30TH JANUARY
2017 – CENTRAL PORTUGAL
A month of hard frosts,
minus 5 degrees on a few nights, has reduced most of the non hardy plants and
shrubs to brown sludge - even those judiciously covered or wrapped in garden floss have suffered.
These low temperatures are not unheard of in the Beiras but seldom continue for
such a consistently long period. From the forecast, it would seem that this big
freeze is about to be replaced by the Big Soak as heavy rain is predicted for
most of the next month. Although this will hold up gardening progress in this
new season, it is most welcome as there has been little significant rain since
last May. The local baragem (reservoir) is twenty metres lower than usual so
just about at drought level.
Whilst the garden
generally has suffered in January, not everything has been destroyed by the
cold. This will be a spectacular year for most of the citrus fruits. All
varieties of Oranges, Tangerines, Clementines, Lemons, Mandarins, Limes and
Grapefruit are profuse, large and very sweet , due to the glorious sunny days
in the last weeks, created by the high pressure stuck over the west of the
Iberian peninsula. To the eastern side
there has been snow in places that do not expect it, such as the Costa Del Sol
in Spain.
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| Tangerines in profusion |
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| One very large grapefruit |
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| Two small lemons |
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| shy little Clementines |
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| BIG oranges |
The days have been very
bright, but out of the sun the air temperature has remained cool, so little
else is progressing. The delay in the early fruit blossom on the apricot,
almond and cherry trees may mean that it will not be in full flower until early
March when the chance of further frost is minimal. This may enable much
fertilisation by the then hungry bees, and a bumper fruit crop in the summer
says the ever optimistic Gardener No set
back is ever a disaster in the garden – all is balanced by nature.
The prospect of a
deluge of rain should be used to apply the first major feed of the year – be it
natural or chemical. The precipitation
will wash the goodness down to the ever ready roots. To maximise the cultural effect
of the top dressing it is worthwhile lightly forking the surface around each
plant, shrub or tree being fed. A mulch can then be added to the surface to
maximise the overall effect.
Pleased to see the tulips
are showing signs of growth, having invested in a new bulb supply from Lidl in
September. at €1.49 for fifteen bulbs, the ‘Urge to Splurge’ was irresistible,
so have at least ten tubs of thirty bulbs each getting ready for a spring
fantasia( just trying to emulate the show in Holland at Keukenhoff Gardens on a
miniature scale). Was amazed to see that last week my favourite supermarket was
offering a wide range of summer bulbs, including Gladioli, at €1.29 per 15 bulb
pack (don’t think they will stay long on the shelves at that price).
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| Tulips pushing through now |
The inclement
conditions have precluded much outside activity since the new year. Unless a
heated cloche or green house is available , there is little use in planting
seeds as they need at least an ambient temperature of 15 degrees to
germinate. This is too long in very
cold damp compost as the seed will rot in
most instances. For the energetic, the spells between the expected showers in
February will allow the ground to be well dug over in preparation for March
sowing and planting, so it is time to get the Wellies out and put on the
waterproof hat to maximise next season
results – Slacking will only become evident in June so no excuses.
There is still a little
colour in the form of winter pansies and polyanthus, with the odd lone Rose trying very
hard.
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| Pretty polyanthis - smell lovely |
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| One lonely rose! |
For those needing a ‘Flower Fix’, it’s the perfect time to study the seed
catalogues by the potting shed stove, enjoying a welcome mug of the Head
Gardener’s specially brewed coffee
must dash, don’t want to let it go cold
see you soon
Stuart
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