Garden tasks for this weekend

​Bearded irises may be divided and replanted if they have become crowded or you would like more plants. Some gardeners firmly believe letting them bake on the top of the soil for a few days before replanting (shallowly) encourages more flowers.

Paeonies may also be lifted and split. This may be done from late January through to May. Lift the clump carefully, remove soil to expose the roots and buds, then with a sharp knife, divide up so there are at least three buds (and roots) on each section. Replant with the buds about 5cm below the surface.

Sow spring flowers and biennials for next season –  somewhere out of the heat of the sun (not that we have had that much of it this summer).

Whether they were grown from turf or seed, lawns need extra water in their first summer.

READ MORE:
* Too many courgettes?
* What can I grow underneath my tramp?
* Resene Shed of the Year 2017

EDIBLES
Harvest early potatoes as their foliage yellows.

Fold over tops of onions to hasten ripening.

Prune grapes by cutting out the tip of each shoot three nodes past the fruit to aid ripening.

Sow spring cabbages in a sheltered, semi-shaded spot. Transplant to sunnier spot once seedlings are at least 4cm tall.

MULCH CHOICE
Much is made of mulching with pea straw, in part because it is easily accessible and relatively cheap – especially if bought direct from a farmer or from a charity fund-raising drive.

However, substitutes are available, such as composted bark or forest-floor litter, which most landscape supply firms stock.

Pine needles are good for plants that like acidic soils, such as blueberries and strawberries.

Leaves are freely available in autumn, apply either straight or let them break down a little.

Woodchips are best around larger plants, such as trees and shrubs, rather than vegetables or flowers.

Grass clippings can also be used on shrubs and trees. Some favour mixing them with pea straw or compost but this isn't vital.

In larger or wilder gardens, long grasses and other weeds left over summer may be cut back and laid around the base of fruit trees.

Should you know a farmer, offer to clean out under his woolshed. All those droppings mixed in with bits of wool make marvellous mulch and garden food.

Seaweed can be a great mulch, especially if you love that salty tang.

Compost is always good – everywhere, which is why you should have at least one heap going at all times.

Mulching can help soil retain moisture; suppress weeds and feed the soil. For suppressing weeds in a big area, try laying a thick layer of newspaper, then carpet (wool not synthetic), then dirt (for a more attractive look).