Check trays and saucers after a while and remove surplus water.
When your plants have been potted on for the last time this season (check your show schedule to ensure your intended show plants are indeed in the correct size pots) they will need
supplementary feeding as normal potting compost only contains enough food for 3 to 6 weeks. Remember that, depending on which brand you use, especially the cheaper multi-purpose composts don't contain much by way of nourishment, though other composts might on the other hand contain slow-release fertiliser and sustain growth for a much longer period.
Late Spring/early Summer can still be a tricky time as far as the weather is concerned. The sunshine can be very strong and raise day time temperatures dramatically, especially in a small greenhouse, however in contrast we usually also still experience very cold nights around this time. So, having brought out your plants from their winter dormancy
keep a good eye on the weather forecasts and take protective measures when late frosts are forecast so you don't loose your plants now. (Aren't I lucky that my son is a weather forecaster who understands how much damage late frosts can do to young cuttings and seedlings and dutifully rings his mum to tip her off!!). CD

Fuchsias really do like a spell outside during the summer months
Ideally you select a quite sheltered area, preferably in dappled shade. If your situation is somewhat exposed make sure you use heavy clay pots or secure your plastic pots so your plants don't blow over.

Here in Scarborough we can still get frost at the end of May and the beginning June, but it is a good idea to hang your hanging baskets out on fine days to gradually get them  acclimatised to the harsher outdoor conditions.

After the great success of the Lincoln 2000 Show preparations are already being made for next year's event, with another exciting venue about to be booked. Watch this space as they say!
The Askham Bryan plant sale had to be cancelled due to the restrictions because of the foot and mouth outbreak, but the fund raising plant sale in the
Floral Hall in Hornsea on Sunday 13th May, 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., is going ahead as planned. 
We hope to see plenty of Scarborough Society members in support. Should make a nice day out  - see you there!

Ûback to index Ûprevious page Ünext page