - Upchurch Horticultural Society