13 May 2025
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Bob explains how to get set for the growing season ahead.
I do n’t know about you but I kind of let things get a spot cluttered , there is a place for every tool , it ’s just they ’re all in a pile by the room access . So now ’s a near fourth dimension to sort and tidy up -rather than searching for something in affright mood when desperate to get hold up in spring .
Get dick oiled and sharpened
Whilst screen tools give wooden handles a wipe over with an oily tatter . I apply old fry oil , it ’s tolerant to hand and wood ( and stand for I can locate my puppet in the darkness by their slight odour of chips ) . Also , sharpen all their boundary , not just your hoe , tongue and secateurs but also your spade and trowel as that ’ll make for easier workplace .
you may sharpen speedily enough with a data file or carborundum Harlan F. Stone ( cucumber shaped , originally made for point scythes , still sold and really handy ) though if you have many tools and they ’ve acquire very blunt maybe recover a supporter with an electric angle grinder or exchangeable . similarly sharpen or get sharpened the blades on your lawnmower ready for that first cutting , this used to come in March or April but now may come originally so be ready .
transfer vexing slug and snail from smoke and trays
Next there are the sundry containers to sort , and to wash off clean if you want though I rarely annoy unless they ’re going ‘ on show ’ . True , washables might rid some over - wintering pestilence , though I suspect that was more a problem in the daylight of earthenware pot and wooden seed trays . Even so keep an middle out as you tidy for slugs and snail and so on as these often hide inside slews of pots and tray .
Likewise check your propagator and frame if you have one , and any over - wintering plants , it ’s awing how many mollusk can be found underneath and behind industrial plant in pots . Next carry on your mollusc hunt looking through lay in yield and vegetables , compost any git and litigate any move over before they deteriorate further .
plan what to farm
Of course all your seed packet are sustain in a mouse proof box or tin ? If not best find out one . Then go through your seeds notice those you involve to purchase , do so quickly asunder cover we can start sow in tomatoes , cucumbers , leeks and onions the end of this month , sweet & chilli peppers , aubergines soon after . It ’s also get belated to order your potato exercise set as the most popular often hightail it out , as well onion Set . bribe fresh sowing compost , ideally keep this secret to facilitate it warm up quick for planting into . Finally , on a gracious placid evening why not drop time writing out labels , and keep these with their seed packets , quick and raring to go .
you may find oneself out more about Bob via his websitewww.bobflowerdew.comand what ’s happening in his garden via Twitter ( now X ) @FlowerdewBob
