Frugal lessons from Grandma:
With the economy as it is, we are all talking about being thrifty - to the point of frugality, for some – and it is becoming obvious to many that they need to rethink food, cooking, clothing and a great many other things. What were those cheap cuts of meat their grandmothers used to turn into wonderful casseroles and stews? All those vegetable side dishes which were so tasty and filling? And, “Yes, I have a sewing machine.... somewhere... I could look at some patterns...”
Budget Gardening:
When it comes to gardening, if you’re living in a cooler climate, now is a good time to be digging up those clumps of flowers which have become too large and which are spreading in all directions. Dig the whole thing out, remembering to dig deep down, then slice them into two or more smaller groups. This can be done with a sharp spade or a kitchen cleaver (but be careful when using the latter if there are small children around). Replant these if the ground is warm enough, or place in pots until the climate has changed.
Share Your Garden:
Give some of these divisions to family, friends, neighbours, your garden club members, or offer to local rest homes, nursing homes, schools for their gardening projects, or you may think of even more recipients who would be delighted with them. You’ve probably dug up quite a few bulbs for over-wintering, too. A number of these will have cluster-cloned themselves and you could pass some of them on, or swap with people you know. A gratifying number of people will respond with their own offerings which is always delightful; exchanges of this nature can save you quite a bit of expense while broadening your range of plants and I personally think it’s so much more satisfying to raise a ‘runt’.
Invest a little, get a lot:
Invest in a really good book on propagation: The American Horticultural Society’s “Plant Propagation” is an excellent source and covers practically every plant one can think of. (It makes a wonderful birthday present!) Take cuttings and tend them carefully; you can use yogurt, butter, dessert, dip, sauce cartons, and many others for flower pots: just punch some drainage holes in the bottom. Use soil mixed with grit or sharp (river) sand to give good drainage (beach or road sand might have too much salt for the tender roots). It is best to use a store-bought soil mix since soil from the garden might well have diseases and tiny pests which can do damage to young cuttings. The above-mentioned book gives detailed guidance on various mixes which you can make up yourself if you prefer. Remember that good drainage is the most important factor. One of the favourite cuttings I passed among friends last year was that of a pale yellow osteospermum, a vigorous, bushy, long-flowering plant which has been blooming for at least nine months of the year–here in this English winter and after a dreadful summer, and so I should add ‘tenacious’, shouldn’t I?.
Consider buying seeds this year, instead of plants already started. I love looking at the hundreds of seed packets arrayed at garden centers, and want to buy at least one of everything. If planted well and tended closely, they will present you with some beautiful flowers in the spring and summer and will be so much cheaper than buying ready-grown plants. I realise the growers and garden centers need custom, too, in order to survive, but you could save some of your money for the larger shrubs and trees you might want this year.
Bare root plants are available now in the colder climates and are cheaper than container stock; they also become established much sooner, too, provided the soil is properly prepared. There is a huge range of trees, fruit and nut trees and roses to be had.
Start Pruning:
Again, for the colder climates, prune deciduous, fruit and nut trees, and summer-flowering shrubs, but do not prune spring-flowering trees or shrubs until after they have bloomed. Enjoy their beauty first! Leave frost-damaged plants for a month or two and prune them when it’s a little warmer. And don’t forget to carry with you a jar, tin, or container of some kind for a gentle disinfectant to dip your shears into between each plant. Don’t take a chance on spreading any possible diseases. Check that nothing is drying out; even with regular rain, it is surprising how quickly potted plants can become dry, especially those sheltering under eaves. Rake up all the debris you can find, particularly leaves; these mounds create havens for snails and slugs as they wait for the feasts to arrive in the spring.
Garden Tips:
A metal skewer or knitting needle, heated over a flame, will very quickly pierce the bottom of a plastic container for drainage holes.
Cut large plastic bottles in half and fit over small pots of cuttings; this will provide the condensation they need and also a certain warmth. Opaque or colored plastic will prevent sun burn if the site becomes a danger.
