Budding News February 2019 | Page 8

FEBRUARY GARDEN TIPS Start chitting early potatoes Stand them on their end in a module tray or egg box and place them in a bright, cool, frost-free place. Cut autumn-fruiting raspberry canes Cut to the ground to stimulate new canes, which will fruit in the autumn. Cut the tips of summer-fruiting raspberry canes that have grown beyond the top of their supports; cut just above a bud. Plant prune, apple & pear trees whilst they're still dormant Leave plum trees, cherry trees and apricots until the summer as pruning these fruit trees now will make them susceptible to ‘Silver Leaf’ disease. Prune bushes to maintain a productive framework Particularly, blackcurrant, gooseberries and redcurrant bushes. Currant bushes can also still be planted between now and the spring time.