Bulgarian Lifestyle - Gardening in Bulgaria Spring has started to rear its head, I've already noticed the first signs in my garden, the sun has started to shine, so it's time almost time to get out the shorts, sunglasses and hats and get back out there and sort out our Bulgarian gardens. March is the time to start preparing everything for planting. I've almost finished pruning the vines, but had to give it a rest due to blisters!!! The garden is not always an easy task here in Bulgaria, but it certainly pays dividends both in saving money and a sense of satisfaction Divide and Separate Winter flowing plants, such as snowdrops, should now be dug up and separated if they have spread into large areas of the garden, though please don't do this unless they have finished flowering. Be careful as you separate the bulbs and make sure you avoid any damage. Also ensure that you replant them at the same depth as they were previously planted. As the soil becomes warmer , later in the month you can divide evergreen shrubs and hedges or plant new ones. During this time new roots will immediately grow. Pruning - Trees, Shrubs and Vines It's time to get out those secateurs and prune the rose bushes, fruit trees and shrubs. Ensure that you dead head (cut off the old flower heads) and cut off any diseased or broken stems on your rose bushes. If your rose bush is quite bushy, you need to cut back the stems to a bud which faces outwards, leaving them about half the length they were originally. Pruning ensures that you encourage new growth and ensures that the goodness goes to the flower/fruit rather than the plant/tree itself. It'd possible to cut some bushes two thirds of the way back, just don't totally butcher it!!! Fertilizing Your Plants If you have hedges and fruit trees, it's a good idea to sprinkle general purpose fertiliser around the base to ensure they remain healthy, then cover it with a compost, preferably decomposed leaves. The essential minerals are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You will be able to purchase good fertilizer from most DIY shops. Better still and if you prefer to go more organic, you could ask a local farmer for manure. Not only is it more organic, but it is certainly a cheaper alternative. Depending on which farm animal's manure you use, each have different qualities, and require different application frequencies. You can use manure from horses, cattle, pigs or sheep, chicken and turkey manures and rabbit manure. * Sheep manure is high in nitrogen and potash; * Pig manure is fairly low in both; * Horse manure is high in weed seeds, as horses do not digest seeds as efficiently as cows; * Chicken manure is extremely concentrated and should be used sparingly. Paint Your Tree Trunks Do you know why tree trunks are painted white? I didn't until just lately. Well it's done to prevent deciduous fruit and nut trees from injuries caused by late frosts. If frost is allowed to penetrate the bark whilst the tree is in the early growth period plant pathogens like P. Syringe can enter and infect a healthy tree. Don't be mistaken into thinking that because you gave them a coat of paint in the autumn, that you don't need to do it again. You still need to give them a fresh coat of matt whitewash paint (just a 50/50 blend of paint and water) with a pinch of Fungus which is commonly known as copper hydrochloride. The paint reflects the sunlight ensuring the bark does not become warm and crack, which will let in the frost penetrate and damage the tree. A lack of cracks in the trunk will ensure that crawling insects won't be able to infest the tree through the bark. Time to Plant Your Seeds! Did you save your old yoghurt pots? I did! I have lots of them now filled with peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower. You can also use them to plant your summer flowers. Another useful planting tip..... Save your large water bottles, slice off the top about a quarter of the way down. Fill it to about 2 inches from the top with soil and plant your seeds, ensuring you replace to top. Planted this way saves your from watering, as moisture gathers inside the bottle and runs back to the soil. Anyhow, back to your seeds! It is important to keep your seeds indoors and watered. Don't forget to label your seed tray with the name of the seedling and the day you planted it so that you can stick to the planting schedule on the seed packet. It's one of the things I always forget, then I never know what I've planted where! If you decide to plant summer flowering bulbs, you also need to keep them in a green house or in the house as a late frost will kill off any new plants. It is possible to put the following plants outdoors like broad beans, beetroots, Brussels sprouts, summer cabbages, leeks, lettuces, hardy peas and radishes. However, you need to ensure they are protected. Rotate Soil Do you want a vegetable garden this year? If so, then now is the time to get digging or rotavating if you're well equipped! Choose an area in your garden with plenty of sunlight for most of the day. If you have a very large garden, don't locate your veg garden too far away from the tap!!! Turn the soil over, removing any old plants and weeds as you go. If you dont have one, I recommend that you try and borrow a rotatory from a neighbor. This will make the soil finer and easier to plant up. Divide the planting areas by building up each row with soilm then add some fertilizer. It's a good idea to lay old planks of wood patio slabs in between the rows to stop your shoes getting muddy while watering your plants. If like me last year, this is the first time you have tended a vegetable garden, be prepared for quite a lot of hard work. The weeds seem to grow quicker than the veg itself, so weeding is a daily task if you don't want them to take over your garden. Ideally, in the very hot weather, some of your veg will need watering morning and night, especially when the plants become larger. Well good luck to all you gardeners out there!