Home & Garden
The National Forest and Vitax
Posted on September 16th, 2011
Vitax announces long term partnership with The National Forest.
5000 trees are to be planted over a three year period.
Vitax has made a long term commitment to supporting The National Forest, one of England’s most ambitious environmental projects.
Covering a 200 square mile area across parts of Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, the project is a ‘forest in the making’ – blending ancient woodland with new tree planting schemes to create a new national forest in one of the least wooded parts of the country.
Explaining the company’s decision to support The National Forest, Vitax Chairman Paul Gooding said that, as a business that has been involved with the UK gardening and horticultural markets for over 100 years, Vitax places a high priority on protecting, nurturing and respecting the environment.
“Based as we are at Coalville, right in the heart of The National Forest area, it makes perfect sense for us to become a long-term sponsor and supporter.”
When it comes to woodlands, the UK is the poor relation in comparison to other European countries. Woodland coverage in the UK is about 12% compared to a European average of 44%.
“Vitax involvement will lead to the planting of thousands of trees to create new woodlands and will contribute to redressing this deficiency,” said Mr Gooding.
Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company said they were delighted to welcome Vitax as a sponsor. “Based in The National Forest, Vitax will be an invaluable partner as we continue to create the new forest, planting new trees, creating new habitats and looking after the woodlands and new landscapes as we progress.
“Gardening products are so important to millions of people across the country and I know that a lot of Vitax customers will have a natural affinity with the creativity and environmental benefits of the forest – from our back gardens to the 200 square miles of The National Forest, it’s all about wildlife, beauty and something for future generations.”
Find out more about The National Forest
Vitax Planting at Normanton Le Heath
GIMA AWARDS 2011
Posted on July 25th, 2011
At the recent GIMA awards dinner held at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, Vitax were named as one of the three finalists in the Garden Care category. We were delighted to be taking home a “Finalist” certificate for the very successful eye-catching packaging of the Drip Feeds range – Orchid, Multipurpose, Foliar and Poinsettia.
Launched in the last 12 months, the Drip Feeds have exceeded our expectations, and sales are expected to be even greater in the next year.
Vitax Drip Feeds are convenient and easy to use, and give a nutrient boost for strong healthy plants. Each bottle of slow release feed will last for 2-3 weeks, and there are 10 bottles in these attractive packs, giving more than enough feed for a whole season.
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS YEAR’S SLUG & SNAIL INVASION?
Posted on May 13th, 2011
Slugs and snails can be the number one enemy in the garden, eating their way through prized plants and blooms and devastating seedlings overnight.
Surprisingly, not all slugs and snails are harmful; there are many different species and some live entirely on decaying garden materials. The largest garden slugs are usually harmless, and the main damage is done by snails and those small greyish-white slugs.
Slugs are basically snails without shells, and move around on a muscular foot which secretes slime which it then glides over to get around more easily. Slugs and snails find it easier to move around in damp conditions as the slime absorbs moisture and makes it more efficient.
Underground, slugs will eat their way into potatoes and other root crops, while those above ground will attack vegetable and salad crops and the foliage of plants.
During very cold winters slugs can be killed off, but during milder winters they may stay active and remain on the surface of the soil rather than going deep into the ground. Snails usually spend the winter hiding under garden debris.
In the summer, if the conditions are very hot and sunny, slugs can ‘dry out’ and hard soil is difficult for them to burrow into. However, the usual damp and slightly cool British summers, create lush foliage and shelter from hot sun – ideal conditions for slugs.
Keeping garden soil turned over in the winter will go some way towards eradicating the slug problem as the clusters of white slug eggs will be exposed and make a tasty meal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, frogs and birds.
It’s always a good idea to keep the garden clean and tidy – regularly removing dead and dying plant debris which provides ideal shelters for slugs and snails. Keep a check on plants in flowerpots to expose any slugs hiding underneath, and also check shady areas where they congregate.
SLUG AND SNAIL CONTROL
Vitax PROVIDES three products to help with slug control:
VITAX SLUG DEATH XL
This is a ready-to-use bait containing ferric phosphate, and is deal for the control of slugs around edible and ornamental plants. A pelleted bait, it is suitable for organic gardening and is certified for use in organic systems.
The pellets should be evenly scattered on moist, bare soil or on paths and patios at 5g per square metre. The pellets swell by absorbing water and thereby becoming more attractive to slugs. After consuming the pellets the slugs and snails move away to die (usually underground) without leaving an unsightly mess to clear up.
When used as directed the pellets do not pose a risk to children and pets.
VITAX SLUG OFF
This is a 100% natural slug barrier, suitable for organic and traditional gardens. The non-toxic granules are used to make a physical barrier and stop the advance of slugs by absorbing their mucus and preventing further movement.
Pour Slug Off around the base of plants to create a barrier, making sure there are no gaps. Rebuild the barrier if it is disturbed, leaving no entry points for slugs and snails, and ensuring there aren’t any “bridges” of leaves for them to cross over.
Vitax Slug Off can also be used as a mulch dressing in pots, tubs and baskets and, due to its moisture holding ability, can be incorporated into the soil to encourage more rapid plant development and improved flowering.
Children and pets need not be kept away from treated areas.
COPPER SLUG TAPE
This is an adhesive copper slug barrier tape, designed to stop slugs and snails in their tracks and is ideal for protecting pots, tubs and greenhouse staging. The 4m pack contains enough tape to protect 12 x five inch pots.
When a slug or snail attempts to cross the copper strip, a tiny electrical charge is created naturally from within the copper, causing them to turn away.
A complete circle must be made around the pot or bed to protect the plants, and care should be taken to ensure overhanging plants don’t make a bridge for the pests to cross. For extra protection against snails, cut ¼” grooves in the tape before applying it.
As with any copper material, this tape will turn greenish with age but this does not affect the performance of the tape. This product is also suitable for organic gardening.
Gardenworld April Newsletter
Posted on April 8th, 2011
Gardenworld, the website dedicated to offering advice and tips to gardeners the year round have launched their first newsletter.
The newsletter includes those jobs that need to be done to keep your garden in top condition and tips on how to deal weeds and garden pests, as well advice from Nippon on how to deal with ants. You can see the newsletter by visiting Gardenworld or by clicking here
Safe Control of Garden Pests
Posted on March 30th, 2011
A new leaflet ‘Controlling garden pests with wildlife in mind’, published by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), in association with the Crop Protection Association provides gardeners with sound advice on how to control garden pests, using both cultural and chemical methods, whilst still making the garden a haven for wildlife.
The leaflet provides checklists for both the use and safe disposal of Garden Care Chemicals. As a responsible manufacturer of Garden Care Chemicals, Vitax supports the advice provided.
You can download the leaflet by clicking on the PDF icon below or, for more information visit www.rspb.org.uk or www.garden-care.org.uk
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