Grower’s digest - January 2019

Recycle your Christmas tree

To recycle your sapin (Christmas tree) quickly and easily for compost, you need a broyeur végétaux (plant shredder), a wide variety of which are available to buy in stores such as Gamm’ Vert, Castorama and Leroy Merlin.

There are three main types to choose from: le broyeur à disque porte-lames (a blade-disc – fast, ideal for small gardens), le broyeur à rotor (rotor crusher, which compresses the branches first) or le broyeur à turbine (turbine mill, ideal for very hard wood).

Model shown: Bosch AXT 2550 TC, €419.90; www.castorama.fr .

The woodcutter’s story

An innovative couple of horticulturalists from Fréjus in the Var have developed a round-the-clock plant watering system that could be ideal for people with plants who are going away on holiday.

The Capill ’O feeds a plant 24 hours a day by capillary, via a polypropylene wick immersed in a water reserve. The whole thing is propped up by a frame and plants do not spoil from direct contact with water.

The innovation won a prize at last year’s Lépine inventions competition is currently in production by a Dijon firm. Prices will vary from €15 to €25.

www.capillo-concepts.com

Under wraps

Keep outdoor potted plants and shrubs warm this winter with a breathable white housse.

Made of 50 g/m2 non-woven polypropylene with UV protection, it measures 200cm high and costs €9.95.

Permeable and resistant, it lets air, water and light through to keep your plants healthy.

www.truffaut.com

Insta-jardins

Social media app Instagram is a brilliant way to enjoy other people’s gardens in France, with everyone from chateau visitors to chambre d’hôtes owners posting seasonal snaps of their gardens (users can search using the hashtag #jardins).

This month’s pick features a detail of French leafy, wintery glory, as captured by dalpul.