Shirley Brohan from Blossoms on the Go provides the final tip for April.
Many people want to grow their own fruit or veg plants and only have a limited space so one of the easiest fruits to start with are the strawberry plant.
They are a lovely delicious and nutritious fruit. They can be grown in any type of container a hanging basket is idea as the fruit can overhang. Using well drained soil, put them where they can get plenty of sunlight. Keep them moist but not waterlogged, when the strawberries turn red its time to harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
If it’s vegetables that you would prefer to try lettuce is one of relatively easy to try and it does not require much space. Start by choosing which one you want to try, the mix lettuce leaf can give you a bit of everything. If you have space in the garden, lettuce prefers a partial shade spot and sun in the morning, they are also ideal for containers like window boxes.
Lettuce grows in well drained soil. If planting seeds, sow in rows and thinly cover with a thin layer of soil. If using seedling, transplant them into your container giving them enough space between each one. Once they have reached the desired size you can start picking off the leaves individually and enjoy in your salad.
One of the most show stopping flowers in any garden during the summer is the Dahlia, they come in a large variety of colours sizes and the flower heads are different shapes. They are super easy to grow also so when choosing the one you would like, consider factors like bloom size, plant height, and flower colour. Dahlia thrive in full sun and like well-drained soil and you can get great results by adding manure like chicken pellets or farmayard manure to the bed. It can be a good idea to start the bulbs in pots, this can give the plant a good start and in case of frost they can be protected inside. If you plant outside, use an extra layer of mulch and cover with fleece if at risk of frost.
When planting Dahlia plant 6-8 inches deep and cover with soil, leaving 2 inches above the tuber. Keep the soil moist and continue to water throughout the growing season. Water at the base is best. Tall Dahlia may need staking as they grow and they would also benefit from regular feeding through the season.
I hope ye are all enjoying the garden and if there are any questions please contact us at Blossoms On The Go.