Although January is often the coldest winter month, the days become longer, and the garden begins to “work”. This is the ideal time to plan your garden for the coming year and buy seeds and plants. Check that your winter protection is still working after bad weather.
January works in the garden – Pruning of apples and pears
Pruning fruit trees at the right time of the year can help you increase fertility, so it doesn’t matter whether you prune the orchard in autumn, winter or spring.
First, it should be noted that turn off in general a good period for fruit pruning. The tree then rests, it is without leaves, flowers and fruits. This means that it is easy to see the structure of the crown and it is easier to make a decision about which cuts to make.
Avoid MISTAKES in pruning fruit trees: When is the BEST TIME to prune
Tips for pruning apples and pears
- How much should I prune?
The goal is to remove between 10-20% of the total canopy in one winter. Work evenly around the tree and keep an eye on the pile of removed branches – if it looks too big, STOP!
A little warning: The more you prune, the stronger the growth (if the tree is healthy). If you prune too much, your tree will likely produce strong upright branches called water shoots. This is not ideal because they hoard the crown. Water shoots grow in a suitable place – e.g. gap filling – can be pruned back by about a third to encourage branching. Otherwise, remove the water shoots.
2. What do you need to achieve?
You are trying to achieve a healthier and more productive tree. You do this by removing a section of old branches each winter to encourage new branch growth. Also, it is important that your tree is relatively young (from one to four years).
Another goal is to create an open center in the crown of the tree, which allows more light for fruit growth and better air circulation, thus reducing the possibility of disease.
3. Avoid “haircuts”
Cleaning and preparing the greenhouse for spring
Cleaning greenhouses, whether glass or plastic, significantly improves the conditions for plant growth. By removing algae, moss and dirt, more light is allowed in, which helps plants grow, and also contributes to better pest and disease control.
Tips for cleaning
- Remove plants and equipment from the greenhouse. Move the plants to a sheltered spot, such as the wall of the house, and cover them with biodegradable fleece during cold days or move them indoors. Compost any dead or unwanted plants. Take out pots, propagators and other equipment until the greenhouse is completely empty.
2. Clean debris using a small, stiff brush to remove soil and debris from the greenhouse frame, making sure to clean corners and crevices as well.
Then use a long-handled brush (or rake) to pick up leaves, bits of twine, and other debris from the floor. You can add green waste to your home compost or green waste recycling bin.
3. Make it easier to remove trapped dirt by using a flexible scraper to clean dirt and moss between the glass panels. Then, use a brush to remove moss and larger pieces of dirt from the edges and corners of the glass before you start washing.
4. Clean the greenhouse gutters by wearing rubber gloves and removing leaves, moss and other debris that has accumulated. Check for blockages at the top of the downpipes and clean them using a wire hanger.
Wash off the remaining dirt with a hose or watering can, and transfer the water to a bucket for use in the garden.
Practical tips: How to properly disinfect a greenhouse?
5. Clean the glass using warm water and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the inside and outside of the glass. Avoid using scourers or wire brushes, as they can scratch the glass.
6. Clean the greenhouse floor using warm water and a stiff brush, especially if the floor is concrete or tiled. Leave the doors and vents open to allow the greenhouse to dry quickly.
7. Use this opportunity to replace broken or cracked glass, as well as to oil joints and ventilation mechanisms.
8. Clean the substrate and equipment before returning them to the greenhouse. Clean the substrate with a stiff brush and warm water, paying special attention to the underside and the gaps between the slats. Propagation equipment and pots should be cleaned in warm, soapy water.
Ready for action in the garden? Don’t wait for spring unprepared!
Source: RHS
Source: www.agromedia.rs
