General Gardening Discussion

I used to put a layer of netting or mesh with soil back on top for small bulbs in borders, but it's then a problem if you want to add something else there, so I just accept that I might lose some, no matter what I do. Squirrels will have a go on a regular basis. I use it [mesh/net] for pots...

My compost is always wet, and colder, but if you add plenty of 'browns' that will help - cardboard, paper etc. If you can turn it reasonably regularly , that also helps with keeping it aerated better, which means it's less prone to becoming solid, and will break down a bit more quickly. Mine...

THANK YOU for that!! Oddly, it sort of makes sense, our French teacher was Polish (or Ukrainian) and perhaps told us the story, as it were, ex-curriculum. Clearly, somewhat adapted from the original: How Much Land Does a Man Need? - WikipediaHe had a strong accent but, to our great chagrin and...

The other option is to remove some of the long growth but keep some and train it. We have an enormous specimen on the front of our house and it goes wild where it doesn't matter but where we need to get passed, or want more control, we have trained it so that it stays flat. It's easy to do by...

There are many permutations of potential options for SFI ; according to soil type and rotations etc. Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme: expanded offer for 2024

I will try to remember you noisette 47 next time I am having a clear out. I think I might try burying the small bulbs under the new ones to grow on. Not something I have ever tried before.

When they get back into growth @On the Levels , that's the ideal time for cuttings. You can usually just pull off a nice green bit off, and there'll be a 'heel' on it, which makes it easier for establishment. Those are easy to grow on. You can also lift and divide the tubers as they get bigger,...

Take it with you Central London November 19th 11am Tubes may be working, roads not so much ? May see you there......

That reminds me on the end 80's when we were able to buy dates. It didn't take long and we let them germinate, including me. I had the pots on the heating, which works 100% (as yours). Some of the smart ones offered them for sale when they were tiny. What I learned quickly with my own attempts...

There's a globosa growing along with a davidii [ tucked in behind the latter ] in the common ground outside a block of flats not far from me @Plantminded . Just a mixed border against the outer wall and a stretch of grass. I thought of taking some cuttings as the maintenance lads just shear...

Thank you all. Z

Thankyou @Escarpment , that is interesting to know.

So helpful guys Thank you

Plenty of Gorse in flower round here during the winter, bit of a devil to mow the lawn round if they are in your garden though, ask me how I know.........................

Hi in the plastic greenhouse will be fine do that now , check the pots for slugs any weeds etc .. buy some gardening fleece for when we have minus temperatures .. I wont water mine until end of February/ March ,, those huge roots hold lots of water …. And no trimming the leaves just remove the...

Cafe au Lait still flowering … all these flowers are from one plant/tuber, I think the tuber is going to be pretty big when I dig it up!

Yes - that's the problem Even where I am, it means darker conditions for kids going to school in the middle of winter, and of course - it's later the further north you are. Coming back isn't quite the same because of traffic being lower, and also because everyone is leaving at roughly the same...

Yes- not sure how viable the lower corms will be once you remove that top one, although it's mainly the invasive montbretia that's more problematic rather than the cultivated varieties IME. I've generally just split large clumps, rather than removing corms, which is fairly easy if access is...

Hi,These rotavators once seen aren't easily forgotten are theyIt's about 67 years ago I first saw one of the big Howard's; a retired neighbour used to be a market gardener and had a large greenhouse in a large allotment; he and his wife were about to go on two weeks holiday and he asked me...