Gardener in Wimbledon, SW19, Raynes Park, Merton Park & South West London

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What To Do In The Garden

To read the articles just click on the month that you are interested in:

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

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This Month in The Garden - January [TOP]

General

A very happy and healthy 2008 to everyone

First of all let’s start with a New Years resolution - start a compost heap with all green and vegetable waste and keep it going!!!. Almost anything that’s green or vegetative except for perennial weeds can go on.

Clear borders of debris. If the rubbish is vegetative see above.

If the grass is not frozen clear off remaining leaves and debris.

Keep off frozen and very wet grass !!! (to prevent damage)

Make sure outside planted pots are still on their feet to improve drainage.

If you haven’t removed your pumps and filters from pools and ponds do it now to help prevent frost damage.

Remove the last of fallen leaves as these will give winter shelter to slugs and snails. Leaves also harbour eggs of all sorts of nasty things that will attack your garden in the spring.

Clean gutters.

Repair sheds, fences and paths.

Check greenhouse heaters are in good working order.

Clean and service the mower.

If it's too cold and wet to be outside, start perusing those catalogues for new and interesting plants to grow in 2008. It might be useful to look at drought tolerant plant’s given the summer we had in 2006.

If you live in an area that is seeing snow, knock it off branches of evergreen shrubs and trees to prevent them snapping.

Plants

Ensure tender plants left outside are still well protected - no tears or gaps in the cover.

Dead head winter Pansies before they set seed to promote continuous flowering

Move plants and shrubs that have outgrown their position or are unhappy where they are.

Plant bare rooted tree's, shrubs and roses whilst we are still in the dormant season. They will be around half the price of plants with early growth and if you ensure the hole has a good helping of organic matter you will give them the best possible start. Don't forget to stake trees’ to prevent root rock.

Many perennials can be cut back hard now such as Hardy Geraniums and Japanese Anemones. Remove old growth to make life easier for new shoots.

Cut away old Hellebore leaves.

Take hardwood cuttings of woody plants including Cornus ( Dogwood) and Chaenomeles ( Japanese Quince).

If you live in an area that is seeing snow, knock it off branches of evergreen shrubs to prevent branches snapping.

Don’t forget to check the over wintering plants that are in the greenhouse. They must not be over watered but conversely they do need to be kept damp. Also check for any diseased leaves.

Vegetables

Sow broad beans in pot’s for planting out in Spring.

Begin to force rhubarb.

Sow carrots, radishes and spinach for planting out next month.

As they become available, start chitting first early potato’s to give them a good start before they go outside in March

If you need help to carry out any of the above gardening tasks or any other garden chore just call me on 07707 456 734 or email me. My geographic working area is Wimbledon (SW19), Raynes Park, Morden, Merton Park and surrounding areas.

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This Month in The Garden - February [TOP]

General

Get the vegetable plot dug over and dependent on the crops you are going to grow apply well rotted manure or lime if required.

Now is the time to remind yourself of the aspect of your garden. By understanding which way your garden faces helps to make sure you get the right plants in the right place. Another major factor for a successful garden is knowing the pH level of your soil. The pH level is the acidity of the soil. This knowledge coupled with knowing where and when your garden see’s the sun will save you many £'s in the garden centre as you will not waste money buying the wrong plants.

If you do not know the pH level of your soil you can purchase cheap reliable kits from garden centre's and DIY superstores. Most kit's also contain lists of plants you can grow in different types of soil. Alternatively, look to see what your neighbours are growing successfully.

Spread a fresh layer of mulch over your beds before the plants grow too high. To be effective the mulch needs to be at least 5cm ( 2ins) deep,

If your pots are still grotty from last year wash them out with hot water to help prevent any disease being transmitted to your new plants.

If you have not put your mower in for service, DO IT NOW or be prepared to wait several weeks to get it back. I put one of mine in just after Christmas and the quoted two weeks became four!!!.

Check tree ties are not too tight or too loose

Flowers & Shrubs

Continue to deadhead winter plants such as Pansies and Primulas. If like most people you have left last years foliage on your Hellebores cut it off now.

Divide those big clumps of perennials before they start growing again. Replant the young healthy outside growth in prepared soil.

Cut back ornamental grasses.

Whilst you have the shears out cut back Summer and late flowering Clematis to the lowest pair of strong buds.

To repeat last months tip, there is still time to move shrubs or flowers that have outgrown their position or are in the wrong place.

Prune roses towards the end of the month.

When the winter flowering shrubs such Vibernum tinus. Mahonia & Winter Jasmin have finished producing flowers give them a haircut.

If you grow Cornus (Dogwood) or Salix for their winter colour cut them back hard at the end of this month. It is also time to attack the Wisteria before it gets out of control.

Hellebores are looking good now but look out for aphids and leaf miner.

In the Greenhouse.

If it has not been done, this is the month to clear out the greenhouse and give it a thorough scrubbing. A bit of elbow grease now helps prevent the spread of pest's and disease when the temperature starts to rise.

On mild days ventilate the greenhouse remembering of course to close vents and doors before the temperature drops at night.

If you are overwintering pelargoniums and fuchsias in the green house keep the temperature at somewhere around 40 - 45º f. Deadhead any flowers and remove old and dead leaves. Take cuttings now.

If you have a heated propagator you might want to start an early sowing of Impatiens (Busy Lizzies), Begonias or Petunias.

Fruit & Veg

Bare rooted fruit trees can be planted now in prepared soil.

Complete any pruning of fruit trees.

It's time to buy your early crop seed potatoes. Put them in a tray in a cool light spot, sprouting end upwards to encourage the new growth.

Start summer cabbages and onions in a heated propagator.

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This Month in The Garden - March [TOP]

General

Now is the time to clean the cobwebs off the mower and check that it is good working
order. If you cannot do it yourself get it serviced.

Other machinery such as Trimmers and Strimmers should also be checked.

Weather permitting, clean paths and patios etc. A jet spray is probably the easiest method. It is best to do this early in case we have water restrictions in the summer.

If you haven’t already cleaned out your pots and trays this is a good indoor job when the rain is bucketing down. You will be using them soon and you don’t want to be spreading last year diseases and pests.

Whilst you are splashing around with soapy water, wash down the green house to ensure the glass is clean of dirt and anything growing on it. A good scrub inside the greenhouse wouldn’t go amiss either ( once you have cleared the junk !!).

With the garden bursting into life over the next few weeks start mulching and feeding. If we get another summer like 2006 mulching will help retain moisture in the soil apart from acting as a weed suppressant. Mulch should be laid at least 5cm (2”) thick

Clean the leaves and debris out of your pond but be careful not to harm the wildlife. It is a good idea to leave everything you pull out by the side of the pond for a day or two. Any wildlife will then find it’s way back to the water

When the weather is reasonable don’t forget to ventilate your greenhouse.

And finally for this section. KEEP OFF THE GRASS until it starts to dry out.

Pruning

March is a busy month for pruning and tidying plants and shrubs.

Many Clematis require cutting back now but this depends on when and how they flower. If you have lost the label take note of when they flower and if they flower on current or new growth.

You should get those Roses pruned this month. Before shaping, remove any dead , dying or diseased stems . Also remove any cross over stems as they rub and are prone to cause disease. Always prune to an outward facing bud.

Buddleia and Cornus ( Dogwood ) and Winter Jasmin should also be pruned this month.

When you have finished pruning, feed and mulch.

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This Month in The Garden - April [TOP]

General

As I write this (early April) it is snowing in South West London but I thought it worthwhile looking forward to the summer and repeating the water saving ideas of previous years.

Mulching beds helps to preserve moisture.
Install a water butt(s) to catch rainwater.
Use water retaining gel in pots and containers.
Use plastic pots or seal the inside of terracotta pots in order that they do not absorb moisture.
Grow plants that are drought tolerant (many garden centres are publishing lists of plants that are not water hungry).
Do not scalp your grass when mowing. This helps to retain moisture in the soil.

Back to general issues.

The weeds are in back with a vengeance. Get the hoe out on dry days and attack annual and perennial weeds. If you hoe on wet days there is more chance the weeds that are not removed will re-root themselves in the soil.

Weather permitting, clean paths and patios etc. A jet spray is probably the easiest method.

With the garden bursting into life over the next few weeks now is the time to start mulching and feeding.

Hosta’s are starting to appear which means battalions of slugs and snails will start launching attacks on your garden. Act now while they are small in number.

Whilst you are chasing around the garden chopping and cutting look out for birds nests. Keep feeders and bird baths clean and topped up.

Vegetables

Second early potatoes should be in the ground by about the end of the 2nd week in April.

If you are growing 1st early potatoes which are not under polythene and you live in a mild area shoots will be appearing which will need earthing up.

Sow Beetroots, carrots, summer cauliflower, lettuce, leeks, radish , turnips, spinach, peas and onions. If your veg space is limited only grow what you eat and in quantities that will not be wasted.

Sow the Herbs, Basil, Parsley, Chives, Marjoram and Dill and place in a greenhouse or indoors in a light place.

Protect crops from cold weather with fleece.

Control weeds by hoeing between rows in dry weather.

Keep eyes open for pests and diseases.

Flower Garden

Divide clumps of herbaceous perennials especially those which do not produce many flowers.

Deadhead pansies and primulas’ to prolong flowering. Also dead head daffodil and tulips but please do not bend them over and tie them . They need to photosynthesis to build food supplies for next years flowers. The more foliage that is exposed to the sun and light the better.

Summer bulbs are now widely available in Garden Centre’s. Grow some in pots to act as gap fillers in the beds.

Hosta’s are starting to re-appear. Protect from slugs.

Prune Forsythia after it has flowered. This shrub will reach for the stars if left unchecked.

The winter Jasmine should be finished now. If required give it a trim to tidy it up.

Top up pots and containers with fresh compost.

With the warmer weather pests and diseases will be rife. Keep a close watch and act quickly when you see an infestation.

Greenhouse

On warm days open vents and windows to reduce humidity and help prevent pests and diseases.

Increase watering as temperature rises.

Prick out seedlings before they get too big and over crowded.

In milder areas half hardy plants can be hardened off by placing them outside for short periods. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outside.

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This Month in The Garden - May [TOP]

General

With the hoe that you sharpened during the winter continue to attack the weeds. New seedlings do not have much of a chance against the more vigorous weeds.

When mowing do not scalp the lawn. If we get a summer like last year it will pay to put up with longer grass Long grass retains moisture.

Feed your lawn to promote stronger roots which will help fight drought.

After applying feed and weed to the lawn scarify to collect the debris. The lawn can then be seeded to fill the gaps.

Keep your pond clear of blanket weed.

When you water do not forget those plants against walls especially in those corners of the garden where you rarely venture. The soil will not get any of the little rain that is forecast for this summer.

If you haven’t already done so clean your paths and patio’s.

Vegetables

Earth up potato shoots as they appear.

If you don’t dally you just have time for some late spuds.

Sow parsley for winter use.

Continue to plant out lettuce, rocket, carrots and onions

Runner beans can also be planted now.

Flower Garden

One from last month but still valid. Summer bulbs in pots will act as space fillers in the flower beds. Just sink the pots in the soil.

New tree’s, shrubs and roses should not be allowed to dry out for about the first year. This will help the plant to establish a strong root system.

Start feeding plants and shrubs if you have not already done so.

Cut flowering Hellebore stems back to base when the flower looks tired. If you want seed s wait for the stems to set seed.

Early flowering shrubs should be pruned when the flowers have finished. In this group are Pyracantha, Forsythia and Chaenomeles

Sow hardy annuals outside this month.

Don’t be tempted to cut spring bulb foliage down too early and don’t tie them or bend them over with an elastic band. They need the maximum amount of light to hit the foliage. This will help to ensure strong growth and healthy flowers next year .

Continue to dead head where necessary.

Greenhouse

Open vents on warm days but don’t forget to close them for the cooler evenings.

Apply shading as the sun gets warmer. This can be fabric or paint.

Don’t forget to water when necessary.

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This Month in The Garden - June [TOP]

General

Keep weeding !!!. With the alternate rain and sun we are having this year the weeds are turbo charged.

When mowing I am keeping the blades a bit high in case the rain dries up. Longer grass will help retain moisture.

A bundle of barley straw will help keep your pond clear of blanket weed.

Aphids are rife at present. Instead of being cavalier with chemicals try spraying infected plants with horticultural soap. Also encourage ladybirds, lacewing and hoverfly. These are the good guys, it is said that an adult ladybird will eat around two hundred aphids a day.

Rosemary beetle are also in abundance in my area. Not only will they strip Rosemary but they will also attack Lavender. The adult is easy to see, just pick them off and dispose of them.

Keep an eye open for the other bad guys’. Where possible use biological, barrier or cultural control methods before resorting to chemicals.

Do not let pots and containers dry out. When planting up new pots and containers use water retaining gel and slow release feed granules. Read the instructions for both the gel and the feed.

Always make sure you have time to pour yourself a very large G&T, find a secluded corner of your garden and sit back and enjoy the results of your hard work.

Vegetables

Earth up potato shoots as they appear. If you do have some potato’s that see the light of day and turn green do not eat them as they will be poisonous.

If you are growing first early potato’s they may be ready at the end of the month.

Continue sowing beetroot, lettuce, carrots and radish

Sow peas early in the month. Runner Beans can also be sown outside.

Flower Garden

One from last month ( and the month before) but still valid. Summer bulbs in pots will act as space fillers in the flower beds. Just sink the pots in the soil.

Continue to dead head where necessary.

Sow biennials such as Sweet William, Wallflowers and Forget me Nots for flowers next year.

Conclude the planting out of bedding plants ( but don’t blame me if you get a severe frost a week later).

Divide congested clumps of Iris and Primulas after flowering.

Keep a weather eye open for suckers growing off the root stock of Roses.

As the spring bulb foliage dies off remove it.

Support any tall plants that are going to get buffeted by the wind. Ideally the stakes should have gone in with the plant so be careful not to damage the root system.

Greenhouse

Open vents on warm days but don’t forget to close them for the cooler evenings.

Apply shading as the sun gets warmer. This can be fabric or paint.

Don’t forget to water when necessary.
On very hot days damp down the floor of the greenhouse to increase the humidity.

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This Month in The Garden - July [TOP]

General

My July tips last year started with a list of things to do to get your garden and veg patch through the drought. As I write this in late June the rain is coming down in stair rods.

Get a grip of the weeds as they will consume nutrients and water that should be going to your treasured blooms and vegetables. Dig out perennial weeds or use a glyphosate based weedkiller. The pack always states the active ingredient. If you hoe on wet days there is more chance the weeds that are not removed will re-root themselves in to the soil.

Do not let new plants dry out.

If you have a pond regularly remove blanket weed and duck weed.

With the continuous sun and rain, I have noticed decks are getting very slippery. Use a power spray to remove moss and other growth.

Vegetables

Keep eyes open for pests and diseases.

Keep sowing salad crops such as lettuce, other salad leaves and radishes. Also sow spring cabbage and turnips

Spray potato and tomato crops to guard against blight.

Don’t forget to protect your soft fruit with netting.

Flower Garden

If you have not already done so cut down the leaves of spring bulbs and dead head Rhododendrons and Camellias (and clear up the mess of old leaves that are lying around).

Deadhead bedding plants and seasonal perennials as required to ensure continuous flowering.

Prune early flowering shrubs to ensure strong growth for next year.

If your Delphiniums and Foxgloves are looking a bit unstable tie them to canes.

Start taking cuttings of Pelargonium’s.

Cut back perennials such as hardy geraniums that have flowered to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Don’t forget to liquid feed plants in pots and containers and don’t let them dry out

If you have clumps of beaded Iris’s now is the time to divide them.

Greenhouse

Increase watering as temperature rises.

Hang yellow sticky traps to control pests.

Use shading to help cool greenhouse.

Use capillary matting to keep your pot plants moist.

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This Month in The Garden - August [TOP]

General

Continue weeding beds and borders

Do not let new plants dry out.

Be vigilant in seeking out pests and diseases and act quickly.

Trim shrubs and hedges, especially those that border public areas such as footpaths.

Pay attention to hanging baskets which will dry out quicker than in the ground.

When watering use water butts and grey water where possible

Remove Duckweed and Blanket weed from ponds. It is a good idea to leave the weed by the side of the pond to dry and to let any wild life escape back into the water.

Vegetables

If you have not already done so, remove side shoots from tomato plants.

Organic slug control methods are available which will help prevent your salad crop from being wiped out.

Continue sowing Lettuce, Rocket, Spinach and Radishes.

Take cuttings of Rosemary.

Flower Garden

Remove Rose suckers. Rip them out as close to the rootstock below ground level as you can get

Prune Wisteria. Remove all new unwanted growth and shorten new long whippy growth. Remember that an uncontrolled Wisteria will damage drainpipes and gutters.

Taking cuttings of Fuchsias, Pelargonium’s and Verbena.

Cut back perennials such as hardy geraniums that have flowered to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Cut back herbaceous plants that have died off.

Lightly trim lavender after flowering but do not cut into the woody parts.

Divide Bearded Iris

Keep Camellias and Rhododendrons well watered to ensure good bud growth for next spring.

Greenhouse

Damp down greenhouse on very hot days

Hang sticky traps to control flying pests.

Use shading now that temperatures are rising.

Use capillary matting to keep your pot plants moist.

Start watering resting Cyclamen.

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This Month in The Garden - September [TOP]

General

Moving towards the end of the main growing season means there are plenty of things to do to prepare for winter and for healthy growth next year.

Many people spend lot’s of money on plant’s but forget the lawn. Start preparing your grass for it’s autumn lawn feed. It will need to be scarified and aerated before applying a lawn feed. Do not use summer lawn feed as it will contain too much nitrogen which will result in weak growth and the grass will be prone to disease in the winter.

Clean and store garden furniture before the bad weather damages them.

Clean patios and decking to prevent them turning into a skid pan when they are wet in the winter.

I’m sure my regular readers have water butts installed already but if you are new to this site do it now !!. Apart from saving tap water, rain water is acidic which is good news if you happen to be an azalea, rhododendron, camellia or any other ericaceous plant.

If your compost bin is full of junk clear it now ready for the leaves.

Keep eyes open for pests and diseases all over your garden and act swiftly to eradicate them.

If you have a meadow area cut and mow it this month.

Vegetables

Dig up potato’s before they become slug lunch.

Pick vegetables as they mature.

Continue to water Squash & Pumpkins.

Take cuttings of Rosemary & Lavender.

Cover Spring Cabbages with horticultural fleece before the birds get them.

Flower Garden

Prune climbing roses when they have finished flowering.

Take cuttings of Ceanothus & Viburnum

At the end of the month you should be able to start moving and planting new shrubs.

Don’t forget to stake tall flowers to stop them getting blown over by the wind.

Continue deadheading to keep colour in the garden.

Take cuttings of Pelargonium and Osteospermum

Sow sweet peas under glass for early flowers next year.

Ponds

Continue to remove blanket weed and duckweed. Leave weed on the side for pond life to crawl back into the water.

Cover ponds with netting to prevent falling leaves from entering. The long term effects of leaves in the pond may harm fish

If you need help to carry out any of the above gardening tasks or any other garden chore just call me on 07707 456 734 or email me. My geographic working area is Wimbledon (SW19), Raynes Park, Morden, Merton Park and surrounding areas.

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This Month in The Garden - October [TOP]

General

Cover your pond with netting to keep leaves and other debris out.

Remove pumps and filters from ponds and water features before the first frost damages them.

Empty and store ceramic and glazed pots for the winter. This also applies to ornamental pots and urns which will be damaged by frost.

Cover or store furniture.

Remove dead leaves from grass and plants. The leaves can then be put in a black bin bag with a few holes in and put out of the way for about a year. You will then have a decent mulch for your borders. If you have room out of the way try building a pen out of old pallets.

Be vigilant in looking for the tell tale signs of Honeyfungus toadstools.

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant Garlic for next year.

Prune cane fruits

Lift and divide Rhubarb crowns

Flower Garden

Move tender plants under cover.

If you have not already done so, it is time to plant spring bulbs and spring bedding plants such as Myosotis (forget-me-not) and Wallflowers.

Cut back perennials that have died off. Leave the dead mopheads on Hydrangeas as apart from looking good when they are frosty they also protect new buds from frost.

Divide and thin congested perennials.

Prune Climbing and Bush Roses to prevent root rock during high winds.

Gladioli and Dahlia bulb and tubers should be lifted, dried and stored in a cool dark place. Having said that I have been cutting down my Dahlias after the frost has blackend them and left the tubers in the ground. Given the mild winters we have had in the south they have survived and flowered the following year. I also mulch over the tuber to give it some protection.

The garden centres’ are full of Heathers’ and Skimmia. Skimmia is a plant with year round interest.

If you have any deep pots and containers that will not be damaged by frost, try planting layers of bulbs such as snowdrops, crocuses, daffs and tulips. You will need to feed them as so many bulbs will drain the compost of nutrients but you will have flowers from Jan/Feb to early Summer

Greenhouse

Close greenhouse vents but open them on warm days.

Check that your heater is in good working order.

If you reduce your greenhouse activity during the winter now is the time to clean and disinfect.

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This Month in The Garden - November [TOP]

General

With frosts and falling leaves only just hitting the gardens I think the first four points from last month are still valid so I have reproduced them.

Cover your pond with netting to keep leaves and other debris out.

Remove pumps and filters from ponds and water features before the first frost damages them.

Empty and store ceramic and glazed pots for the winter. This also applies to ornamental pots and urns which will be damaged by frost.

Paint sheds and fences that are in need of protection.

If you can store your garden furniture, do so. If not make sure it is well protected by a cover or wood preservative.

If you have finished mowing for this year put the mower in for service to beat the spring delays. Having said that I am still cutting grass with the weather being so mild in the South East.

If you are digging beds and borders just fork it over and let the frost break it up. It is better for the soil and easier on your back!!!. Don’t forget the manure.

If you have not planted Spring bulbs, time is passing fast. At least buy them now as Garden Centre stocks are getting very low.

If you have thick frosts stay off the grass .The grass will be brittle and damage easily.

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant garlic for next year.

Sow hardy varieties of Broad Beans under cover

Flower Garden

Now is a good time to plant bare rooted shrubs and roses. The soil is still warm which will enable the root system to bed in before the growing season starts.

This is also the time to move any shrubs or plants that for whatever reason are now in the wrong place. Ensure the hole has plenty of organic material / farmyard manure that is suitable for the plant.

Cut down plants that have been zapped by the frosts and clean up your flower beds. Also clear those dead baskets and containers that have been hanging around since the drought.

Divide late flowering perennials that have now died back

Greenhouse

Attack the greenhouse and chuck out the rubbish and anything that should not be there. Remember it is a place for growing things and not a warehouse.

Check that your heater is in good working order.

If you reduce your greenhouse activity during the winter now is the time to clean and disinfect.

Clean the glass to let in as much light as possible during the next few dark months.

Dig over and feed the borders.

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This Month in The Garden - December [TOP]

Yes, I know Christmas is just around the corner but there is still plenty of work to do in the garden. A few glasses of mulled wine and you won’t care that the temperature is starting to drop.

General

The leaves are still coming down. Don’t let them rot down on grass, beds and borders. Over wintering pests and diseases seek sanctuary among rotting leaves and will be ready to attack your plants in the spring. Roses in particular are vulnerable.

Continue to paint fences and sheds.

Make sure you have cleaned your tools before stowing them for the festivities and winter. Whilst you are in the shed how about giving it a good clear out?

Generally tidy up the garden, disposing of any rubbish that has been hanging around.

Clean patios and paths to stop them becoming slippery.

If you have finished mowing get the mower in for a service to beat the spring rush.

Avoid walking on very wet or frozen grass.

Dig over empty beds and borders. Apply and dig in loads of manure or compost. If the soil is too heavy try and dig it over and leave the mulch on top, the rain and worms will then do their bit.

Mulch flower beds but remove perennial weeds first.

Don’t forget to lag outside taps and pipes.

If your lawn is still growing and it is not wet, mow it but lift the blades to about 5cm (2’’ in old money). Don’t mow frozen grass or if a frost is expected.

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant garlic for next year if you have not already done so. Otherwise wait until early spring.

Flower Garden

Now is a good time to plant bare rooted shrubs and roses. The soil is still reasonably warm which will enable the root system to bed in before the growing season starts.

Cut down plants that have been zapped by the frosts and clean up your flower beds.

Divide late flowering perennials that have now died back.

Cut back any perennial’s that do not look attractive ‘in winter mode’

Check tree stakes to make sure they are effective. Loosen them if they are too tight but make sure the tree does not rock on it’s roots during strong winds.

There is still time to take hardwood cuttings of Forsythia and Cornus (Dogwood)

Greenhouse

Check that your heater is in good working order.

If you reduce your greenhouse activity during the winter now is the time to clean and disinfect.

Clean the glass to let in as much light as possible during the next few dark months.

Reduce watering.

If you do not have a heater or want to preserve the heat, bubblewrap makes a good insulator.

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