No rest for the winter

Spring is on the horizon and the weather is beginning to heat up so now is the ideal time to make a start on those garden tasks

Even in the midst of winter there is always a wee job to do in the garden or some forward planning.

So far the cold snap has been almost non-existent and with temperatures frequently in double figures and dry weather becoming the norm there is no excuse for ignoring those outstanding gardening chores.

Digging, shifting compost, pruning and repairs to paths, sheds and fences give us a reason to get out into the winter sunshine.

A warm dry sunny day is just perfect to give the greenhouse glass a clean, removing dirt, algae, moss and bird droppings. Inside it helps to clear out all those spiders and any overwintering pest’s eggs.

Also use this opportunity to check and fix door and window openings as sometimes dirt can build up causing difficulty later on.

It is a good idea to clear out gutters as usually there is a fair build up of old fallen leaves and growth of moss.

Rhubarb crowns are now quite prominent so where they have been growing in the same spot for more than three years, now is a good time to lift up the roots and replant the strongest of the crowns.

Rhubarb is a heavy feeder that likes plenty of moisture so dig over the area deeply and add in as much compost or manure as you can as this will feed them for the next three years.

Space the new crowns about three feet apart as they need room to grow, and do not remove their stems in the first year to help them build up strength.

Where you have spare crowns left over use them to force an early crop. If you have a greenhouse with a bench in it, the space underneath the staging is a perfect place to plant them.

Space them close together then

A warm, dry, sunny day is just perfect to give the greenhouse glass a clean, removing dirt, algae, moss and bird droppings

cover the sides with black polythene to exclude all light.

The rhubarb will soon grow with the added protection and natural warmth of the greenhouse.

They will be even better if the glass has been lined with bubble polythene or if you have started the garden seed sowing early and installed a greenhouse heater.

Now is also the time to add lime to the areas intended for planting cabbages, turnips, swedes, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts. In a planned four year rotation this area is usually the one that had a potato crop on it last year.

Lime raises the alkalinity, which makes the soil less acidic and suits the brassicas while discouraging the clubroot disease.

However, as a further precaution, if soil is infected with clubroot it is best to use only clubroot resistant-bred varieties.

I will be growing Kilaton or Kilazol cabbage, Clapton cauliflower, Crispus Brussels sprout and Invitation, Gowrie or Lomond swede.

Choose a windless day for lime spreading if possible as it is very light and can be blown everywhere.

Seed potatoes are now available in garden centres, so as soon as you buy your chosen varieties it is a good idea to start the chitting process.

Place the tubers in a shallow container such as an egg box with the rose end upmost and keep them in a light, frost free room or shed.

They do not need heat as we want to see short jointed wee shoots that are green and ready to grow after a couple of months.

Pictures: John Stoa. Clockwise from main picture: Lifting Timperley Early rhubarb; potatoes ready for chitting; forced Rhubarb; and cleaning the glass on the greenhouse.