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Overcoming a late start! 🙈

LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
in The potting shed
So, a combination of travel, too much work and miserable weather have meant I haven’t got out into the garden until this weekend!

 Although I know I’m little behind, I’ve started sowing seeds and have also cut back all of last years growth.

 Is it too late to mulch all my beds with mpc? There are a lot of self seeders popping up (mostly the Nigella) and I’m worried I’ll kill then ask off if I bury them in MPC!

 What other jobs should I prioritise? Am I too late to start dividing perennials for example?

 Many thanks in advance!
I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It won't be a problem doing some mulching. Nigellas often manage quite well, but if you do a light cover, they'll be fine, and you can always add more mulch later on when plants are through and you can do it around them. I often add bits and pieces of mulch depending on the area, and what I have to hand that will be useful.
    If you have plants which are growing really well then you can certainly divide them - I don't have any that are far enough on for that yet , but yours might well be doing better if your conditions are more favourable.  If in doubt, wait a few weeks, it's only the beginning of April   :)

    Other than that - survey your estate with a cuppa, and see what other plans you can think up to keep you busy  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    Ok, anxiety levels have reduced slightly having read that. 😊

    Thanks @Fairygirl
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I do the same -mulch around the self-seeders as and when I can. If we're lucky enough to get some decent rain after the forget-me-nots go over, that's a good time for me (pull up FGMs, mulch where they were, shake the old plants where I want them next year)
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    That's a great tip, thanks @JennyJ

    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    It's far better to do the gardening that is useful in the weather you get than to do things because you're 'supposed to' at some time and the conditions don't suit. Now is a good time to mulch if you've had weather like ours has been - the ground has had a thorough soaking and with the sun on it now will have some warmth in it, so mulching will keep the moisture and warmth in - perfect. Had you done it a month ago, it would have been going down on dry ground, which is not a good idea.

    You can transplant some seedings if you're concerned, but I usually find if they're under the mulch they come up through it. That includes the weeds 
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • LatimerLatimer Posts: 1,068
    You're absolutely right about that @raisingirl, I hadn't really considered the trapped moisture!

    I guess with regards to stuff I should have done, I'm thinking more of sowing seeds earlier. Even then, I don't have the space to do it indoors and only a couple of the plastic "greenhouses" in the garden so it might not have helped much doing them earlier anyway
    I’ve no idea what I’m doing. 
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