Monty Don urges gardeners to do clematis task before June to guarantee blooms

Wales Online

4 days ago

Monty Don urges gardeners to do clematis task before June to guarantee blooms
Clematis flowers are known for their large, open petals, but if you want to guarantee a good display next year, gardening expert Monty Don says you need to do one thing
(Image: Getty Images )
Clematis flowers, with their open tapered petals, are a beautiful sight. To ensure even better blooms next year, gardening expert Monty Don recommends one particular tip. These blossom-laden climbers, which originate from China and Japan, are favourite worldwide. There are over 350 different types of clematis flowers globally, ranging from the delicate alpine clematis to the peculiarly furry old man's beard. Many clematis varieties are relatively straightforward to cultivate in the UK. They need either full or partial sun – though they may not bloom as well in shadier areas.
They also prefer nutrient-rich soil. Classified as perennial plants, they regrow year after year. However, this doesn't mean they don't need extra care. One of the best ways to enhance your clematis is to spread compost over the soil, reports the Mirror.
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Compost typically contains a beneficial mix of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth. In his blog, Monty writes: "The secret of making it reasonable quickly is to have a good mix of matter high in nitrogen (green) like grass clippings and drier material (brown) that is high in carbon and then to aerate it often by turning it." Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
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He says that this doesn't have to be "a major operation". Monty suggests that simply forking through the compost will help circulate air within it. The primary aim is to circulate oxygen throughout the pile, which nurtures the bacteria that devour the decaying matter, transforming it into compost. This process infuses soil with vital bacteria, fungi, and nutrients. Monty claims nit is "better than any product known to man."
When unsure about what to include in your compost heap, your kitchen provides a wealth of suitable materials. A variety of food scraps can be turned into an effective fertiliser. The banana peel is a favoured choice due to its high potassium content, which is beneficial for plant growth. These nutrients become readily available to plants as the peels decompose.
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Additionally, you can use fallen leaves from your garden. These are laden with valuable nutrients like carbon. Another unconventional but effective composting material is pet hair. Dog and cat fur may seem odd an odd choice for your plants but they ares exceptionally nitrogen-rich, creating superb feed for plants.