Book: Baytree Gardening Companion 2024 ^Sale

Project Overview

 

Baytree Gardening Companion 2024:
What to do and when – a month-by-month guide

Jo Barham

 

 

Book Synopsis

Gardening is an art form that calls for patience, dedication, and a deep connection with the natural world. Each month presents unique challenges and opportunities, and this guide is your faithful companion, offering insights and practical advice to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of your garden.

The pages that follow are a testament to the belief that a garden is not merely a collection of plants but a living tapestry that evolves with the seasons. Whether you are an experienced gardener seeking to enhance your skills or a novice eager to embark on a green adventure, this guide is designed to meet you where you are on your gardening journey.

Each month has its own Chapter containing a step-by-step guide to all the tasks that need to be completed and how to do them. It is written in plain, no-nonsense language.

At the end of each Chapter are the following Record Pages:

• Planning Diary

• Activity Record

• Planting Record

These pages will help to keep a record of important dates such as when seeds were planted, and what new projects you plan for this year.

I hope you have a great year in your garden.

 

Contents

 

 

Introduction

 

Chapter 1 – January

• Clearing Winter Debris and Planning Ahead

• Pruning Fruit Trees

• Ordering Seeds and Planning

 

Chapter 2 – February

• Pruning Roses and Shrubs (Early Signs of Spring)

• Chitting Potatoes (Early Signs of Spring)

• Preparing Seedbeds and Greenhouses (Early Signs of Spring)

 

Chapter 3 – March

• Soil Testing and Amendment (Welcoming Spring)

• Planting Early Vegetables and Herbs (Welcoming Spring)

• Feeding and Mulching Flower Beds (Welcoming Spring)

 

Chapter 4 – April

• Sowing Annuals and Perennials (Blooms and Blossoms)

• Dividing and Transplanting Perennials (Blooms and Blossoms)

• Protecting New Growth from Late Frosts (Blooms and Blossoms)

 

Chapter 5 – May

• Planting Summer Flowering Bulbs (The Heart of Spring Gardening)

• Nurturing Young Seedlings (The Heart of Spring Gardening)

• Regular Weed Control and Pest Monitoring (The Heart of Spring Gardening)

 

Chapter 6 – June

• Deadheading and Pruning (Full-On Summer Mode)

• Watering Wisely in Hot Months (Full-On Summer Mode)

• Harvesting Early Crops and Herbs (Full-On Summer Mode)

 

Chapter 7 – July

• Feeding and Fertilizing (The Radiance of Midsummer)

• Training Climbing Plants (The Radiance of Midsummer)

• Maintaining Lawn Health (The Radiance of Midsummer)

 

Chapter 8 – August

•  Propagating Plants (Balancing Care with your Holidays)

•  Maintaining Containers and Hanging Baskets (Balancing Care with your Holidays)

•  Planning for Autumn Planting (Balancing Care with your Holidays)

 

Chapter 9 – September 

• Planting Spring-Flowering Bulbs

• Harvesting late Summer Crops

• Preparing Garden Beds for Winter 

 

Chapter 10 – October

• Raking Leaves, Composting, Protecting Plants, Lawn Care, and Harvesting Root Vegetables

• Collecting and Storing Seeds

• Pruning Berry-Bearing Shrubs

 

Chapter 11 – November

• A comprehensive guide on the final pruning and cutting back tasks in November.

• A step-by-step guide on cleaning and storing your gardening tools in November.

• A comprehensive Guide to Mulching Your Garden Beds for Winter Protection.

• A comprehensive guide to designing captivating winter containers.

 

Chapter 12 – December

• Reflect on the year's gardening successes – look at your Companion Record.

• Ordering Seeds and Planning for the New Year

• Composting and Preparing for Spring

 

Diary page samples

 

 

Calendar

January 2024

 

Planning Diary and Activity Record

This page is a sample that helps you keep a record of your plans for the months ahead and keep a record of your key activities.

These will be useful, next year, as reference points for planting dates and much more. 

 

About the Author

 

Jo Barham

Whether your garden is large or small and whether you grow flowers, plants, vegetables, shrubs, and trees Jo has combined a practical monthly guide to all the tasks that need doing and when to do them.

Jo Barham's lifelong love affair with gardening was inspired by her father, Harold, whose unwavering pride in, and deep passion for, his garden left an indelible mark on her. 

This book is dedicated to Jo’s Dad.

Her journey into the world of horticulture and garden design began after her three children reached a point when she could pursue her ambition. Jo embarked on an educational journey, culminating in the attainment of a degree in Horticulture and Garden Design. Armed with knowledge and fuelled by an innate passion, she ventured into the world of garden design and maintenance.

For over 11 years, Jo dedicated herself to transforming gardens. Her hands-on experiences were augmented by meticulous note-taking, creating a treasure trove of insights and wisdom. These records, meticulously preserved over the years, have become the foundational source of her book.

Jo's commitment to sharing her knowledge and practical wisdom led her to pen the "Baytree Gardening Companion." This guide is a testament to her dedication, offering readers a no-nonsense handbook, a trusted companion for their gardening journeys.

One realisation has become paramount in Jo's gardening journey – the importance of documenting the evolution of one's garden. Recognising that a garden is not just a sanctuary for the present but also a legacy for the future. 

Jo has included, at the end of each month's chapter, three invaluable sections: aDiary Planner, Activity Log, and Planting Record. These features ensure that the garden's history is preserved; both for the gardener and the generations to come.

 

Baytree Gardening Companion 2024: What to do and when – a month-by-month guide © 2023,  Jo Barham

 

Why I am creating this

Building on my father's influence and dedication to gardening I am publishing this book in order to: (1) Offer step-by-step guidance on essential gardening tasks for each month; (2) Assist gardeners like you in planning and organizing your gardening activities throughout the year; (3) Encourage you to document your garden's evolution and history.

What you will love about it

I am confident that you will love the following aspects of the book: (1) Month-by-Month Guidance: You will appreciate the month-by-month structure, making it easy to follow and implement gardening tasks throughout the year; (2) Invaluable Records: You will find the inclusion of a Diary Planner, Activity Log, and Planting Record at the end of each chapter is a valuable tool for documenting and preserving your garden's history; (3) Environmental Awareness: The promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly gardening practices will resonate with you if you are an eco-conscious reader.

What else you should know

Other aspects of gardening the book helps you to consider include: (1) Pollinators: Make sure you attract and support pollinators like bees and butterflies by planting nectar-rich flowers; (2) Organic Pest Control: Use organic and environmentally friendly pest control methods to minimize harm to beneficial insects; (3) Maintenance Records: Keep detailed records of garden tasks, planting dates, and successes/failures so that you can learn from each season.