It’s a good time to take stock of season

• Published date: 24 May 2023
• Publication title: Courier, The

Trees are mainly bare of leaves and growth in the garden is barely perceptible

The latest spell of wet weather has brought soil moisture right up to capacity again and gloomy days have been all too common.

The overcast skies have meant frosts have yet to make an appearance and soil temperatures are still warm enough to encourage ever-present weeds to grow.

Heading into winter is always a good chance to take stock of the previous season’s successes and failures.

Many of last season’s problems were weather-related. The spring-early summer period was extremely wet and without sun.

I remember many of our early berries were bloated because of rain, and tasteless.

It wasn’t really until mid January any warm dry days started to appear.

Once the big wet eased the garden rapidly became more abundant.

During periods of cool weather and high rainfall raised beds show a distinct advantage, by providing higher soil temperatures, better drainage and easier access.

It’s entering the quiet season in the garden, with tasks mainly involving maintenance.

Winter pruning can be undertaken from now. Dry sunny days are best, allowing time for any wounds to dry, before infections can invade damp surfaces.

It’s best to seal any larger cuts with pruning paste.

Once pruned, winter cleanup sprays can be applied, giving trees the best start for the new season.

Start with lime sulphur, which cleans tree branches of accumulated mosses and lichens and over-wintering insects such as pear blister mite.

There may be some crops yet to be harvested, such as yams.

The tops are very frost-sensitive and to achieve larger tubers, they need to be kept healthy for as long as possible.

The longer the crop actively grows beyond April, the better the result.

Every clear night I tuck my yam crop under a layer of frost cloth and take it off in the morning.

Remember when harvesting to pick up every tiny tuber you find — every minute piece can form a new plant and being a member of the oxalis family hints at its ability to spread.

Freezing temperatures help to sweeten many winter crops, parsnip...