Les's weather w/c25th sept

Last week I said we would tell you a little bit about planting daffodils and tulips, so here are our words of wisdom on the subject.

Daffodils - Plant in September and October, four inches deep in beds and borders, six inches deep if planting in grass, miniature types should be planted three inches deep. All varieties can be three inches apart.

The best effect comes from planting in groups. You could also try bulbs in pots, for indoor flowering at Christmas. These are paper white, or Soleil D'or. Propagate by division after flowering.

Tulips - Plant no earlier than October or November. The miniatures should be six inches deep and the large bulbs nine inches deep. if you are planting in pots just cover the tips of the bulbs, keep them cool and dark for eight weeks, then bring them into the light. Propagate by division after flowering.

I think I also mentioned last week about collecting seeds and here at Eriska 90% of the flowers used for cutting, or to fill hanging baskets and tubs, come from seeds collected from the previous year's plants. This method can also be used with herbs and lettuce varieties.

This type of propagation is called sexual reproduction, propagation by cutting or division is called asexual reproduction (Editor's Note...you never know, this knowledge may come in handy if you're ever lucky enough to get on that millionaire programme with Chris Tarrant!)

Now back to the seeds. If you look around your garden over the next few weeks some plants may be fading or seem to have died back. This is the time to check daily, when the pods or capsules that carry the seeds start to split this means they are fully ripe.

Les usually uses an envelope for each variety, sowing them in a cool, dry, place. Some of the varieties used at Eriska using this method include: antirrhinum, dahlia, cornflower, pansies, sweet peas, sweet William, poppies, larkspur, nasturtium, gypsophila, pot marigold and many more.

It really is easy and satisfying, so what are you sat there for?

Forecast for week beginning Sunday, September 25th

Sunday - dull start, heavy rain later

Monday - wet and windy

Tuesday and Wednesday - sunny spells and showers

Thursday- wet and windy

Friday - showers, turning heavy

Saturday - sunny spells and showers