Half term, County Durham

Now half-term’s here, I bet you’re already scratching your head wondering how to fill in the days! Why not call into Chesters Grove Garden Centre, on the A167 near Chester le Street and pick up a few packets of seeds to grow with the children. It’s easy and simple and a great way of adding new plants to your garden. A fun and rewarding activity which your children will enjoy. By sowing indoors, you’ll also be giving them a good start especially for bedding plants.

Another fun way to get the children involved is to try growing a seed such as a pea or a broad bean in a clear glass jar. Soak the dried seed, roll a piece of absorbent paper (such as kitchen paper) and place in the jar. Slide the seed between the glass and the paper so the seeds growth can be observed, remember to put enough water in the jar so that it reaches the paper. Now watch with your child over the week and see new life emerge while at the same time the seed begins to die. It’s a great way of bringing the spring into your home, and your children will enjoy the science showing how plants emerge from the smallest of seeds. Happy half-term.

Protect your tender plants in the North East

Even though we’re half way through winter, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on those tender plants. Protecting your plants with bonded polyester or polypropylene will not only help them through the rest of the cold winter days, but will also come in useful as an insect barrier in the summer months, although you really need to keep them sealed at the edges.

Think about propagating new plants from cuttings. It’s not only fun but it can save you money too! You can make more plants by taking cuttings now and rooting them. Remember to use rooting hormone powder, we have several varieties available in our garden centre. Place a plastic bag over the top this will help retain humidity and heat during propagation. Keep checking condensation, if it gets too wet, take off the bag and allow the soil to dry for a while. Check each day in case of rot and remove any cuttings that look suspect. Once the cuttings have developed move and plant into containers.

It’s that easy!

Another point worth remembering is many of our TV gardening shows fail to remind us most of their seasonal tips are far too early for us up north, so don’t be too hasty! Gardening in County Durham, Tyneside, Teesside and Northumberland is almost like being in another country at times. But we love it! Don’t forget to call in to Chesters Grove Garden Centre, the coffee shop is open everyday and we have some great garden ideas in store ready for the coming spring.

Happy gardening

Tony and Kenny

Onion Sets in Durham

Do you know your onions?

Here at Chesters Grove Garden Centre on the outskirts of Chester le Street, we’re seriously thinking about our onion sets. So we thought it might be a good idea to offer a gentle reminder regarding preperation.

Start by planting your onions (15cm) apart or space out (10cm) in rows (20-30cm) apart. Remember, closer spacing will only produce smaller bulbs so there’s no need to space over (15cm) apart unless you are trying to grow giants.

One of the most common problems with onions is bolting. When you see the onion putting up a stong central stalk with a seed head, you need to remove it as soon as you can, use these onions before any of the others.

Remember to add a good fertiliser a week or so before planting out. Fish, blood & bone or even Growmore all work well.

High potash levels will reduce any sulphur uptake, which creates the strong flavour of some onions. Alternativley, try using a low potash fertilizer and although your onions will be smaller, they’ll be more tasty! Yum!

If you’d like more free advice, call into Chesters Grove Garden Centre and ask any member of staff!

Enjoy your Allium cepa