Aster alpinus 'Dunkle Schone'

Autumn - late · Outdoors

Apply mulch

Spread organic material around the plant being careful not to bury its crown, or to put the mulch above the point at which the plant has been grafted in the case of trees.

A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.

Autumn - late · Planting

Prune foliage back

Cut foliage back to the ground in late autumn.

Some plants often present good autumn colour which can be an asset in the garden. It is worth delaying the autumn trim until such foliage displays are over.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Summer · Planting

Divide after flowering

Immediately flowering has ended, divide clumps if needed and replant immediately, watering them well in.

Compost · Planting

Multi-purpose compost

Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.