Hardy annuals are great for instant colour this year, choose a dry day when the soil can be raked to a fine tilth suitable for sowing.
Mow the grass often enough to keep it under control and use sharp edging shears to tidy up the edges.
Climbers will grow quickly now, so ensure they have enough support, trellis, vine eyes and wire attached to walls, or individual ornamental obelisks or tripods. As they cover the support, gently try to encourage new shoots sideways, as this will send their hormones all along the length of the shoot, rather than just rushing to the tips - doing this will give you flowers all over the plant, not just at the top!
Have a good April,
Linette Applegate - Head Gardener at Toddington Manor.
|
|
