On 16/10/2012 10:05, Sacha wrote:
On 2012-10-15 18:38:14 +0100, Roy22
said:


'Spider[_3_ Wrote:
snip

Another valuable lesson is to remember that, in winter, plants can
suffer from 'frost drought'. This is when there *is* moisture in the
ground but it is locked up and icy hard. The plants' roots are unable
to take up the solidified moisture as they can only use soluble
nutrients. I always keep a weather eye on my plants and, if they look
desperately dry and wilted, I will water them. It's a tricky decision
in icy conditions, but I find it helpful.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay

Thanks again for the further advice. I've given the privet some
Tomorite, in an effort to get some belated Potassium into the
over-nitrogened soil. I don't know how much longer I should carry on
with it though?

I have also snipped back the ends of the larger/taller stems, by an inch
or so, to encourage hardening off. But I'm not sure if this is enough
for the purpose? It sort of goes against instincts to chop away much
hard-earned growth (I know, plants are supposed to respond by growing
more) so I'd appreciate any advice on how much cutting back is wise at
this point. I live in the Midlands, if that's relevant in terms of
climate.

I think it would be best to leave them alone now. They've had so much
treatment that they might be better just having a rest, especially as
their natural resting period is upon them. I would suggest you let your
hedge look after itself. If, as Spider says, they're dry, water them but
otherwise, now, leave them be. And don't chop any more off them. They
need some frost cover which their own top growth can provide. Chopping
straight into young plants is a bit hard on them when they're trying to
put out enough leaves/branches to gather light and survive by putting
down strong roots. Usually, it's best to leave them for a year or so to
gather some root and some top growth and then lightly take out the tops
to encourage bushiness.


Yes, I think we're all agreed that you can take a break from hedge
nursing for a while. In Spring, when the warmer weather boosts new
growth, you can consider further treatment.

Your hedge is a year old near enough, so it should be able to cope with
winter weather. If, however, you have *very* heavy snow, it may be
worth using a broom to brush the thick snow layer off the top of the
hedge, to prevent the weight of snow breaking or distorting the plants.
A light covering of snow is not a problem and may, indeed, act as an
insulating blanket. It's the weight of thick snow building up that can
be troublesome.

Relax now and have a good winter.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay