Colin Evans

Pear tree orchard

 I always cut the lawn when the grass is dry as the lawn will not only look better but can cope with all the weeds that will appear next spring.

Sweet Peas may seem like the sort of plant to forget about until the spring but you can sow the seed now if you have a sheltered spot in the garden or in an unheated greenhouse.

Apples

TOPICAL TIPS:

1. Mulch over areas where spring and summer bulbs are planted to keep the hard winter frosts from damaging the new underground shoots.
   
2. Apple and pear trees can be given a pruning when the days are dry and it's not wet underfoot. Always give the tree a good look up and down before making any cuts as once wood is removed you can't stick it back again and the shape of a lovely tree can be ruined for years.
   
3. Brassica plants like cabbage, cauliflower and kale can now be planted if you have not already done so. The key is to have dug the ground well and worked in well rotted compost. Once planted, feed the soil with sulphate of potash to aid good root growth and once the plants begin to put on plenty of foliage, feed with nitrogen.