insideKENT Magazine Issue 47 - February 2016 | Page 115

Ponds
You could take the opportunity to dig a new pond
- the spring rains may help to fill it. We recommend
a minimum depth of 60cm (2ft) at the deepest
point, to reduce the risk of the pond freezing to
its full depth.
Gently sloping contours between the shallow
and deep areas, and between the bank and the
water, are more wildlife-friendly, and help to make
marginal plantings appear natural.

In the Greenhouse
Greenhouse bulbs that have finished flowering
(e.g. freesias and Lachenalia) can now be fed
weekly with high potassium feed (such as tomato
fertiliser), to build up the bulbs before resting
them over the summer. Reduce feeding and
watering as the foliage starts to die back, and
then lay the pots on their sides under the
greenhouse bench until next autumn.
Begonia, Gloxinia and Achimenes tubers can all
be planted this month. Begonias and Gloxinias
need to be planted hollow side
upwards; Achimenes can be planted on their
sides, in trays if necessary, before potting them
on as necessary once growth appears.
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria) that was lifted from
the garden to use as winter-flowering pot plants
in the greenhouse, should now be planted back
outside.

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Maintain a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to
prevent Fuchsia, Pelargonium and other tender
plants being killed by the cold. Higher
temperatures (at least 12°C/54°F) will be needed
for tropical plants.
Fuchsias can be started into active growth (if not
done last month) by repotting, increasing watering,
feeding (with a slow-release fertiliser such as
blood, fish and bone), and putting them in a
sunny place. Those that were started up in
January can now be sprayed with water
occasionally to raise humidity, encourage growth,
and help bud break.

The RHS is a UK charity established to share
the best in gardening. Their work is driven by
a simple love of plants and the belief that
gardeners make the world a better place.
For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk