Easy way to look after your soil

A really easy and fantastic way of getting some quality, effortless, free mulch for next year is to collect your fallen leaves to make leafmould.

1. Gather leaves from your own garden or public places. They are easier to collect when the weather is dry and still. Mowing them up is the best option because grass clippings add nutrients to the mulch and shredding the leaves hastens the rotting process.

2. Grab a black bin liner, stuff the leaves in, pierce some holes and add a little water if they aren’t already moist.

3. Stack the bin bags at the back of a shed and leave for a year or two.... et voila!

Tulip Time

Seasonal gardening tips from Head Gardener, Rosie…

The time has come to plant your tulip bulbs. The next few weeks are perfect as the colder weather starts to creep in, the soil is still maleable and risk of ‘tulip fire’ has diminished.

Tulips are a fabulous addition to any bed, formal or informal and pack a welcome punch huddled in pots. They can also be naturalised in grass.

The general rule (given there is diversity in variety and size) is aim for full sun, sheltered from strong wind. Incorporate organic matter into the soil (they ideally like neutral to alkaline if you’re being pernickety). Plant the bulb at least 2-3 times the depth and twice the width apart.

Most bedding bulbs will need to be replaced every year for maximum impact. So get to your local nursery or search online and get planning and planting - future you will be SO grateful in the Spring!