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BLIND DAFFODILS
Daffodils that produce loads of leaves but no flowers are referred to as blind. And this is an all too common problem, especially with established clumps that have been in the ground a long time. The most common cause is congestion where the bulbs have become overcrowded. To resolve this, simply lift the bulbs once the leaves have died down, split them up and replant leaving at least 5cm (2in) between each one.
More on blind daffodils
A shortage of food can also hamper flowering, particularly if you are growing daffodils in a pot or windowbox . A high potash liquid feed applied a couple of times after flowering is well worth the effort. Something like a tomato food or seaweed fertiliser would be perfect. And remember, never remove the leaves or tie them in knots before they turn yellow.
Newly planted daffodils may not have flowered as a result of the dry weather we had last autumn. Small-bulbed varieties are especially prone to dehydration under these conditions. But don’t give up hope! Give them a good soak now whilst the leaves are still green, and then again round about September/October time. -
GARDEN FEATURED
Doddington Hall
Doddington Hall
Doddington
Lincolnshire
LN6 4RU
Tel. 01522 694308
The gardens at Doddington Hall will be open on Sunday and Monday over Easter. For details of opening times at other times of the year, please check their website. Sadly, the wild daffodils Carol went to see have gone over, but there are still plenty of other varieties in flower.
For other stunning gardens to visit at Easter, please scroll right down to the bottom. -
MONTY’S POTATOES
Monty was disappointed with the new potatoes he grew last year. Not only did they taste rather bland, they fell apart in the pan when they were boiled. Poor growing conditions can dramatically affect the cooking qualities of a potato and last year was certainly no exception.
More on growing potatoes
Taste is of prime importance to Monty and this year, he is going to compare the flavour of six different varieties. Here’s a list of what he’ll be growing.
Duke of York - an old heritage variety famed for its great taste. Tubers are oval shaped with yellow flesh. Good for boiling straight from the garden.
Foremost - originally called Suttons Foremost, this award-winning variety has an excellent flavour and does not disintegrate or discolour on cooking. It is claimed to have good scab resistance too.
International Kidney – also known as the Jersey Royal, this variety is officially classed as an Early Maincrop but more often than not, is harvested early as a new potato. Tubers are kidney shaped with white flesh.
Sharpe’s Express – this heritage variety has a floury texture and is a good all-rounder in the kitchen. It has a fine flavour too with good resistance to common scab.
Swift - as its name suggests, this is an early cropper with spuds being ready to harvest in as little as 60 days. It’s a good yielder too and is a brilliant one to grow in containers.
Winston - released in 1992, this white-skinned variety is a popular one with exhibitors. It has excellent all-round resistance to disease and is one of the first bakers of the season. -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: LIFT & DIVIDE PRIMROSES
Primroses that have grown into a large clump benefit from being divided in the spring. Simply dig them up, pull them apart and replant leaving about 15cm (6in) between each new plant. Keep well watered during dry spells and with luck, you’ll have a fabulous display next year.
More on primroses -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: SOW PEAS
Now that the ground has warmed up, it’s time to sow peas. Some people prefer to sow them in a wide band, but Monty likes to grow them in a double row to allow space for picking. Create two drills about 30cm (12in) apart and sow at a depth of 5cm (2in), leaving about 5cm (2in) between each seed. To protect against mice, it might be an idea to cover the soil with fleece until the seed has germinated.
More on growing peas from BBC Gardening -
JOBS FOR THE WEEKEND: SPIKE YOUR LAWN
If parts of your lawn have become compacted, then it’s worth giving them a good spiking. Tell-tale signs include muddy patches where the grass is struggling to grow. Insert a garden fork into the turf at regular intervals, taking time to wiggle it back and forth to loosen the earth. Not only will this help to let in more air, it’ll facilitate the movement of water down to the roots.
More on lawn care from BBC Gardening -
GARDENS TO VISIT AT EASTER
There are some great gardens to visit this Easter. Here’s a selection. Please check the relevant website for opening times.
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CONWY
Bodnant Garden -
COUNTY DOWN
Mount Stewart -
CORNWALL
Penarrow Gardens -
CUMBRIA
Acorn Bank Garden -
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
Threave Estate -
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Trench Hill -
LONDON
Chelsea Physic Garden -
NORFOLK
Desert World Gardens -
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Coton Manor -
NORTHUMBERLAND
Belsay Hall -
OXFORDSHIRE
Kencot Gardens -
PERTHSHIRE
Branklyn Garden -
SURREY
Caxton House
Credits
- Series Producer
- Liz Rumbold
- Presenter
- Monty Don
- Presenter
- Carol Klein
- Presenter
- Joe Swift
- Presenter
- Rachel de Thame
- Producer
- Louise Hampden
More expert gardening advice
Find out more about the gardens featured in the show and get some topical tips.
