I was recently advised not to clean up your garden until after temperatures are constantly above 10C / 50F degrees. Many butterflies, bees and other pollinators are currently overwintering in the dead leaves and hollowed out stems of last years plants. If you clean up your garden before this you will be literally throwing away this years butterflies, bees and beneficial pollinators.
Meanwhile there are many other jobs that can be done in the garden such as, re varnishing garden fences, decking and sheds which protects the wood from both the rain and sun. If the fencing is cared for each year the maintenance becomes easier, not allowing the fence to deteriorate to a stage of complete repair.
BEFORE / AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Any garden furniture can be cleaned/painted ready for fresh morning coffee in the sunshine, taking a break from working outside. Add a pretty table cloth and a vase of spring flowers to brighten up your brunch/lunch or afternoon tea.
Refresh the composting soil in any window boxes ready for planting; remember to check the box lining and replace if needed. Agitate the soil in plant pots and 'top up' with fresh compost or repot if needed. Cats find pots and planters particularly attractive for toileting in. We cover them with a plank of wood before planting, then add fir cones to cover any soil once planted.
Care for any potted herbs in the same way. Unfortunately my basil was killed by the week of frost so I have made a note to bring these indoors next year to keep them alive.
We are still happily harvesting grapefruit and lemons. There are a few branches on the citrus trees that I want to cut (those that are near to the house, close to the ground and shoots that are crossing through the tree) but I was warned by my Greek neighbour not to cut these whist we still have some cold spells, another few weeks should be fine.
I have weeded all the vegetable beds and dug deep, turning them over ready for planting. I had composted the soil well with goat manure in the autumn. Potatoes do not like to be over manured and I have chosen a different bed than that used for the winter potatoes. Start 'chitting' the potatoes now, as its time to plant spring potatoes as soon as there is no chance of a frost.
Any onions or garlic that were planted in the autumn should now be weeded around each bulb and the soil between agitated and loosened a little.
Make your own garden labels for seed beds, bulbs or the herb garden. I used the slats from an old window shutter. Saw one end to a point. Paint with oil based paint and use a permanent white marker pen. Great to give as a gift also.
Start collecting egg shells. Wash and crush them and store in a jar. Use them later when planting certain vegetables to enrich the soil with calcium and to deter slugs.
Don't forget to wash your house windows inside and out so you can keep an eye on your garden progress and look out for the next spring update on Greek Country Living.
HAPPY GARDENING !
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