Sowing sweet peas (autumn sowing in pots or peat blocks preference for early shows). Seeds sown this month, the moderate heat of a greenhouse until germination occurs.
Some varieties are hard skinned: soak it overnight before sowing and light skin scratches on the other side of the eye before planting.
Michaelmas daisies and similar characters are found offenders and should be kept in place. The strong growth outside must be maintained and the weary heart discarded later. If fine spikes are sought for exhibition, the number of stems may develop from a rhizome strictly limited.
A lily of the valley bed can be started in semi-shade, and leaf-shape will be appreciated.
Tired of the freesias? They will enjoy a mild liquid diet or a light top-dressing.
Dig in - Draw up a bed for the hardy chrysanthemums.
Some mice, not all, have a nasty way of harmful strains of trees and shrubs and can be kept away by rubbing sticks with a strong smelling carbolic soap, or bitumen tree dressing.
Mistletoe gets a huge boost at Christmas time and gardeners are encouraged to grow. This semi-parasite grows often, but not always in the apple tree.
It is important to let the seeds ripen in bay until the end of February. A berry forest outside can be hung against a sheltered wall until the seed is ripe, or a berry-bearing twig in a vase with water can be placed in a sunny window to ripen.
Although Apple is the first choice mistletoe (much will depend on the host where the berry comes), this will grow into a hawthorn, poplar, linden and oak. A relatively young branch, out of sight of the birds, should be selected, and a cut is made in the bottom of the branch. The berry must then be pressed into the incision, the pulp must be sticky to the seed in place.
It can take two or three years before the mistletoe grows well. A sheltered position increases the chances of success.
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