Page 31 - Real Rochdale Issue 21 Spring 2024

GARDENING TIPS

FOR SPRING

can make the most of this
ABOUT THE WRITER essential and valuable
Silvana Devine is a social and therapeutic resource. With most water
horticulture practitioner at Petrus Incredible falling in winter (even in
Edibles Rochdale (PIER) which is a community Rochdale) it makes sense to
allotment on Belfield Road in Rochdale. collect water now ready for
those drier months ahead.
If you have space, you may
PIER is a community allotment and gardens located on Belfield Road (next to the Croft Shifa wish to install a water butt temperature warms, and Refresh plants
Medical Centre) in Rochdale, which belongs to homelessness charity Petrus. It is a with rainwater diverters clearing all growing areas
beautiful, relaxing and therapeutic oasis that grows fruit and vegetables and is a member of from the down pipe, or of weeds will save time and We work to a very tight
the wider Incredible Edibles network representing Rochdale. It is open to the public and peo- simply have a water trough frustration later. budget, and we always look
ple are welcome to visit and take a look around this award-winning garden. to collect rainwater. A water for ways to get more plants
Petrus’ vision is to create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of trough can be anything from Once beds have been for free. At this time of year,
growing food. Here are some tips for this growing season. Happy gardening! an old bucket to a galvanised weeded, applying mulch will it is a good idea to take a
tank that can be a feature of keep weeds at bay. A great closer look at the plants that
Changing climate the garden. tip when you begin to sow you have.
seeds is to sow in straight
The weather is a constant battle for Mulching: mulching is any lines. Weeds and seedlings Are some plants taking too
gardeners and at PIER, we understand the material that is spread or look very similar in their much space and could be
importance of being prepared for the laid over the surface of the early stages, and weeds split and divided? Spring is
different weather conditions this soil and used as a covering. don’t grow in straight lines, a great time to do this and
season brings. Frosts can affect any Mulch can be organic so it will be easier to weed perennial plants such as
tender plants you may have in the matter like well-rotted once the growing season geraniums, buddleia, ferns,
garden. Keep an eye on the weather manure, chipped bark, or if begins! crocosmia and hostas can
forecast and ensure you keep your you make your own be split to get more plants
tender plants fleeced and covered. compost, use that to cover Now is a great time to check for free!
Gardeners can sometimes be impatient, bare soil. all equipment and make
particularly towards the end of the necessary repairs. At PIER, At PIER, we appreciate the
season, but a late frost might kill those Preparing growing beds we have over 25 raised benefits of being outside
tender plants you’ve been carefully beds which are checked for and in nature, so above all,
looking after, so our tip is to keep plants As the demands of winter rot and repaired if need be. take time to enjoy your
covered at night and remove the fleece begin to recede, planning We regularly check tools garden.
whilst the weather warms through the your beds, borders and and dispose of any that are
day. planters for growing is vital. faulty or repair what we Come and visit us to find
Spending time now can. Tools can be cleaned out more about PIER, our
Water conservation: It seems odd to be preparing the beds is one of and sharpened ready for charity and take a look at
talking about water conservation at this the most useful things to do the growing season (if this our award-winning
time of year, but spring is a good time to at this time of year. Weeds wasn’t done at the end of garden!
think about water collection and how you will begin to grow as the last year).

REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024 30 31 REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024