Maggies Blog November 2011

As you put the clocks back, and the plants start to go dormant, it is a good time to reflect on what has done well this year, and what was not so successful so that you can plan next year's garden. As the days shorten it is a good time to flick through the seed catalogues with a cup of tea and dream about next summer!

I keep a notebook to jot down tops and reminders so that I (hopefully) don't make any planting errors twice. For example, if a plant grows larger that I expect, or if I plant something out too early, I can refer to my notebook to jog my memory next year.

If you are tidying up the borders, don't be too enthusiastic because the dying foliage gives protection to the new buds at the base of the plants, as well as giving shelter to garden wildlife. Although the weather is still very mild I feel sure that before long we will be felling the chill of winter frosts.

I have taken the pots in which my hostas are growing into the cold greenhouse as they have died back now. Next spring I will take them out of the pots, split the roots and return them to the posts with fresh compost. It keeps them at their best and ensures the posts are not overcrowded. Before putting them out a smear of Vaseline around the rim of the posts - it helps keep the slugs and snails at bay.

Do not let the falling leaves lie for too long on the lawn. A good way of collecting them up is to do it with the lawn mower. This chops them into small pieces which helps them to rot down. Do not put them into your composter with the usual kitchen waste etc. because they rot down at a much slower rate. Place them in a container made from chicken wire, or even in a large garden plastic waste bag which has had holes punched in it. Make sure they are damp as dry leaves take even longer to decompose. Give them a good stir every few weeks to introduce air to the mixture and check moisture level. You will eventually finish up with a wonderful leaf mould ideal for mulching.

Happy Gardening!