What to do with dead bedding

Last post 04-12-2011 6:11 PM by AlexS. 2 replies.

• 30/11/2011 09:51 PM

  AlexS Location: Reading Joined on: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 501

  Reply | Contact I tend to leave my summer begonias etc in place until they're killed by frost. Then I pull the plants out roots and all, and chuck them on the compost heap.  But the first frost this year was so late that there are bulbs growing up through the rootballs of many of them.  Is there any disadvantage to just taking off the frosted tops and just leaving the roots to rot down where they are? It saves disturbing the crocuses etc, but I was wondering if there's a build-up of disease or any other disadvantage? What do you do? Alex

• 04/12/2011 06:46 AM	In reply to
  Julie Location: London Joined on: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 410	Reply | Contact My instinct would be to leave the roots and avoid disturbing the bulbs. It would also discourage weeds. I try to do as little digging and disturbing as possible, otherwise weed seeds are exposed and germinate.

• 04/12/2011 06:11 PM	In reply to
  AlexS Location: Reading Joined on: 06 Sep 2009 Posts: 501	Reply | Contact Good point Julie. And doing as little as possible is advice I can gladly take :) Alex