Clematis flowers, known for their eye-catching open tapered petals, have become popular climbers worldwide. These flowers, originating in Japan and China, now have over 350 different varieties globally. They range from the delicate alpine clematis to the furry-looking old man’s beard. Many clematis varieties thrive in the UK, requiring either full or partial sun and nutrient-rich soil. As perennials, they grow back year after year but still need some care.
Monty Don, a renowned gardening expert, suggests spreading compost over the soil to boost clematis growth. Compost contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are vital for plant growth. Monty writes in his blog that the key to making compost quickly is to mix nitrogen-rich green matter like grass clippings with carbon-rich brown material and aerate it regularly by turning it.
He emphasizes that this process doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply forking through the compost can help spread air through it. This aeration feeds the bacteria that break down the material into compost. Monty describes compost as “better than any product known to man” because it enriches the soil with essential bacteria, fungi, and nutrients.
For those unsure what to compost, kitchen scraps are a good starting point. Banana peels, for example, are rich in potassium and can be used as a natural fertilizer. Fallen leaves are also nutrient-rich, containing carbon. Even pet hair, which is high in nitrogen, can be used as plant food.
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