Ali's Garden Notes
Planting a New Wildlife Pond: A Practical Guide to Plant Selection and Layout
Zantedeschia aethiopica ‘Crowborough’ Creating a wildlife pond is one of the most effective ways to support biodiversity in a garden. By carefully selecting plants across different depth zones, you can create a balanced ecosystem...
Creating a Wildlife Pond – Construction Guide & Practical Notes
A wildlife pond is one of the most valuable features you can add to a garden. When designed and built correctly, it quickly becomes a balanced ecosystem, supporting insects, amphibians, birds, and plant life....
Starting Your Spring Sowing Season
Bell jars for early season crops As we move into spring, it’s time to start thinking about sowing seeds for the growing season ahead. February and March are exciting months in the garden –...
Gardening Calendar for February 2026
Fruiting buds on an apple tree – note the short stubby buds with rings around these are fruiting buds February marks a turning point in the gardening year. As days gradually lengthen and the...
Ali’s Garden – January Action Plan
This month marks an exciting shift in Ali’s garden strategy, with a stronger focus on early-season preparation, soil health, and sustainable growing practices. Here’s what we’re working on together. Overview: What’s Changing This Year...
Planting Calendar and crop notes – Ordered by Month
Month Plant Name Plant Type Notes JANUARY Chilies Seeds indoors (heated) Start early for best results JANUARY Aubergines Seeds indoors (heated) Heated propagator essential JANUARY Garlic Cloves direct Spring planting (autumn better) FEBRUARY Chilies...
Gardening tasks for Late January and Early February
Chitting Potatoes for an early crop January Winter Pruning – Fruit Trees Apple Tree Hygiene Raised Bed Maintenance Rose Pruning Mid-February Vegetable Sowing – Under Cover Early Salad Crops Herb Preparation Compost Bay Setup...
Planting soft fruit canes (raspberries etc) — November is ideal
Blackberries on plant Bare-root canes are cost-effective and easy to plant while dormant. Key tips
Toad homes — easy wildlife allies for slug control
Toad helping to keep slugs under control organically Invite amphibian neighbours to help eat slugs — cheap, natural and effective. How to set up