Dig deep to stop the rot
Here are some worthwhile gardening chores to keep you active in December, suggests LOUISE MIDGLEY, weather permitting of course
Some of Britain’s most beloved trees are under threat from various pests and diseases. 60 million trees have already been lost to Dutch Elm disease and 126m native ash trees are in danger of succumbing to ash dieback; a serious disease that is killing ash right across Europe.
The Woodland Trust estimates that 19 pests and diseases are currently attacking our native trees, six of which have reached epidemic levels. There are a further 11 more diseases nearing our borders.
So, it would appear there has never been a better time to plant a tree or two in your garden, if space allows, to compensate for all the losses.
Bare-root trees, which are now in a state of dormancy are sold between the months of November and March.
There are plenty of trees suitable for small urban gardens but if you have a large space to fill, consider something that has great presence and stature, like a beech, field maple or oak.
Avoid planting any new specimens close to your property, as the roots may damage the foundations and cause subsidence. Don’t wait until after you have had a fall before tackling that slippery path in your garden. A build-up of moss, green algae and slimy leaves can be hazardous on a regularly used walkway. Use a non-chemical control to remove them, such as a pressure washer, or scrub the area with a long-handled block paving brush that has a narrow head and wire bristles.
Before winter sets in, wash and disinfect bird feeders, tables and bird baths by using a 5 per cent disinfectant solution.
This will reduce the chance of spreading common infectious bird diseases at a time when birds are at their most vulnerable.
MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST IN 2019
Most local councils sell compost bins at reduced rates to encourage residents to recycle their own garden waste into nutrient-rich compost. For best results, place the bin on a well-drained piece of ground so that any excess water can drain away easily, this allows worms and insects good access to move in and help with the process of breaking down the decomposing contents.
Fill the bin with a mixture of nitrogen-rich material which includes plant prunings, uncooked vegetable peelings, fruit and grass clippings and carbon-rich material such as egg boxes and shredded paper. Too much of either will result in a wet sludgy mix or a bone-dry composition. Aerate the heap every few months with a garden fork or compost.