Weekend Work: Time to protect against slugs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What to do
New spears of hosta are well above ground and need protection against slugs. Polyanthus is also getting chewed. Between slugs and sparrows they have a hard time.
Thin out flowering shoots of mophead hydrangeas, cutting a few of the scraggier stems out at ground level.
Plant potatoes of the "first early" kind, provided they have already produced good sprouts. In a decorative potager, the first-early 'Red Duke of York' produces handsome foliage deeply suffused with purple.
Tired box hedges can be boosted with a dressing of fertiliser. Use roughly two ounces for every metre of hedge. If box hedges have got hideously leggy, try cutting them back hard. Feed when they show signs of resprouting. They may not.
Continue to sow seed of tomatoes and basil, natural companions. In the past, I have enjoyed 'Golden Cherry' (Marshalls £2.65) which produces wonderfully flavoured yellow cherry tomatoes. Order on 01480 443390 or at marshalls-seeds.co.uk.
What to see
At London's Garden Museum, writer and radio producer Tim Dee asks "What are 'natural' landscapes?", and is "rewilding" just gardening by another name? Wednesday's talk is at 7pm. For tickets (£15) call 020-7401 8865 or see gardenmuseum.eventbrite.com.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments