So, it’s that time of year again.
The buds are bursting on the trees, the shoots are emerging from the soil and new growth inspires the promise of a new season of lush growth and bright blooms.
I have begun to clear back last year's growth from the perennial beds and uncover the fresh shoots that will host this year’s flowers. So now that the gardens are beginning to take shape again, it’s time I start thinking about my fertilisation and garden feed for the year ahead.
Last year I used a lot of nettle tea in the gardens. I mean a LOT! Over 100 litres of concentrate were distributed throughout the gardens.
This natural fertiliser is great for developing lush foliage. It is a good choice for leafy plants and grasses or heavy feeders such as roses. (Well, that’s what I use it for at least!) You can store your nettle tea for up to six months so I will be using last season's brew to tide us over until I have time to get out and mix another batch.
Rhubarb spray is another thing I will be brewing up shortly. This is great for pest control. Keeps the greenfly at bay without causing harm to our precious pollinators. In particular, the rose garden is a space that receives a shower of this natural insecticide on a weekly basis.
A large batch of Willow Water will also be taking priority for my natural garden treatments this year. I love this natural rooting hormone to use with all my propagation.
Maybe I shouldn’t be sharing my secrets to success so willingly… but… every time I take a cutting, I will give them a watering of this rooting solution which has increased my success rate amazingly. Young Willow shoots are best for this rooting liquid so now is prime opportunity to make your own willow water for the season ahead.
I also plan to experiment with some new mysterious potions this year with the main focus on soil health in the gardens.
Lactic Acid Bacteria is at the top of my experiment list. This is made using rice and milk which creates a beneficial bacterium that I will then use in the gardens.
This potion claims to be able to greatly improve your soil and root zone from the surface, so I figure it’s worth a shot! Apparently, it does smell pretty bad though so I will be updating you on my endeavors with this one.
Eggshells are another thing I will be testing. The calcium carbonate in eggshells helps to strengthen a plant’s roots so it can grow faster and stronger.
I have been scattering the eggshells in the garden for the past few years but this year I will have a more targeted approach. Rather than simply crushing and scattering the eggshell I will be brewing up a concentrate. Again, I will keep you updated on how this potion performs.
What natural garden remedies are you going to try this year or already use? Let me know in the comments below!
