Category: Member Articles

Springtime and Some Plugs for MUWAGA?

Spring is here so we expect sunshine and showers, and to be wary of the frosts, even into May. For the most part we have missed the icy ground and snowfall this year. But the winds! In between storms there was plenty of opportunity to be out on the allotment to tidy up from last years’ endeavours. Not least, to finish spreading the manure, pick the last sprouts and leeks of 2021 before the “hungry gap”, and make ready for the first outdoors planting of the season.

In the garden we expect to see blue tits in our nesting-box again this year. Meantime, a bit of judicious Wisteria pruning in the autumn has hopefully reduced the nesting real-estate for annoying pigeons. Last year in the Clematis next to our front door, a thrush was in a trance-like state on her nest, awaiting the hatching moment. We always slipped by quietly, trying to avoid eye contact. Here also, autumn Clematis pruning made sure that nesting sites – desired ones – were undisturbed in springtime.

March activity in the greenhouse (and windowsills too) usually gives us sturdy plants for the April and May soil. Well-established seedlings in plugs or trays can now be sown outdoors into those (hopefully!) well-prepared, warm-enough beds. For us this includes cabbages, brussels, courgettes, chard and lettuce, even early beet. And tomatoes. These latter we like to spread between selected sunny areas outside (from late May) – and in the greenhouse where we have good control over watering, light and warmth. Always nice to see the differences in quality and numbers between the two approaches.

And why plugs? For us it’s a good discipline: in the deep past we were usually too eager to plant direct in the soil in early spring months. Pests and weather-induced failures would be frequent – even when trying to protect from frosts. To use plugs has twin benefits: controlling the seeds to avoid waste and having the joys of seeing those seedlings grow early in the season, protected and nurtured. Cold frames are always useful for gardeners without a greenhouse. Later in the season, direct planting is fine – but we find, never obligatory – except for root crops such as parsnips and carrots.

Meantime, more plugs ….! Our January Cheese and Wine event was sadly cancelled because of Covid misgivings. But with restrictions lifting, we look forward our April 27th talk, and to cheese and wine a’plenty at our rescheduled June 22nd AGM.

On another note, the pandemic has certainly given us all time to reflect. As a result, several committee members plan to move on, and so for 2022 we are actively asking for new volunteers to join the committee, so that MUWAGA continues to flourish.

Finally, we are delighted that our new website is now up and running. As well as showing MUWAGA events updates, this is an exciting new place for members to contribute their own stories, ideas, experiences and advice. Do please get in touch to see how to contribute.

As the man nearly said: “Let us hoe then, you and I”!

Spring Beckons – Inside and Out

Invited by our esteemed Chairperson to write the MUWAGA column for the February/March edition of The Wychwood, I approached the task with a huge dose of humility. A tough act to follow, Tony! But a pleasure nevertheless, as we look forward to better times, with the joys of spring to help us get busy – and shake off any post-Christmas “dip”.

Spring in Milton

Tony wrote in his December/January article, with ideas around early seed-planting, and judicious planning. And of course, early- and mid-spring can be the busiest of times for gardeners. It is also a time when the eternal uncertainties around weather are at their most intense. February tempts us with longer hours of daylight and some late winter sunshine – but frosts and snow can blight and curtail outdoor activity. March is hardly different in climate variety, but gardening activity really does get us moving in earnest this month. If the birds are singing and busy, then we should copy, rains and winds notwithstanding. And of course, for both months, there is always the greenhouse, or the conservatory, or the windowsill. And indeed, the varying demands of the lawn.

Ah, the lawn! People not keen on lawns see them as deserts of monocultural green – though of course the immaculate lawn is a rarity. Personally, I quite like the look and feel of moss in a lawn, which with daisy-leaf and clover keep the lawn green, fresh and elastic underfoot in summer. A few years ago, one autumn, we planted crocus and snowdrop bulbs in an area of the lawn, and now enjoy a spring showing of vibrant colour. This year we will add fritillaries and aconites. On the other hand, a conventionally acceptable lawn does have its enthusiasts. So, spring is the time to continue the autumn attentions of scarifying and removing layers of moss and thatch. It is also important to spike the lawn uniformly and to add top-dressing to the holes for good drainage, against those inevitable spring rains and April showers.

And so, dodging those showers and those rainy days, we have those aforesaid indoor activities to keep us looking forward to summer. In our house, several windowsills are commandeered for tomato and pepper seeds from late February and into March – taking care not to be too early and thus risking legginess in the tomatoes. Earlier though is good for the slower-to-germinate peppers. Cucumber seeds and courgettes can join them from late March and early April, preparing for the early summer potting routines.

Meantime plans for MUWAGA include a watching brief on the rules around social gatherings. Both February and March speakers are booked to attend in the village hall. In February we have the head gardener from the Cotswold Wildlife Park and March sees a visit by Chris Day from Buckingham Nursery.  The sense is becoming palpable that the alternative Zoom arrangements have lost a little of their attraction. But we must do our best, and certainly we have no shortage of interesting speakers and topics, whichever format we use.

As the man nearly said: “Fare Forward, Gardeners”!

David Betterton