Late February has to be one of the best times of year.  It’s still cold outside but the days are noticeably longer and the tell-tale emerging bulbs, early blossom and swollen horse chestnut buds are all heralding spring’s imminent arrival.

With spring just around the corner we thought we’d share a few great ways to get the most of Field Compost products during the season ahead.

“Canna” grow it?  Yes, you can! 

Grow your own beautiful Canna’s for great colour and structure in your borders this summer and early autumn:

Purchase Canna rhizomes from your local garden centre.  Purchasing them at this stage is a great value alternative to buying established plants in pots later in the season.

1. Place each individual rhizome in a 20cm (8”) pot and cover in Field 3 peat free multipurpose compost leaving any young shoots slightly exposed.
2. Keep the pots in a warm sunny environment such as a heated greenhouse or conservatory.
3. Water pots as they grow.
4. Move the plants to a cool greenhouse mid-May to harden-off.
5. Plant out in early May once the risk of frosts has past.
6. Select a sheltered location with a sunny aspect.  Before planting out make sure you dig in plenty of Field 1 organic soil conditioner to help maintain soil moisture and to slowly release nutrients to the new plants.   If planting raised beds or containers we would recommend our Field 15 peat free vegetable planting compost.
7. Space the plants at roughly 75cm (2.5 feet) apart and 10cm (4”) deep.
8. Keep watered during dry spells and apply a liquid plant feed in mid-summer.
9. Enjoy!  Once plants have gone over in late October apply a generous layer of Field 1 organic soil conditioner as a mulch to protect the overwintering rhizomes.