Tasks for September
Allow standards to ripen out of doors so that they can over-winter in a semi-dormant state. Less feed is required at this time of year.
Pests are at their worst, so keep up the spraying programme.
This is strangely enough the month when fuchsia’s sometimes look at their best, they seem to revel in the early morning dews that come at this time of the year. When you consider that most of them originate from the cloud forests of Central and South America this time of the year must seem just like being at home. Continue to feed and they will reward you with an abundance of blooms for a few more weeks. This is also the time of the year to start looking for the dreaded Vine Weevil. If any of your plants don’t seem to be doing too well; droopy although watered and fed, knock the plant out of its pot and examine the root system. If the white feeding roots are missing scrape away the compost to see if any Vine Weevil grubs (white crescent shaped maggots with brown heads) are present. If they are, remove the compost and discard in the dustbin (not onto the garden), wash roots and re-pot the plant. Destroy the grubs.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Thursday, 19 August 2010
August - Fuchsia Year
Tasks for August
Fuchsias planted in the garden need plenty of water and will benefit from a mulch around the roots to prevent moisture loss and overheating. Deadhead regularly and continue to spray against pests. To keep continuous flowering you will need to ‘dead head’ your plants regularly. This means not only removing any dead or fading blooms, but also any seed pods on the plant.
Keep a sharp look-out for rust when it is very warm and damp; this is when you are likely to get an outbreak. If you find red or brownish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces and bright yellowish or orange pustules on the lower leaf surfaces then you have got rust. Remove and burn all affected leaves and defoliate plants in severe attacks.
Plants and soil should be sprayed with a suitable fungicide, depending on those that are available, following the manufacturers guidelines. Keep watering well, even on rainy days, and feed regularly with a balanced plant food such as Miracle-Gro. Take notes of plants and how well they perform in various locations.
Fuchsias planted in the garden need plenty of water and will benefit from a mulch around the roots to prevent moisture loss and overheating. Deadhead regularly and continue to spray against pests. To keep continuous flowering you will need to ‘dead head’ your plants regularly. This means not only removing any dead or fading blooms, but also any seed pods on the plant.
Keep a sharp look-out for rust when it is very warm and damp; this is when you are likely to get an outbreak. If you find red or brownish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces and bright yellowish or orange pustules on the lower leaf surfaces then you have got rust. Remove and burn all affected leaves and defoliate plants in severe attacks.
Plants and soil should be sprayed with a suitable fungicide, depending on those that are available, following the manufacturers guidelines. Keep watering well, even on rainy days, and feed regularly with a balanced plant food such as Miracle-Gro. Take notes of plants and how well they perform in various locations.
Monday, 19 July 2010
JULY - Fuchsia Year
Fuchsia Tasks for July
Ventilate the greenhouse as much as possible or stand pots out-of-doors during the daytime. Dappled sunshine is most suitable.
Take more cuttings for next year’s plants and keep them nipped and flowerless.
Spray and feed regularly.
Visit shows and nurseries and take notes of any new varieties you may wish to try yourself.
By now all of your plants should be in their final growing positions, whether in pots or baskets, and well on their way to flowering.
In fact many early flowering varieties will no doubt be in full bloom. Some like ‘Macchu Picchu’, ‘Pink Rain’ and ‘Mien Kuypers’ are hard to stop flowering. Careful attention now needs to be given to watering. Test your plants before you water, as over-watering will do more damage than letting them go a bit dry. Over-watered plants, once they reach the wilting stage, rarely recover whereas plants that have wilted through under watering will be as good as new after a couple of days of tender loving care. So, if you find your plants looking sorry for themselves, feel the pot, if the compost feels wet do not give any more water until they have fully dried out. Remove dry plants to a shaded area, water and mist leaves. Continue to check for pests and diseases.
Ventilate the greenhouse as much as possible or stand pots out-of-doors during the daytime. Dappled sunshine is most suitable.
Take more cuttings for next year’s plants and keep them nipped and flowerless.
Spray and feed regularly.
Visit shows and nurseries and take notes of any new varieties you may wish to try yourself.
By now all of your plants should be in their final growing positions, whether in pots or baskets, and well on their way to flowering.
In fact many early flowering varieties will no doubt be in full bloom. Some like ‘Macchu Picchu’, ‘Pink Rain’ and ‘Mien Kuypers’ are hard to stop flowering. Careful attention now needs to be given to watering. Test your plants before you water, as over-watering will do more damage than letting them go a bit dry. Over-watered plants, once they reach the wilting stage, rarely recover whereas plants that have wilted through under watering will be as good as new after a couple of days of tender loving care. So, if you find your plants looking sorry for themselves, feel the pot, if the compost feels wet do not give any more water until they have fully dried out. Remove dry plants to a shaded area, water and mist leaves. Continue to check for pests and diseases.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
June - Fuchsia Year
Tasks for June
Plant fuchsias out-of-doors from second week onwards. Keep them well-watered and fed. Plant in groups of three, five or seven for maximum impact.
Cuttings for next year’s show or specimen plants can be taken this month.
Now all of your plants should be in the garden growing away steadily.
Pests are also abundant and at the first sign of an infestation you should spray with a systemic insecticide, or soft soap if you prefer not to use chemicals.
Now is the time to plant hardy varieties in the garden - they are only considered hardy if they are planted in the ground. Make sure that the plant is a good size with a well established root system. Plant the fuchsia three to four inches deeper than the level of the pot it was in and water in well. some growers recommend that you do not allow the plant to flower in its first year, thus allowing it to produce a good root ball. continue to water and feed regularly. Check all plants for any signs of pests or diseases and spray as necessary. Remember to remove faded blooms, and the seed pods, for continuous flowering.
Plant fuchsias out-of-doors from second week onwards. Keep them well-watered and fed. Plant in groups of three, five or seven for maximum impact.
Cuttings for next year’s show or specimen plants can be taken this month.
Now all of your plants should be in the garden growing away steadily.
Pests are also abundant and at the first sign of an infestation you should spray with a systemic insecticide, or soft soap if you prefer not to use chemicals.
Now is the time to plant hardy varieties in the garden - they are only considered hardy if they are planted in the ground. Make sure that the plant is a good size with a well established root system. Plant the fuchsia three to four inches deeper than the level of the pot it was in and water in well. some growers recommend that you do not allow the plant to flower in its first year, thus allowing it to produce a good root ball. continue to water and feed regularly. Check all plants for any signs of pests or diseases and spray as necessary. Remember to remove faded blooms, and the seed pods, for continuous flowering.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
May - Fuchsia Year
Tasks for May
Fuchsias will be growing strongly this month.
Cuttings and new stock can be acquired. Spray against pests. Feed plants and pinch out growing tips for bushy growth. Greenhouses need some form of shading this month and plants should be turned regularly to promote even growth. Take precautions against any late frosts.
Now is the time to acclimatise your plants to their life outside. Bring them out of the greenhouse, or where ever you have been keeping them for the winter whenever possible. If the weather is reasonable leave them out for longer periods, but be careful if there is a cold spell, some varieties will burn if they get too cold. Marinka is a good example of this happening. Towards the end of the month it should be warm enough for you to leave them outside permanently. Plants in pots or baskets will need to be watered every day, even if it has rained. Heavy rain will not water them. Feed either with quarter strength daily, or full strength once a week, with Miracle-Gro. Now more than ever check plants for pests and spray accordingly, using the manufacturers guidelines.
Fuchsias will be growing strongly this month.
Cuttings and new stock can be acquired. Spray against pests. Feed plants and pinch out growing tips for bushy growth. Greenhouses need some form of shading this month and plants should be turned regularly to promote even growth. Take precautions against any late frosts.
Now is the time to acclimatise your plants to their life outside. Bring them out of the greenhouse, or where ever you have been keeping them for the winter whenever possible. If the weather is reasonable leave them out for longer periods, but be careful if there is a cold spell, some varieties will burn if they get too cold. Marinka is a good example of this happening. Towards the end of the month it should be warm enough for you to leave them outside permanently. Plants in pots or baskets will need to be watered every day, even if it has rained. Heavy rain will not water them. Feed either with quarter strength daily, or full strength once a week, with Miracle-Gro. Now more than ever check plants for pests and spray accordingly, using the manufacturers guidelines.
Monday, 19 April 2010
April - Fuchsia Year
Tasks for April
Prune over-wintered, dormant plants, removing dead and crossing branches. S
pray stems and water roots. When new growth appears, some compost can be teased from the roots and the plant re-potted into a smaller pot. This enables new compost to be introduced later.
Plants should now be in full leaf, if not test to see if they are alive by running your thumbnail down the stem. If the wood is green underneath the plant is still alive, if brown or black then the plant is dead.
Check pots and roots to see if they need re-potting into a larger size. Pinch out the growing tips at every third leaf node to make the plant bush out. Keep plants watered, moist but not wet, and give as much light as possible. Place plants outside during the day but bring them back in at night. Continue taking cuttings and make up hanging baskets. You will need at least five plants for a 12” basket and nine for a 16” basket. Try to keep the same varieties in one basket for even growth. Check plants regularly for pests such as Aphids.
Prune over-wintered, dormant plants, removing dead and crossing branches. S
pray stems and water roots. When new growth appears, some compost can be teased from the roots and the plant re-potted into a smaller pot. This enables new compost to be introduced later.
Plants should now be in full leaf, if not test to see if they are alive by running your thumbnail down the stem. If the wood is green underneath the plant is still alive, if brown or black then the plant is dead.
Check pots and roots to see if they need re-potting into a larger size. Pinch out the growing tips at every third leaf node to make the plant bush out. Keep plants watered, moist but not wet, and give as much light as possible. Place plants outside during the day but bring them back in at night. Continue taking cuttings and make up hanging baskets. You will need at least five plants for a 12” basket and nine for a 16” basket. Try to keep the same varieties in one basket for even growth. Check plants regularly for pests such as Aphids.
Friday, 19 March 2010
March - Fuchsia Year
Tasks for March
Fuchsia cuttings that are required for standards should be staked at an early stage and the stems tied in. All side shoots can be removed as they appear. Flowering is to be discouraged during the first season, so it is important that the root is not allowed to get pot-bound as this encourages flowering. As the days lengthen and the temperatures begin to rise, if possible stand your plants outside for an hour or two. You can also start to feed your plants, using a balanced feed such as Miracle-Gro at quarter strength once a week. Try not to let the temperature inside the greenhouse get too high on sunny days. It can still get cold at night and nothing is worse than your plants being in a greenhouse where the temperature during the day can reach 90F and drop to 40F at night. You should continue to open vents and doors and turn the plants every couple of days to ensure even growth. If plants are on a windowsill use a reflector box lined with silver foil, or painted white, to reflect all available light. More cutting material will also be available. Keep checking for pests and diseases.
Fuchsia cuttings that are required for standards should be staked at an early stage and the stems tied in. All side shoots can be removed as they appear. Flowering is to be discouraged during the first season, so it is important that the root is not allowed to get pot-bound as this encourages flowering. As the days lengthen and the temperatures begin to rise, if possible stand your plants outside for an hour or two. You can also start to feed your plants, using a balanced feed such as Miracle-Gro at quarter strength once a week. Try not to let the temperature inside the greenhouse get too high on sunny days. It can still get cold at night and nothing is worse than your plants being in a greenhouse where the temperature during the day can reach 90F and drop to 40F at night. You should continue to open vents and doors and turn the plants every couple of days to ensure even growth. If plants are on a windowsill use a reflector box lined with silver foil, or painted white, to reflect all available light. More cutting material will also be available. Keep checking for pests and diseases.
Friday, 19 February 2010
February - Fuchsia Year
Tasks for February
Cuttings rooted early last month can be potted into smaller pots. After a week or two, give them their first stop to encourage the desired bushy growth.
Composts should be kept just moist until the roots start to fill the pots. Then more water can be given.
This month the days begin to draw out. If your plants are in a greenhouse spray stems with tepid water to soften the wood and encourage the growth of new shoots. Now, more than ever, you should keep an eye out for pests. Plants that are clear one day can be covered with aphids the next. Prevention is better than cure so spray with an insecticide fortnightly, but remember to vary the types of spray as resistance is soon built up. If you don’t wish to use chemicals use soft soap (Stergene) at the rate of a cupful to two gallons of water. Do not use washing up liquid as these contain chemicals that may be harmful to the plants. When the pests have been eradicated rinse the plant with fresh water to stop the pores getting blocked. Now is the time that a few cuttings may be taken if you have a heated greenhouse, or by using a propagator or windowsill (out of direct sun).
Cuttings rooted early last month can be potted into smaller pots. After a week or two, give them their first stop to encourage the desired bushy growth.
Composts should be kept just moist until the roots start to fill the pots. Then more water can be given.
This month the days begin to draw out. If your plants are in a greenhouse spray stems with tepid water to soften the wood and encourage the growth of new shoots. Now, more than ever, you should keep an eye out for pests. Plants that are clear one day can be covered with aphids the next. Prevention is better than cure so spray with an insecticide fortnightly, but remember to vary the types of spray as resistance is soon built up. If you don’t wish to use chemicals use soft soap (Stergene) at the rate of a cupful to two gallons of water. Do not use washing up liquid as these contain chemicals that may be harmful to the plants. When the pests have been eradicated rinse the plant with fresh water to stop the pores getting blocked. Now is the time that a few cuttings may be taken if you have a heated greenhouse, or by using a propagator or windowsill (out of direct sun).
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
January - Fuchsia Year
Tasks for January
Young plants taken as cuttings during June and July will require occasional weak liquid feeding, potting on as the roots start to fill pots, and nipping further into shape. Care must be taken not to over-water during these short growing days. Tips that are removed can be used for cutting material to increase stock.
Check all plants whether under glass or stored any other way. Watering this month should be done very sparingly, ensure they are not over- watered. The compost should be kept fairly dry but do not allow it to dry out completely. In heated greenhouses spray plants every two weeks with a fungicide and keep the greenhouse well ventilated, even on the coldest of days. Cold, damp conditions and lack of good ventilation can have very serious consequences. The greenhouse glass should be kept clean and clear of any debris, thus allowing maximum light to enter. Your plants should be given a quick daily check, and a more thorough check once a week. Check that the heater and thermostat are working correctly.
Young plants taken as cuttings during June and July will require occasional weak liquid feeding, potting on as the roots start to fill pots, and nipping further into shape. Care must be taken not to over-water during these short growing days. Tips that are removed can be used for cutting material to increase stock.
Check all plants whether under glass or stored any other way. Watering this month should be done very sparingly, ensure they are not over- watered. The compost should be kept fairly dry but do not allow it to dry out completely. In heated greenhouses spray plants every two weeks with a fungicide and keep the greenhouse well ventilated, even on the coldest of days. Cold, damp conditions and lack of good ventilation can have very serious consequences. The greenhouse glass should be kept clean and clear of any debris, thus allowing maximum light to enter. Your plants should be given a quick daily check, and a more thorough check once a week. Check that the heater and thermostat are working correctly.
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