![]() One of our members has asked - where does the name 'long tom' used for the long terracotta pots we use come from? If you know e-mail me on is the first article by Jeanie our Primula expertĮach year I try to sow my Primula seeds on or as soon after 1st January as I can. All are available if you search the internet, and I am determined to eradicate vine weevil from my garden and greenhouse if possible - I am an eternal optimist! There are products available to deter adult beetles getting into pots and traps for them so I am going to try all and see how I get on. I much prefer organic solutions, if possible, and nematodes can be used in the greenhouse all year round if the temperature of the soil is above 5 oC and out in the garden in summer. The perennial problem of vine weevil is one I have not been able to conquer so I am going to order some nematodes as chemicals have failed. The temperature has to be above 10 oC so they will not work yet, but at the first signs of these awful pests I will be putting in an order. Encarsia Formosa is a tiny wasp that you can order online -they come on a card that you hang up in the green house/cold frame and they excel at controlling the dreaded white fly. Next year, 2024, sees the withdrawal from sale of composts containing peat so I am gradually changing my 'mix' so the plants do not have a an abrupt change.Īfter the shock last summer of heat, drought and every pest and disease known to members (and some I had never heard of) I am going to be prepared if it happens again this year! I have bought another water butt to store rain water, some greenhouse shading to make a shady spot in the north facing part of the garden and have spent some of the cold wet days in January researching white fly deterrent. Old composts lose a lot of the nutrients over time so I always buy new bags every season. I am sourcing good quality composts and have already bought a supply of fine grit. The season for our plants is fast approaching and we all need to get ready. If you have any queries regarding this change, please contact me on Key, This newsletter is now only available to members via e-mail. ![]() Please check your 'spam' folder if you have not received it, as my e-mail address is often mistaken for junk mail! It is sent out on the 1st of the month except for the April letter which will be sent out a few days earlier due to our Primula show being on the 1st of April. Jeanie's guide 'How to prepare a primula for the show bench' is particularly interesting. Our members will have received their March Newsletter by e-mail by now and I hope they find it helpful. Those who have chosen not to stay with us I hope you will continue to grow and appreciate our auricula and primula and maybe we will see you again in the future. We are not only surviving but are thriving. It is lovely to see how many of our members have stayed with us, for our 150th year, and also how many new members have joined! This year is so special and for one year only the Spring newsletter, Vernalis, will be sent to all members by post and in the envelope will be our 'celebration booklet'! This is to mark the beginning of a special year as so few Societies have survived for so long. ![]() NAPS - Northern Auricula and Primula Scribblings
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |