v EMAIL: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v 20th February 2025 • The HERALD • Page 49 DOWN THE GARDEN PATH RYAN FENCING Quality Fencing & Gates 07769 706516 • 023 8084 1203 www.ryan-fencing.co.uk • Find us on Facebook BRANCH MASTERS TREE & GARDEN CARE • Fencing • Decking Storm Damage or Just Need New? • Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Stump Grinding • Hedge Trimming Dangerous Tree? Get it dealt with before strong winds/bad weather Call Us For Professional Service and Work on 07717 769874 or 023 8194 2832 www.branchmasters.co.uk info@branchmasters.co.uk Branch Masters Tree Surgeons bring a wealth of professional experience to the Southampton, Hampshire and nearby areas. We cover a radius of 30 miles from our base in Totton thanks to our expert team of arborists. From stump grinding and pruning to pollarding and shaping, we are equipped to tackle any and all arboreal tasks in Hampshire. • HEDGE CUTTING • FENCING • PATIOS • TURFING • GARDEN CLEARANCES & MORE For a FREE quotation please call 023 8122 4550 or 07548 355262 AUTUMN LEAF GARDEN WORKS Discover the Joy of Seed Sowing Advice from British Garden Centres Now is the perfect opportunity to start sowing seeds, ready to bring your garden to life for spring and summer. Whether it be owers in borders or containers, growing your own vegetables, or a herb garden, by starting seeds early, you can ensure a good start on the growing season, leading to earlier harvests and a thriving garden. e team at British Garden Centres have put together a guide on the best seeds to sow now! Many seeds can be started indoors during winter, allowing you to take advantage of the controlled environment. This is particularly bene cial for tender plants that require warmer temperatures to germinate. Starting seeds indoors gives them a head start, ensuring they are ready for transplanting when the weather warms up. Winter is also an excellent time to sow cold-tolerant varieties such as broad beans, peas and other greens. ese hardy plants can withstand cooler temperatures and will thrive as soon as the soil warms up in spring. Seeds sown in winter o en develop stronger root systems, leading to healthier plants. By giving your seeds a head start, you can ensure they are well-established before facing the challenges of outdoor conditions and the unpredictable UK climate. What you can sow now: Broad Beans: ey thrive in cooler temperatures and can be sown directly into the ground or started in pots indoors. Peas: Easy to grow and ideal for early planting, peas can be sown indoors to give them a headstart. Onions: Starting onion sets or seeds indoors now will allow you to enjoy a harvest in summer. Cabbage and Kale: ese cold-tolerant greens can be sown for an early spring harvest. ey are packed with nutrients and can be used in salads, soups, and stirfries. Raspberries: ese can be planted at the start of the year as they are hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures. Strawberries: While typically planted in spring, bare-root strawberry plants can be planted in late winter. Our tips for successful seed sowing: You’ve picked your seeds – now to get them started! We recommend using small pots or trays to help your seedlings grow well. Once your plants have germinated, they will be ready for the garden or potted on. Get ready with bigger pots, plant food, and small greenhouses. Soil: Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Ensure your soil is well-drained, fertile, and free from weeds. Consider adding organic matter or compost to enrich the soil. Packet instructions: Each seed variety has specific sowing instructions regarding depth, spacing, and light requirements. Be sure to read the seed packet carefully and follow the steps for seed sowing success. Light: If you are starting your seeds indoors, ensure they receive plenty of light. Consider using grow lights or placing them on a sunny windowsill to give them the best start. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist after sowing your seeds but not waterlogged. Transplant with Care: When it’s time to transplant your seedlings outdoors, do so gradually to acclimatise them to their new environment. is process, known as hardening o , helps reduce transplant shock. Download our 2025 Grow Your Own guide for a month-by-month plan of when to sow, plant and harvest a range of fruit and veg! Visit: www. britishgardencentres. com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/01/ BGC-Grow-your-ownguide-2025.pdf to download your free copy today! Discover the joy of seed sowing SJB Gardening Services RHS Qualified & Experienced Gardener specialising in quality hedge cutting, shaping & pruning ❀ General garden maintenance ❀ Garden clearance ❀ Hedge removal ❀ Planting ❀ Mulching ❀ Creation of new beds & borders ❀ Pruning & removal of trees to approx 8 metres ❀ Commercial properties All Work Fully insured Free quotations call Simon on 07443 649192 The next Herald is out on 13th March
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