General Gardening Discussion

Best time to do it? Later on in the year after the birds have left their nests.

Nowadays I only use a border fork as it fits in between plants better and is much lighter so not as much of a strain on the back. I would go for a polished stainless steel one because it doesn't clog very easily with with mud. An angled D shaped handle makes the digging easier.With all...

The rose thing is something a bit different. Roses are mostly grafted plants, which means the roots are a different plant to the top growth, both are roses but the rootstock is usually similar to a wild rose and the top part is grafted onto it.What can happen is a strong shoot arises from the...

Hello! I'm after recommendations. I've got a very narrow strip of gravel at the edge of some decking. The neighbours fence replacement was a slimmer construction so I gained a couple of inches. Any recommendations for little plants that seed in gravel (like Erigeron would), but the catch being...

Mrs Cholmondeley

There is no definition of 'manure' so I guess it could be anything from 'fresh' manure straight from the cow to 'well rotted' which is safe for most plants. So to remain in control it's safer to use measured amounts of chemical fertilisers.

Here are mine ... Figaro first then the Bambino. I guess they'll be OK. Yours look rather better however!!

I think you've made a good decision Michael, it would be such a shame to lose any.

Thanks to all of you for your replies. Andy.

Give the top parts the scratch test, just scrape the bark and see if its green underneath, if it brown then that part is dead. I think you might have some dieback there.Dont do it yet but later in summer you can cut back any dead stuff to the parts that are still alive.

Thanks all, they were looking to growing them next year as its cost them so much this year with all their hanging baskets.Did not realise certain types were not sold as seeds ?We have overwintered some good trailers, not sure if they are Surfinias, but do not really want the same ones each...

Thanks. I think I had read that bit about planting out while small, as brooms resent transplanting. Which is why I am considering getting a very big pot for it and in the first summer adding some annual flowers that get cut back at the end of the summer. Rather than transplanting it into only...

Your plants are gorgeous!

RHS pruning advice for forsythia. Prune in mid-spring, immediately after flowering – avoid pruning later in the year, as the following spring’s flowers will be reduced. Annual pruning keeps plants healthy, shapely and within bounds:Cut back flowered growth to vigorous upward- and...

I think that's the best action, nothing to lose really. Thanks .

Clematis have always been a mystery to me, they seem to thrive or die, or just hang on and look awful. Just saying

It almost sounds like how yeasts are kept going for brewing.

Coming on fine, noticed roots appearing out the bottom of the tray but makes you wonder is it worth the effort when you can get a tray of 8 for £2?

I keep a few sachets of sequestered iron handy for when I spot something going a bit yellow. The seaweed and iron is also effective. Ive used vinegar as well, as,Ricky says but it can be a bit hit and miss.A top dressing of flowers of sulphur is another way, but that is more of a long term fix.

I do agree you need to get rid of the butterfly bush though it could adversely affect your greenhouse. Maybe take out all your seedlings and keep away from that area whilst you spray?