Pruning autumn-cropping raspberries is now possible
But be careful – do not cut down on summer croppers. They have produced canes that were already in the ground this summer.
By now they will have reached maturity and are dormant. They will grow again in spring and flower once more during the summer, then bear fruits from June to July.
Spent canes will usually be cut in the late summer after being cropped.
Primocane (or autumn raspberries) is a name for virgin canes that produce the fruits. These fruits are harvested directly from the ground in spring.
Nigel Colborn states that it is time to trim any fall-cropping raspberries. However, be mindful not to overcut summer croppers.
From summer’s last days to autumn, they bear fruit. You might even find them carrying delicious raspberries through October.
All canes, including the young ones, should be cut at ground level to ensure a great autumn crop. This year, shoots will bring forth the new crop.
Fall raspberries have a richer, deeper flavour than their summer counterparts. You still have time to get the canes, if you wish to grow them.
Autumn Bliss has large, delicious crimson fruits. All Gold is a yellow-fruited, tasty variety.
You should order raspberry canes only from trusted suppliers.
POTY FOR POTATOES
Nigel, a garden expert says that potatoes should be bought now in order to get the “first early” varieties.
Get your potatoes now to ensure you get the best varieties for home-grown potatoes.
You shouldn’t reuse old tubers. Order certified seed tubers that have been grown in disease-free conditions online, or at local garden centers.
You can’t plant seeds potatoes outdoors before March. You can still set the seed tubers for chitting outside, provided they are not frozen.
PREPARE FOR SOWING YEAR
Clean up seeds you have collected from your garden in the fall or summer to ease sowing.
Take out the pods and dried seeds heads, shake them off and then gently blow any chaff away. Store in dry envelopes.
A heated greenhouse allows you to sow whenever and wherever you wish. Hardy annuals may be sown outside as early as March.
To make sowing more easy during the sowing season, clean any seeds that you collected in your garden.
QUESTION FOR READER
Last summer, I received a potted canna. It grew to be tall and had large dark green leaves. In October, I transferred it to the greenhouse. How can I get it started up over again?
Mrs A. Young, via email.
It can be kept in the greenhouse until then. Cut the tops that are wilted from mid- to late March. Turn it upside down.
It can be divided if the plant has become too large. Then replant the parts that you have divided. You can repot your plant in a bigger container if it is still too small. The roots should be kept moist but not saturated. Planting outside is not recommended until May.
Nigel Colborn’s plant of choice is Galanthus ‘Diggory’
Cannas can be thirsty, and they will even thrive as marginal pond plants. Once your divisions start growing, make sure they are well-watered. You can move them outside in the spring, but make sure they are protected from the elements. Regularly feed your plants to encourage lush, early growth.
PLANT OF THE WEEK – GALANTHUS, ‘DIGGORY’
Diggory was the name I chose for my most recent snowdrop, although Tubby may have been better. The flower looks stunning when closed.
Even mini-dimples can be found in the petals.
Galanthus Diggory, which was discovered in Norfolk, has broadish, glaucous, and early-flowering leaves. Galanthus plicatus Diggory is a great companion for snowdrops. It blends well among winter aconites and early crocuses as well as hellebores.
It is possible to plant dry bulbs from autumn and plants that are ‘in-the green’ in winter. It is expensive to buy sought-after snowdrops.
Diggory is a strong variety and can quickly multiply, providing a beautiful show in winter.
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