This month’s top tips from Thetford Garden and Allotment Club’s Maggie Baldwin.
Happy New Year! We can look forward to a new gardening year and prepare for the season ahead. The end of the month sees early seed potatoes appear in garden centres. There is still evidence that first and second earlies benefit from being allowed to ‘chit’ (produce shoots). Lay the potatoes on clean seed trays or in egg boxes. Store the trays somewhere cool but frost-free and away from mice and rats. A cool atmosphere is necessary as warmth encourages very long, spindly shoots that are inclined to break off when one plants the potatoes. Potatoes can be planted out any time from mid-April onwards.
Preparation for seed sowing can be undertaken by cleaning greenhouse shelves, which helps to remove fungal spores or bugs taking refuge through these colder months. A bucket of hot soapy water or a specialised garden disinfectant can be used to wipe down the shelves making sure to clean into cracks or joints after first sweeping off any debris.
Sweet Peas can be sown now for flowering in early summer. Use deep pots or toilet roll middles as the seeds develop long roots. Keep moist but not wet. They have to be kept frost-free and don’t need heat to germinate but watch out for mice who love a sweet pea seed! Don’t forget to label with the variety and date sown.
As bulb foliage starts to emerge in the borders make sure they are clear of thick leaf debris but also be careful not to damage the shoots with a carelessly placed boot (oh, just me then!). If you were gifted an indoor plant for Christmas ensure it is kept in the correct conditions. Indoor azaleas and cyclamen last longer in a cool spot but Poinsettias prefer a warm, draught-proof room.
The garden can be lacking in colour at this time of the year, so why not plant a pot of primulas?
They’re available at the garden centre in bloom so you can choose your colours. A cheering sight on a grey January day.
The Club is holding a Beetle Drive at the Methodist Church in Tanner Street on Wednesday 8th January 2025 commencing at 7pm. Do come along, it’s great fun!
Happy Gardening!
Maggie Baldwin
