February 2023 Newsletter
Things to do: -
Although February is a good month to avoid compacting your soil by staying off it when it is wet, there are still plenty of jobs to consider
Winter Pruning Tasks
1. Climbing Roses: - remove any dead or damaged stems, thin out congested branches to allow the light in
2. Bush and Shrub roses:- cut back stems by a third to create an open framework. Give then a feed with a slow release fertiliser
3. Hydrangea arborescens varieties: - cut back to two healthy buds on each stem to encourage more flowers
4. Clematis (group three varieties such as Viticella): - reduce stems to buds around 30cm (one foot) above ground level
5. Apples and Pears: - remove crossing and overcrowded branches
Rhubarb: - will benefit from a mulch of well rotted compost, but do not bury the crown, and, it can be forced by covering with a bucket or container to produce the earlier sweetest stems
Early Potatoes: - can be chitted by placing them rose end upwards in egg boxes in a cool, light place
Snowdrops: - can be planted in the green, either by splitting and dividing clumps or purchasing from a nursery or an online retailer such as Euro Bulbs https://eurobulbs.co.uk/shop/all-bulbs-and-plants/featured/single-snowdrops- galanthus/
Peppers and Chillies: - need a long growing season so ideally sow the seeds this month in a heated propagator
Garden Birds: - benefit from food put out for them and this month there is National Nest Box Week from 14 February, https://www.nestboxweek.com/
Places to visit
It's snowdrop season: -
Rode Hall: Opens on 4th February.
Church Lane
Scholar Green
Around 20 miles from Poynton, a 40 minute drive
RHS Bridgewater are hosting: -
“World on Your Windowsill” all about houseplants from12 - 26 February
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater
Occupation Rd, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ
Around 19 miles from Poynton, a 50 minute drive
Free: well-rotted horse manure
Contact Brenda Dale
Tel: - 01625 871102
Street Lane Adlington


