Contributing to a greener planet

I’ve noticed a great increase in the number of living Christmas trees on sale recently. Some are growing in pots while others have the roots covered in plastic, allowing the buyer a say in the container type they’ll occupy.

The idea is to transfer them outdoors and keep them growing after Christmas. So, their few weeks in the house should be without stress.

Best position for them is a cool, well-lit room with watering carefully monitored.

While the tree enjoys pride of place over the yuletide period give some thought to where it will be transplanted in the garden afterwards to continue growth.

Not too close to the house

I’d advise, bearing in mind the height conifers can reach at maturity.

If the intention is to bring it indoors for future Christmas celebrations the roots must be constrained, which means leaving it in the pot when you plant in the garden.

Be sure to plunge it below soil level, feed occasionally, and offer water throughout summer.

For the ultimate in satisfaction, buy seeds of a favourite conifer or, collect some fallen cones and observe as they open to reveal seeds in a warm environment.

Put drainage pebbles in the bottom of a clay pot and cover it with a layer of larch needles or similar natural material.

Add compost until the pot is ¾ full, sow the seeds thinly and cover with two centimetres of horticultural grit.

Stand the pot outside, and let nature do the rest.

We are currently encouraged to plant a tree as a contribution toward a greener environment so there is good reason to go for one with roots and embrace the challenge of nurturing it well beyond Christmas 2021!