Seed sowing season is upon us, but before you start, put a bit of time into dealing with hygiene in the glasshouse. These environments can build up a series of pests and diseases, such as red spider mite and fungal pathogens, which can devastate young germinating plants. The best approach is to remove all pots and trays and soak them in an old bin filled with water and horticultural disinfectant for 24 hours. While this is happening, make up another mix of water and horticultural disinfectant and spray every surface in the glasshouse. During this process look out for any gaps that might let mice in and block them. With all of this done you’ll stand the best chance of beating back the nasties before you start sowing.
A good clean keeps a healthy home for seedlings ground-covering plant
It can cover large areas over time so plant it around your iris and use micro-peasticks to stop it smothering the iris. It’s worth the effort to truly see the beauty early irises offer.
Muscari: Commonly known as the grape hyacinth, this plant has a propensity to naturalise in areas where it’s happy. Its blue tones stand out fairly well against fresh spring greens but for a real colour pop pair it with some lime or orange-leaved heuchera.
backdrop to the bulbs.
A black and white combo of snowdrops and ophiopogon
Snowdrops:
is
‘Nigrescens’. Its black blades provide a stark contrast to white snowdrops. But for something a bit different try introducing bergenia ‘Purpurea’ to your snowdrops. Its purply-red winter foliage looks great with the drops and even be er backlit by early morning sun. Or, for subtle sophistication,
contrast the snowdrop foliage and striking white