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Gardening - And All Things Gardening Related (3)

Started by: jo anne (34699) 

Carrying on from the lengthy gardening thread (2): Feb'15 - Jun '16

*Incredible Wigan to launch later this year*

On Tuesday 28th June, the Incredible Edible team will be in Believe Square (The Wiend) to demonstrate their skills and help volunteers plant fruit, veg and herbs.

Incredible Edible makes local food accessible to all with volunteers encouraged to plant it in communal areas such as grass verges, gardens, parks and schools and colleges.

Founder Pamela Warhurst launched the scheme eight years ago in Todmorden and is delighted to be growing Incredible Wigan.

Pam, who is originally from Leigh, said: “It’s a really simple initiative ... about growing food and supporting local food businesses, tasting local produce and helping people to use food to be happy and healthy."

Links: www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk / incredibleediblenetwork.org.uk

Started: 22nd Jun 2016 at 08:53

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Replied: 22nd Jun 2016 at 08:54
Last edited by jo anne: 21st Jul 2017 at 21:26:22

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Having birds and especially pigeons taking lawn seed soon after it has been sown whenever I have dug out weeds I decided to sow grass seed in seed trays. A very successful experiment. I am now ready to do patching in the next few days. Cut a patch to any size as I would if using bought turves.

Replied: 13th Aug 2016 at 11:42

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Anne may try that myselfTried casting seed and then covering with netting but the starlings still got to the seed

Replied: 13th Aug 2016 at 14:14

Posted by: blackrodweaver (628) 

Lost all my Impatiens bizzie lizzies to downey mildew .
cant compost them as it may infect the next lot of them I put in. thank god it doesn't infect other plants... anyone else had this problem

Replied: 14th Aug 2016 at 20:24

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

My first sunflower as come out, 7ft at the moment ,thought i would have a change this year and get some mixed colours

Replied: 15th Aug 2016 at 23:04
Last edited by dave b: 15th Aug 2016 at 23:04:47

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Oh Dave I love that colour.

Replied: 15th Aug 2016 at 23:08

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

The edge of the petals are a golden colour momac, hard to tell with the photo ,took it with my phone.Just a waiting game now to see what other colours are.

Replied: 16th Aug 2016 at 17:09

Posted by: momac (12409) 

I really didn't know that there was any other colour than yellow...that is a gorgeous colour.

Replied: 16th Aug 2016 at 17:14

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

I've been looking for a skirt or pants that colour for ages!
You're quite an expert with sunflowers Dave, I remember last years.

Replied: 16th Aug 2016 at 18:33

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

Got the seeds off Ebay Anne, from premier seeds, their called Autumn Beauty ,mixed colours 75 seeds.99p 7ft 10ins now the tallest.

Replied: 18th Aug 2016 at 00:21

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

Another flower out today ,tallest now is 8ft 5ins

Replied: 21st Aug 2016 at 15:01
Last edited by dave b: 21st Aug 2016 at 21:52:37

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Black Scurf (Rhizoctonia solani) on mih spuds.

piccy: this stuff

Would not mind, but these were grown in potato growing bags, with commercially purchased compost: they have not come into contact with garden soil. Either seed potato was already infected, or some agent has acted as a disease vector from infected soil.

Replied: 22nd Aug 2016 at 21:03

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

All yellow one out today

Replied: 24th Aug 2016 at 20:15

Posted by: blackrodweaver (628) 

priscus I grow a few potatoes every year usually in the garden soil. but a year or so ago got a potato grow bag given me , and I had the same problem was told its because the soil is "light soil" not compact enough. you can still eat them just peel it off.only affects the skin

Replied: 24th Aug 2016 at 20:18

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

and another

Replied: 24th Aug 2016 at 20:19

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Grow your own Saffron.

Not for me, My soil too heavy/clay, but

on special offer

Replied: 20th Sep 2016 at 13:30

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

This time of year, I buy garden lime, to help open up my heavy clay soil.

I was extremely surprised to discover that price this year is TWICE what it had cost last year!

( I don't think it can be blamed on the falling pound: surely we must produce our own garden lime in the UK.)

Replied: 10th Oct 2016 at 13:24

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

agapanthus//I bought some this year for the bees but they didnt grow much in their pots. Do I take them out for winter or leave well alone?

Replied: 1st Nov 2016 at 13:42

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Kath... I wish I could grow them. I have tried pots, in the ground and read all kinds of advice but always no joy. Post if you succeed, I would love to know.

Replied: 1st Nov 2016 at 14:52

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

i think I will leave them be and hope for the best Anne. i was inspired by beauties in a NT garden but I've just got a few short leaves

Replied: 6th Nov 2016 at 12:32

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Lavender has been the most potent attraction for bees in my garden.

Replied: 6th Nov 2016 at 14:19

Posted by: kathpressey (5590) 

yes I've planted lots of lavender but lost a few last winter. the agapanthus we saw that day were covered in bees.

Replied: 7th Nov 2016 at 08:50

Posted by: lapis lazuli (inactive)

Agapanthus prefer dry soil. We have two here which Tom overwinters in the greenhouse.

Replied: 16th Nov 2016 at 00:14

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

27th December. What I need now is a good frost to nip all the weeds that have germinated in the recent warm winter days.

It is rather difficult to get at them, either by hand, or using any sort of tool, without disturbing the newly emerging spring bulbs amongst which they have appeared.

Replied: 27th Dec 2016 at 12:46

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Due to the mild weather on walking round the garden and looking in the pots it is surprising the amount of bulbs that have pushed through the soil. Just hoping the frosts don't kill them off.Even some of the bushes have got new buds bursting through.

Replied: 31st Dec 2016 at 08:15

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Think yourself lucky you have some left Peter. Several weeks ago I planted over fifty crocus bulbs....today I found many uprooted and chewed. Could it be mice, there were several small holes in the ground nearby.
The established bulbs were left alone.

Replied: 22nd Jan 2017 at 16:57

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Fruit Tree Grafting Workshop - Fri 10th March - Facebook Link

Replied: 7th Feb 2017 at 18:14
Last edited by jo anne: 14th Jul 2019 at 08:14:09

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Potato Day, Sun 12th Feb, 11.30am - 2.30pm, St Benedict's Parochial Club, Hindley WN2 3AD

Lucky Hens Potato Day (Facebook)

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 22:57
Last edited by jo anne: 14th Jul 2019 at 08:14:41

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Got my potato set(main crop-Maris Piper) from the garden centre.Will leave them in the shed till the end of the month then get them spritting for mid-March and then plant them in the raised bed I made last year.Grape vine did not get a lot of leaves on it last year no grapes at all. Will see what happens this year hope I have not lost it(not cheap to buy)

Replied: 17th Feb 2017 at 14:54

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Peter..I grew some last year in bags,can't say I got a lot but hope I've
learned a bit more by reading ..am saving my egg boxes to store them..will
probably get Maris Piper this weekend from garden centre.
Re your grape vine..the one I had didn't produce grapes the first year..but
the problem was my greenhouse is only small and it literally took over
making no room for tomatoes and cucumber so it had to go I'm sorry to say
On the subject of cucumbers I'm going to try growing them outside this year
If they fail well at least I've tried.

Replied: 20th Feb 2017 at 10:01

Posted by: scoop (3285) 

I have a yucca in the back garden that is in flower, couldn't believe it when i saw it.

Replied: 1st Mar 2017 at 15:49

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Scoop..I used to have one..it flowered and was beautiful,but it got very big
and I gave it to my next door neighbour,but every year I can see it flowering
in her garden from my landing window,and could kick myself every time I see it.

Replied: 1st Mar 2017 at 16:05

Posted by: scoop (3285) 

momac
I understand why you gave it away, but at least you can still see it flower. I will never get rid of mine it has three stems of it now and it is gorgeous.

Replied: 3rd Mar 2017 at 14:17

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Thur 23rd March, 3pm Sunshine House are giving away seed potatoes with Incredible Edible
If you'd like any let them know so they can put your name down.

Sunshine House Community Hub, Wellington St, Scholes WN1 3SA Tel: 01942 820026
www.sunshinehousewigan.com / Facebook / @BarbaraNettleto (Manager)

Replied: 4th Mar 2017 at 14:08
Last edited by jo anne: 14th Jul 2019 at 08:15:21

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Scoop,they really are a sight to behold aren't they..don't ever give yours
away no matter how big it grows.

Replied: 4th Mar 2017 at 14:18

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Weeding:

Once upon a time, I possessed an ancient, very narrow, Dutch Hoe: the blade was only some two, or maybe two-and-a-half inches wide.

This was a very useful tool for cutting newly emergent weeds, particularly amongst the spring bulbs currently blooming. Such a narrow blade easily controlled close to stems of flowers, veg, and strawberries.

Alas, some years back, this valued implement has walked.

Have searched online, and gardening/tool cats, but cannot find a replacement.

Please tell me if you know of such.

PS The cutting edges of the device were so worn, I think it quite possible that the hoe began life normal sized, and had been worn down to the diminutive proportions which I had found so helpful.

Replied: 6th Mar 2017 at 12:54

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Priscus,I've just had a look for 'Narrow garden hoes' and I found some on Amazon.

Replied: 6th Mar 2017 at 14:25

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Thanks. I have looked there before, but will certainly take a look again.

Replied: 6th Mar 2017 at 14:40

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

When is the best time to buy/plant BUDDLEIA also my wife wants to now about a MAGNOLIA i am not that green fingered so would like help .

Replied: 10th Mar 2017 at 16:38

Posted by: momac (12409) 

GB..you can buy or plant Buddleia any time,but look for one that's already showing a couple of flowers so that know it's true colour is..I got one last
year but one,it said on the ticket that it was red..and the photo on the ticket
showed that it was Red but it turned out Purple,however I kept it and the
White one I'd bought planted them together and you wouldn't believe how
many butterflies you get throughout Summer,we were sorry when Autumn
came...ours grew very leggy so I pruned them right down..you can also
grow them in pots..you'll enjoy them.
Magnolias I'm afraid I've never had one,but maybe someone else will see this and help you...I love plants.

Replied: 10th Mar 2017 at 17:43

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

MOMAC: Cheer's thank you fir that i will sure bear that in mind when we go and buy them.

Replied: 12th Mar 2017 at 03:37

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Magnolias can be planted out in the garden or in a large pot at this time of year.We were given one about 20 years ago which we planted in the front garden and when ever I drive past our old house I glance to see it and it is lovely when it is in bloom.

Replied: 12th Mar 2017 at 08:27

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

THANKS PeterP.

Replied: 12th Mar 2017 at 11:29

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

My Forsythia finally in bloom today. (Mid March!)

It usually blooms in February.

I do not know why it is so late.

Have about half a dozen of them. Don't think it is a location issue.

Replied: 13th Mar 2017 at 13:24
Last edited by priscus: 13th Mar 2017 at 13:25:04

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Checked out Amazon, yes they have narrow draw hoes and variations upon that theme.

Cannot weed between close planted specimens with those: it will damage the roots.

Did not find any narrow Dutch hoes there though.

Something called a flower hoe listed. Described as narrow, but blade which is heart-shaped, is at its widest portion same as conventional hoe.

Also something called a potato hoe. That is close, is sharp, and is narrow. However, since it is primarily intended for earthing up spuds, blade is directly in line with handle. It would not be easy to skim ground surface to chop weeds, which is what I am looking for in a narrow Dutch hoe.

Think I am going to have to import one from Germany.

Replied: 19th Mar 2017 at 03:39

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

TV presenter Adam Frost to host workshops at Bents on Sun 2nd Apr - Leigh Journal

Replied: 19th Mar 2017 at 18:39

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Wigan Council - Facebook:

The team behind Incredible Edible are holding Potato Day on Thursday 23rd March!

Go along to Wigan Market between 12-3pm or Sunshine House, Scholes at 3pm
and get your potatoes and healthy recipes. You don't need a garden - a tub will do the trick.

Pam Warhurst, founder of Incredible Edible, said: "We want to encourage Wigan residents to cook healthy meals with fresh and locally grown produce."

Speak to Pam about how you can get involved in Incredible Wigan.

Replied: 19th Mar 2017 at 18:45

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Still searching for replacement narrow bladed Dutch hoe, and as a result of Googling, and following a number of links to various garden related web sites, I find that I am not alone. It seems many of us are engaged in this fruitless search!

I wonder how we get to the situation where what users want is one thing, and what manufacturers unload upon them is a totally different thing.

I think that I will call it the Microsoft Syndrome!

Countless replies to queries from gardeners elicit the reply, "Cut one down to size with an angle grinder."

Well, I wish I could. I would be quite happy to do that if I could find one where doing so would not slice through the metal which attaches blade to shaft. ie one needed that does not attach via metal at outer edges of blade width.

Yesterday, I shifted 16 buckets of weeds, and damaged (fatally in most instances) about a dozen plants because hoe blade is too wide for purpose.

Replied: 26th Mar 2017 at 13:19

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Priscus I think the type of hoe you require is an American Hoe.The blade of this type of Hoe is welded in the middle and therefore can be cut to any width without impacting on the strengthSome for sale on E-Bay.Type in American Garden Hoe

Replied: 26th Mar 2017 at 14:03

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

No, they are draw hoes. Adze type action.

For close weeding bowt damaging roots, I am seeking a narrow DUTCH hoe: push hoe that is very sharp, and can skim just under soil surface to cut weed, especially weed seedlings. Failing to cut them, and just dragging them out leaves any that are concealed, able to re-establish their growth in about a day or so.

Replied: 26th Mar 2017 at 14:55

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Priscus the narrowest blade I could find on E-Bay was 4 inch wide from Bulldog tools

Replied: 27th Mar 2017 at 20:20

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Thanks Peter, I have now been searching for a considerable time. Looking for 2 to 2.5 inch width. I used to have one, but it may well have worn to that size from larger original.

No doubt if one is not to be found, I will eventually find someone to make one for me.

Replied: 27th Mar 2017 at 20:46

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Been to different Garden Centres this AM..set out looking for Clematis even
though it's a bit early to see them at their best..but finished up looking at
Honeysuckle..came home to look on line see which had the nicest
fragrance,Japanese Honeysuckle seemed to be the best scent..does
anyone have any better information on them...thank you.

Replied: 29th Mar 2017 at 12:28

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

I cant help you mo but maybe someone will be able to on here

Replied: 30th Mar 2017 at 15:48

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thanks Anne..Cliff said I'll have to go to Tokyo.

Replied: 30th Mar 2017 at 15:54

Posted by: mortarmillbill (926)

Priscus

Have a look at the Bulldog tools website. They do Dutch hoes with 4", 5" and 6" blades.

Also look at the Paxton hoe - you would have to grind this to size though.

Replied: 31st Mar 2017 at 18:47

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac we have a Japanese Honeysuckle which we grow up against a 6x6 fence panel. You are better getting an ever- green plant then this will mask the fence panel in winter instead of having bare branches.Very easy to keep in check

Replied: 1st Apr 2017 at 09:47

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you Peter..I've always loved Clematis..even though they are bare in Winter..it's the fragrance that I'm after, is it as nice. as they say.

Replied: 1st Apr 2017 at 09:55

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac it is one of the plants that stand out with its very strong scent

Replied: 1st Apr 2017 at 10:49

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Lovely..thank you Peter..I must look out for one .

Replied: 1st Apr 2017 at 11:53

Posted by: nightchap (315) 

Priscus - search for spud/potato hoe. These usually have 5cm wide blades.

Replied: 7th Apr 2017 at 01:21

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Yes, I found one of those, but is inline, rather than offset at angle to handle, which does not facilitate the skimming action of weed chopping with a dutch hoe.

Thanks though, to all who have advised me.

Will either grind down, or make, or have made for me a suitable implement.

(Gerrin owd, so stooping to weed too much strain on back now)

Replied: 7th Apr 2017 at 16:26

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Climbing Strawberry Anybody come across these?

Replied: 8th Apr 2017 at 13:42

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I wonder.....

If like me, you will have potting compost left from last year. then it is tempting to use this now for germinating spring planted seeds.

It will not have the same nutrient content as compost sold specifically for seedlings, and what it does have may to some extent go stale (debatable!).

So what about doctoring the former with some homemade nutrient additives to suit seedlings.

I have decided to try adding a couple of drops of household ammonia to water used to moisten the compost (ie extreme dilute): the ready available nitrogen should meet the greatest need.

And to stir in a small amount of very fine spent coffee grounds( to add P & K).

Using the water which has been used to boil my veg for dinner should supply small quantities of other requisites.

Replied: 13th Apr 2017 at 19:07

Posted by: lock lass (115)

My OH has ground coffee all the time (I have instant) and I always empty the cafetiere onto the bed outside my back door (which has various plants in especially roses) and have done every day for years. They always come up robust and another plant that comes up better than the others in other areas of my garden are the bluebells. I also give my beds a covering of mulch in the Spring. I use Westland Gro-Sure Smart Ground Cover Mulch - 100L bags around £9.00 per bag which lasts me over the growing season and it's good for breaking up clay/heavy soil as well.
Like you priscus, I use the water from boiling my veg in - an old tip from my ex Father in Law in 1967, whether it does any good or not I don't know.

Replied: 17th Apr 2017 at 10:13

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

I built a raised bed last year 8ft x 4ft x 18" and filled it with a mix of soil and peat. I have turned the soil over and started planting a few veg. What I have noticed is there are no worms in the soil. Which is the best way to get worms into the raised bed(this bed is built onto a concrete base),Or do i not need to have any worms in the soil

Replied: 18th Apr 2017 at 18:17
Last edited by PeterP: 1st May 2017 at 14:45:15

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

You can buy Brandling Worms at some fishing shops, or on line.

It is not difficult to find them in the ground (have a Google for list of ways to)

Brandlings are what you get in compost heap, and often considered best for keeping soil in good health.

Whether or not you need them? - Difficult to answer that one. Depends on how well the mix in your raised bed is supplying the nutrients which your plants need. (And some plants drain nutrients much faster than others)

The peat is theoretically rich in nutrients, but other than the black fen-land peat, it takes far too long to break down and release what your plants need.

There is the nutrient content of the added soil, and the peat will make the mix humus-rich. If you are feeding plants, or adding fertiliser, or if you regularly replace mix with soil from garden, then you may find that you do not miss the worms.

Nevertheless, worm compost, ie the excreta of worms eating vegetative waste in the soil, is regarded by many as the finest of all growing media. If you do add worms, you may need to add veg waste to feed them.

With a concrete base, and possibly high acidity due to the peat, and a depth of 18 inches might be subject to extremes of wet/dry, I do not know if that is a comfortable environment for Brandlings.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2017 at 15:37

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

PS My neighbour, who is a keen angler, can probably answer that one. I will ask him next time that I see him. He seems to have oodles of knowledge when it comes to Brandlings.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2017 at 15:42

Posted by: Pennywise (inactive)

Climbing Strawberries - Just get one of these: http://www.flower-tower.co.uk/

And plant normal strawberries in, diverting the runners into the holes.

Replied: 30th Apr 2017 at 21:30

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Have used them, or similar in past. They are not very good. At least not for strawberries.

Although strawberry plants will grow OK in such containers, they do tend to be very, very, poor cropping!

If you must grow strawberries in containers, I have found these got better crop than many alternatives tried.

(Got mine 2 for a quid/ 3 for a quid - clearance at poundshop)

Replied: 1st May 2017 at 00:08
Last edited by priscus: 1st May 2017 at 00:16:22

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Asked my neighbour about the worms. He does not think think 50% peat will be a comfortable environment, as in natural peat lands (other than Fen type) they are less commonly found.

Replied: 9th May 2017 at 21:00

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Trap Planting

The technique of growing particularly vulnerable hosts surrounding your valued plants/crops. Intention being to lure the pests onto such, where they can be destroyed.

Any experience of this, anyone?

Replied: 2nd Jun 2017 at 19:01

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

any one know were is the best place to get a clemetis or climbing plant please

Replied: 9th Jul 2017 at 19:25

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Hi Ann..Birkacre near Chorley have some beauties there..but in the meantime I'll do you a cutting from mine for next year..a pink..a purple one and a Montana..and hope that they take root for you.

Replied: 9th Jul 2017 at 19:50

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Pimbo Nurseries have some nice climbers

Replied: 9th Jul 2017 at 23:33

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Thank you momac and Peterp

Replied: 10th Jul 2017 at 16:21

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Dooes anyone have any seeds for planting or is it better to buy flowers .

Replied: 18th Jul 2017 at 18:37

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

link

Clematis seed can take up to three years to germinate, so unless you do nor require the plant for about five years, better getting a nursery grown plant.

(You can propagate Clematis from cuttings, and by layering.)

Replied: 19th Jul 2017 at 11:30

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

ps I have had some nice Clematis, keenly priced, from Aldi. They seem to do them twice a year, which I guess is spring and late summer. All have grown well.

Varieties I grow are:

Montana sub sp Elizabeth

Another Montana, which I have not identified. (sold to me as Elizabeth, though obviously not.)

Polish Spirit

Warsaw Nike

Hagley Hybrid

Jackmanii

Replied: 19th Jul 2017 at 11:54

Posted by: dave b (1328) 

Had the last strawberries at weekend,had approx 4LB this year from patch, not as good as last year 6LB, the heavy rain and humid conditions means more slugs .
Been very nice though ,very sweet, Royal Cambridge is the variety

Replied: 26th Jul 2017 at 12:25

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

At last! Following several years attempting to grow agapanthus I woke this morning to find one in bloom. Not a very robust specimen but a start.

Replied: 28th Jul 2017 at 08:45

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Anne, Monty Don gave advice on agapanthus on Gardeners World ..we watched it last night on playback.

Replied: 30th Jul 2017 at 09:21

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Yes momac, saw it. He says pot bound helps, mine is in a bed. Wondering if I should risk lifting and potting. Don't know what happened to the others, maybe the winter did for them.

Replied: 30th Jul 2017 at 09:45

Posted by: marsin (191)

Hi momac, Hope you had success with your plums this year! l have not had one plum..it is very disheartening.

Replied: 30th Jul 2017 at 14:01

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Hello marsin and momac...disappointed with my plums as well, had loads at first then we had those strong winds and heavy downpours now only five left.

Replied: 30th Jul 2017 at 14:22

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Hello Anne and Marsin..I have about six tiny plums that seem to have been
growing forever..and they don't even look eatable..very disappointing.

Replied: 1st Aug 2017 at 09:02

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Mrs Cordy is partial to Blueberries with her breakfast cereal -- so for her birthday

Got these containers and put in 3 plants plus plenty Pansies



Replied: 10th Sep 2017 at 00:04

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Well the greenhouse s stripped now,green toms in a paper bag with a
banana to ripen,bedding begonias still thriving but I don't think for much
longer now..had some plums for the first time..hope the young pear tree
produces fruit next year.
Next year I would love a pink pampas grass,but haven't seen any anywhere
they have them on Amazon but not sure what it would look like by the time
it arrived...does anyone know which is the best place to find any..Wigan or
surrounding areas.

Replied: 16th Sep 2017 at 16:17

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Did you find your plant today momac at the garden centre .

Replied: 20th Sep 2017 at 16:00

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Haven't been today Anne,am not expecting to find one now anyway..but
won't be happy until I find one,I've never seen any in anyone's garden at all
they might be hard to find in Garden Centres but will ask the next time we go.

Replied: 20th Sep 2017 at 16:29

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Grow Your Own Sunday, 15th October, 10am - 3pm in the Walled Kitchen Gardens.
Autumnal activities for all the family, including:
• Apple crushing • Foraging walk • Cookery demo by The Coven • See the Conservation Pigs

Haigh Woodland Park (FB) / Walled Garden Volunteers (FB)

Replied: 13th Oct 2017 at 17:15
Last edited by jo anne: 14th Jul 2019 at 08:16:29

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Garden weather over for another year .

Replied: 19th Oct 2017 at 15:26

Posted by: momac (12409) 

It sure is Ann..just clearing everything up now..greenhouse..clean plant
pots..prune all trees..cuttings planted for friends..garden swing put away..
roll on next Spring.

Replied: 19th Oct 2017 at 15:45

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

momac.... I'm doing exactly the same things, dead hostas to cut back, cover fountain, swinging hammock to cover and tie down. Then there's mountains of leaves. I have sown some seeds about three weeks ago and pricked them out, they are in the greenhouse with extra insulation, will have to nurse them through winter? I am also waiting for a delivery of agapanthus. I hope I don't kill this lot off.
p.s. tied hammock down before Ophelia visited.

Replied: 19th Oct 2017 at 15:59

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Anne..my Hostas were eaten away again with slugs so Im going to find out where I can find the ones that aren't affected by slugs..Monty Don had some in his garden...you've reminded me,I got some agapanthus seed
pods on Sunday in Southport and they're still in my bag..I must see to them.
P.S. Anne..hope you don't mind,but who's Ophelia .k

Replied: 19th Oct 2017 at 17:19
Last edited by momac: 19th Oct 2017 at 17:20:29

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

momac .... not a person, the tail end of the recent windy weather we had.😠

Replied: 19th Oct 2017 at 17:25

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Yes Anne..of course..what am I like ..doh.

Replied: 19th Oct 2017 at 17:58

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Well i am still getting some flowers pink Iris

Replied: 24th Oct 2017 at 15:09

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Anne,next year try some bedding Begonias..they'll last until November,or
'til the first frost..they're great and colorful

Replied: 24th Oct 2017 at 15:16

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

I will good idea .

Replied: 26th Oct 2017 at 14:42

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

I store my begonias over winter along with pelargoniums. Trim all growth once withered and then put in large plant pots or a bucket insulated with newspaper, sacking or anything else suitable. Store in a frost free place until spring.
Works for me.

Replied: 26th Oct 2017 at 15:14

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

ROSES : Black Spot

Looks as if I am finally going to have to admit defeat. Anyone succeeded in overcoming this pest?

Some seven years back, decided to cover a North-facing wall with climbing roses: mostly Iceberg and Danse de Feu.

Most years, they had been the garden's star performer, displaying a profusion of blooms from early Summer to around Christmas time. No more so, due to Black Spot.

Removal of diseased growth and foliage has left them so leggy, that they are no-longer effectively screening the wall, and blooms, much reduced are now restricted to being too high up to appreciate.

Have tried copper based solutions, and Beyer's 'Fungus Fighter Plus'. They work, temporarily that is, until we get one of the all too frequent wet spells, when the Black Spot inevitably advances again. It is widespread in the locality. Even the local authority's plants in the park are heavily Black Spot infested.

So, it is either replace them, taking precautions against re-planting disease. (What used to be called Rose-Sick) Or, at risk of killing the plant severe prune to see if it will produce new shoots for training. Thereafter, would have to espalier them, rather than having them scramble to cover the wall, so that all parts are low enough and exposed for spraying, and immediate removal at first sign of any infected leaves.

Replied: 31st Oct 2017 at 15:14

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Does anyone know where I can buy a pink pampas grass..have been to all
local garden centres..Back Lane Shevingto ..Birkacre..Wyvale..Kiwi...all
there is on line are the seeds,reading reviews on the only one that can be
bought on line didn't give very good merit..I have searched everywhere,
I'm after the pale to medium pink..but can't find one anywhere..thank you
for any info.

Replied: 3rd Nov 2017 at 14:13

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Momac have you been to the garden centre upholland .

Replied: 6th Nov 2017 at 15:51

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Ann no I haven't ..will have a look.ta n

Replied: 6th Nov 2017 at 16:22

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac plenty for sale on Ebay

Replied: 6th Nov 2017 at 20:39

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Peter, thank you,but they're nearly all seeds and the reviews on the
grasses that are fully grown haven't been very good..but again thank you.

Replied: 7th Nov 2017 at 16:30

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

still some of my flowers in bloom pink ones .

Replied: 8th Dec 2017 at 16:53

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

I have stored my begonias but not my pelargoniums as they are still going strong with blooms looking good, so are the leaves.

Replied: 8th Dec 2017 at 17:59

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

I noticed in my Garfen there is a few shoots coming through could ne the Daffodils i planted .

Replied: 11th Jan 2018 at 15:41

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Looks like you'll have a lovely show in Spring Ann

Replied: 11th Jan 2018 at 20:35

Posted by: Platty (2107)

ann-spam: I've got shoots on my roses!!

Replied: 11th Jan 2018 at 22:35

Posted by: marsin (191)

I remember my Dad putting an apple on a plant pot- in the house- and putting a plastic bag over it.. Will someone please tell me why! Thanks

Replied: 14th Apr 2018 at 04:49

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Marsin,I have no idea why he did that,I hope someone does know,I'm
curious too...did anything happen to the apple at all.

Replied: 14th Apr 2018 at 14:25

Posted by: marsin (191)

Momac.. I'm pretty sure it was to help flower buds to open/bloom. .. I am asking because I have an indoor jasmine that is full of buds and they don't want to flower..

Replied: 15th Apr 2018 at 04:48

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Marsin..I had a look on google and found this.

My pineapple is 3years old and has never fruited,so I put the pot in a
grocery bag,then put ten apples in it,I tied the bag tight round the bottom,
I didn't have a clear bag big enough for the entire plant,so wasn't sure this
would work or not,I left it for about 3 weeks the took the plant and
discarded the apples about a month later I have Pineapple fruit form.

But Marsin,I have also read that if you put a couple of apples on the soil of your
plant the ethylene gasses will spurt it into life..anyway good luck.

Replied: 15th Apr 2018 at 07:54
Last edited by momac: 15th Apr 2018 at 10:48:01

Posted by: marsin (191)

Thank you momac..
Will try an apple on the jasmin. Had a nice pineapple from my plant, not very big but nice and sweet.
going to google ethylene gasses and plants...

Replied: 15th Apr 2018 at 15:18

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Managing to get into the garden and do some jobs now the weather is turning for the better. Put some peas in the raised bed and I can see then poking through the soil.Started sweet peas carrots and tomatoes in the greenhouse also got my potatoes starting to sprite. Started to lay a flag path to go to the raised bed (wife does not like walking on the gravel)Daft has it may seen after the flags are down then I will top the gravel up at the side/back of the bungalowBeen on a few sites to get prices for 20 mm golden gravel bulk bag most want £100+

Replied: 17th Apr 2018 at 17:57

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Does anyone know how to get rid of wild garlic,it's just taking over..I can't
put weed killer down because it's growing around fruit trees etc..will I just
have to try and pull it up by hand,but somehow I don't think that will stop it.
Thank you for any suggestions.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2018 at 08:25

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Momac..... I'm sure someone once told me any kind of bulb won't be killed by weed killer, think it must be true as I have tried it with snowdrops and bluebells. I have needed to dig them out but still can't stop them taking over. I think you will have to dig deep making sure to get everything out.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2018 at 08:37

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you for replying Anne,I can see me being very busy over a few days

Replied: 23rd Apr 2018 at 09:52

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Who said gardening was cheapLast year built a 8 x 4 raised bed and filled with soil then topped up with manure.This year laid flags round the raised bed not much change out of £200At last got my peas and potatoes in so look forwards to a good crop off both.

Replied: 13th May 2018 at 21:50

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

It is not cheap peterp if you get some good plants its fine but half of what some garden centre sell are not up to scratch .

Replied: 14th May 2018 at 16:35

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Ann-spam were possible try to grow my own from seed. If we need to buy plants we shop around and try to get the best at a cheap price

Replied: 14th May 2018 at 17:44

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Last autumn I bought three packets of end of season seeds from Asda. I sowed the perennials (lupins) in October in my greenhouse the rest bedding (Cosmos and Asters) beginning of April. I now have approximately 150 healthy looking plants, cost....60p. Also my begonias I lifted and stored over winter are beginning to show although very late, I presume owing to the cold snap earlier on.

Replied: 14th May 2018 at 17:56

Posted by: marsin (191)

momac, garlic is one of the things l have never had luck with,l have never had a bulb yet! tried different locations, soil but still no luck!
Anne l have had the same approx 12 bluebells for more than 20 yrs, they have never multiplied!
l am envious of both of you.

Replied: 15th May 2018 at 15:07

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Marsin,what a pity I don't live near you,I have loads of them..I'm in Beech
Hill by the way...and I do believe that wild garlic is all the professional chefs
use.

Replied: 15th May 2018 at 23:00

Posted by: marsin (191)

momac, l would definately love to have some of your garlic-too bad l am in Canada! l use garlic a LOT. last week l happened to notice that the garlic in the shop was´grown in China´...Yesterday l bought some 3 in 1 soil, cow manure, and a bag of garlic cloves.. have googled ´how to plant garlic´-same as l always have planted before....

Replied: 16th May 2018 at 15:05

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Oooooh Marsin,that's a long way to travel for a few garlic bulbs.lol..good
luck anyway.

Replied: 16th May 2018 at 16:17

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

My strawberries are coming through

Replied: 7th Jun 2018 at 07:51

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

My potatoes have been flattened with the high winds will have a look tomorrow to see if I can bank them up with some more soil

Replied: 14th Jun 2018 at 21:15

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Yes, my potato plants all snapped off by the high winds, and that in spite of them being heavily earthed up. All that work for nought.

About a third of the strawberry plants also torn from their crowns, and a few trees destroyed, and clematis torn about.

Iceberg roses have survived, but Danse du Feu stripped of blooms.

Only Garlic, Onions, French Bean, Primroses and Fuchsia came through unscathed.

Still lucky damage mostly restricted to garden, and only minor damage to abode.

Replied: 21st Jun 2018 at 15:57

Posted by: marsin (191)


Don't know what is happening in my garden!
Daffodils are in bloom, not had one flower on the Rhododendron!
Black flies are terrible and more mosquitos than have ever been in the 54yrs here. On the plus side always had a problem with my daffodils not flowering.. So even late they are lovely

Replied: 22nd Jun 2018 at 17:02

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Did a silly thing earlier this week. Put weed killer on some rough grass then walked across the lawn. Perfect set of footprints, no need for Sherlock.

Replied: 22nd Jun 2018 at 17:48

Posted by: momac (12409) 

I did a silly thing too,accidentally cut the main stem of one of the tomato
plants,so had to get another one but it's an outdoors one.

Replied: 22nd Jun 2018 at 18:09

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Spent two hours picking strawberries. Two large boxes of them. Then I had a fall whilst carrying them. Squashed about a kilo of strawberries, and to add insult to injury, I fell into the strawberry bed, destroying half a dozen or so plants!

Still, at least not injured, other than bruising.

Wonder if I am getting too old for gardening?

Replied: 22nd Jun 2018 at 22:28

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Every year slugs have eaten most of my Hosta..did a bit of a trial and put
garlic cloves in the soil ..it's in a tub so just planted them around the pot,
and guess what..it worked,no eaten leaves.

Replied: 4th Jul 2018 at 16:26

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Wonder if it would do the same for my Solomon's seal, I always have small grey caterpillars eating the leaves after flowers have gone. Not a clue what they are/do developed into.

Replied: 4th Jul 2018 at 16:44

Posted by: momac (12409) 

It's worth a try Anne,I'm sure it can't do any harm.

Replied: 4th Jul 2018 at 17:10

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Both of my pear trees had plenty of pollen /flowers earlier in the year and I expected a lot of pears like last year. Instead there has been only about 20 pears between both pear trees and some of those have been attacked by some form of bug which as burrowed into the pears

Replied: 8th Aug 2018 at 21:25

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Same with my apple trees. No fruit this year: they just could not take the drought. Tried to water them, but I cannot compete with soaking of rainfall. One in particular looks very Autumnal: just hope it comes back next year.

Farmers are warning of food shortages. It seems commercial growers also have taken a hit.

Replied: 11th Aug 2018 at 12:44

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Replied: 16th Aug 2018 at 11:04

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Is our food safe? when farmers are spraying human waste onto their fields to grow crops inwhat toxic chemical mix is in human waste,It does not smell nice for weeks after they spread it

Replied: 16th Aug 2018 at 12:54

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I always used to win a prize at the local garden show.

I think it is because the house had been converted from ancient agricultural workers cottages, and about 300 years of the contents of earth closets had gone into the garden.

When gardening these days, I often wish that I had stayed there.

Replied: 16th Aug 2018 at 13:55

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Apologies for going off subject...but I've always wanted to live in a cottage...
it would be a dream come true.

Replied: 16th Aug 2018 at 14:01

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I have not known them do this anywhere other than Lincolnshire, but the local authority used to inform us what food crops it was safe to grow.

In my particular locality, it was generally all except some brassicas (Winter cabbage and ditto for spring planted - Autumn harvested) which, they told us, were concentrating too much heavy metal contaminants from vehicle exhausts and industrial fall-out.

Replied: 16th Aug 2018 at 14:07

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

momac

The house in which I lived was called 'Farthings Cottage'. I had at first assumed that it was a twee name given by the party doing the conversion, maybe a decade or so earlier than my time there.

Doing some research, at a later date, I discovered that one of the cottages incorporated had been the fourth ings cottage,
and just as with our money, usage has transformed 'Fourthings' to 'Farthings'.

Replied: 16th Aug 2018 at 14:14

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Flowers still in full bloom

Replied: 19th Aug 2018 at 18:35

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Most of the sunflowers are in full bloom,One about 7ft tall just getting ready to bloom. The rain has done the roses which are in pots some good they are in flower 2nd time round

Replied: 19th Aug 2018 at 21:19

Posted by: momac (12409) 

I took some sunflower seeds out of bird seed,planted them and have some
gorgeous sunflowers.At the beginning of the year sent for a pink pampas
grass which is now about six foot tall,but no plumes yet,I'm hoping to have
some pink plumes next year..can anyone.assure me that I will see some next year. Ta.

Replied: 19th Aug 2018 at 22:05

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Anyone know how early I can get away with planting Garlic?

I know the traditional advice is plant on the shortest day, harvest on the longest.

But I want to replant some cloves from the garlic I have grown, and harvested this Summer, and I do not think they will last, in good condition until December.

Have planted, times past in November, but that was in the South. September, in the north of England - well I just don't know.

Replied: 1st Sep 2018 at 22:19

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

my flowers are still doing fine despite the changeable weather

Replied: 21st Sep 2018 at 11:32

Posted by: marsin (191)

Got up this morning and the water in the bird bath is solid ice. Yesterday l brought 12 plants, trees, bushes indoors for the winter.
Had a lovely summer, enjoyed my garden. The leaves are all falling making the lawn colourful. Will have to rake approx 30 bin bags of leaves..most go into compost. l am going to try drying some geraniums for next year..any hints please.

Replied: 21st Oct 2018 at 21:29

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Yesterday I moved my Cordyline from the decking into the greenhouse to over winter. Got up this morning and my car was full of frost/ice. I think I made the right move with the Cordyline and should not now loose it to the frost/ice.

Replied: 27th Oct 2018 at 09:19

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Some of my plants in pots still flowering.

Replied: 21st Nov 2018 at 11:44

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Ann-spam look after them as the frost is here

Replied: 21st Nov 2018 at 12:40

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Watching a documentary about Eva Peron, in one scene beautiful trees
growing in the street were lilac and looked absolutely gorgeous,looked on
Google to find the name of them..Jacaranda..How I'd love to have one of
them in the garden,but don't think they would survive our weather,does
anyone own one or know anyone that has managed to grow one.

Replied: 24th Nov 2018 at 21:52

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Momac.... did you ever find a pink pampas grass?

Replied: 25th Nov 2018 at 11:10

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Yes Anne,from Amazon..there's plenty of growth on it but no grasses as yet
only last night I was googling the best time for pruning,which seems to be
at the end of Winter,I'm hoping I will be able to see pink grasses next
Spring..here's hoping,I'll be delighted if it happens ..I've wanted one for so long.

Replied: 25th Nov 2018 at 11:20

Posted by: jacks (426) 

I've been a keen gardener for years now. I acquired an allotment 9 yrs ago, and apart from the first couple of years, have struggled to grow carrots. It was very frustrating, and so I had a mooch around the internet in the hope of some advice.Turns out that if you sow the seed and don't keep it watered regularly; i.e. every day, the seed will fail to germinate. This year I made sure to do just that and I succeeded with a reasonable crop. Just thought the advice might help someone.

Replied: 28th Dec 2018 at 15:24

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

The late Professor Alan Gemmell (Keel University & BBC Gardeners' Question Time) had a good technique for growing carrots.

1 Thrust a crowbar into the earth, and waggle it around to create a conical hole, about half a metre deep.

2 Fill said hole with John Innes No3 Compost.

3 Plant a couple of seed of a large-growing carrot variety such as St Valery. (Maybe more suitable varieties now available: this was 50 years ago.)

4 Discard the weaker of the pair of seedlings.

5 Win first prize at your local garden produce show.

Replied: 5th Jan 2019 at 14:15

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Well I've pruned the Wisteria,next job is to prune my Pink Pampas grass,
have googled it,and says to prune when new shoots start to show..round
about this month or next..I just hope that it's right,if it grows pink plumes I'll
have a party to celebrate.

Replied: 5th Jan 2019 at 15:08

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I think that I have lost all of my Snowdrops.

Well into January, and none have showed so far.

They did not do well last year, so perhaps already weakened.

Snowdrop bulbs are prone to dehydration, so I guess the prolonged drought of 2018 has finished them off.

Daffs are coming along well though. Likely to bloom before the Forsythia again this year.

Anyone else lost their Snowdrops?

Replied: 7th Jan 2019 at 12:36

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Monaco my pink flowers in my garden pot are still doing well

Replied: 15th Jan 2019 at 19:19

Posted by: jarvo (30250) 

My Wallflowers have flowered!

Replied: 24th Jan 2019 at 19:20

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

RATTE POTATO

I have mentioned these in the past, and got asked where to obtain them from. (They are a tasty spud)

They are not always available in UK.

Just seen that Thompson and Morgan are offering them at the mo, should anyone fancy growing a batch.

Replied: 25th Jan 2019 at 17:09

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

The snow drops and daffodil plants are coming but yet again im to late to plant any .
.

Replied: 12th Feb 2019 at 17:46

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Just bought three brunnera, "Alexander's great" and five heuchra which came with eight free miniature lupins. I have temporarily potted them and left them in the greenhouse. Should be ok to plant out in a few weeks.

Replied: 12th Feb 2019 at 18:20

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

SEED POTATO:

Wilko currently have in a reasonable range of varieties.

Cheaper than most suppliers.

Too early to plant out. We could still get a severe freeze, but now is a good time to chit. ie Spread them out, eyes/sprouts facing upwards, in a place free from frost. The growth over next few weeks comes from energy contained in the tuber, rather than photosynthesis, so they may as well get under way with it.

Replied: 16th Feb 2019 at 19:58

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Something really unusual this year!

It has never happened before!

Some Daffodils have emerged in a strawberry bed, which is adjacent, although separated by a path.

It is possible some creature had been taking bulbs, lost some in the strawberry patch, which managed to get buried and have now sprung.

I am also wondering if I have got some which have sprung from seed. If so, likely to be five years or so before any blooms show. Wonder if yours truly will still be around to see them.

Will they survive? They show reduced vigour, which is to be expected compared with plant which has all the energy contained in the bulb behind it!

Do not know what to expect, as I grow a range (nine, I think) of variety of daffs. So these maybe a result of cross pollination.

Always a chance of a mutation, and a new variety with seed grown: that would be interesting, though the probability is low, and I have less than a dozen specimens.

Still, will watch for an opportune time to move them from the strawberry bed to a place where I can grow them on with a degree of protection.

Will have to see what develops over next few years.

Replied: 23rd Feb 2019 at 14:21

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Its definately gardening weather .

Replied: 26th Feb 2019 at 17:20

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

My gardening over the last week or two has mainly consisted of clearing wind/storm rubbish. Up to now I am on my seventh green bin full. What is annoying the majority of the rubbish is from beech trees and hedges. I don't have any of this species.

Replied: 26th Feb 2019 at 17:53

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

DON'T fall in the trap plenty of frosty nights to come

Replied: 26th Feb 2019 at 17:53

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Aye.

Last three years, even though we had mild Winters, we also had cold springs: Frost on May day in my neck of the woods.

Now is the time for all the indoor prep.

Chit spuds.

Start Toms and such like under glass, or alt frost protection. They'll be OK there for a month, and you can start to harden them off for outdoors come April, weather permitting, or even May should we have a frosty April.

Get seeds into heated propagator to germinate, and transfer to pots 2 - 3 weeks hence.

Ann-spam, if you want daffs......

You can plant the bulbs more or less any time you can get them, though some will rot if you plant them too early in the year.

To get spring blooms, the bulbs really need to be in the ground by September of the previous year. Too late, and they will still grow, though you may find many are blind (no blooms) and you then have another year to wait to get them.

I see most supermarkets and bargain stores offer bags of daff bulbs in August, and if unsold by Sept, discount to just a couple of quid.

Replied: 27th Feb 2019 at 15:52

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Same thing happens every year.

Winter relaxes its grip.

My Daffodil's bloom.

The mad March gale flattens them, and snaps the stems of the flowers!

Replied: 4th Mar 2019 at 17:30

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Priscus thanks for the tip also bad winds spoiling all the flowers .

Replied: 12th Mar 2019 at 15:05

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Although I love daffs, I am seriously considering ceasing to grow them.

So far, about 30% of the daffs have been snapped of at the base of the flower stem. And we still have more damaging winds to come.

I will be sad to do so, daffs attract more complements from people who pass by than owt else int garden. It used to be roses, until Black Spot devastated them. Guess I will be seeking a new ornamental display plant for my garden, heaven knows what though? Have a lot of Tulips, but they too are troubled (Tulip Fire disorder)

Fuchsias and Clematis doing well, but wonder if they in turn are going to be problematic!

Open to suggestions.

Replied: 12th Mar 2019 at 18:09

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

More than 50% of daffs felled by the wind now.

Wondering if there will be ANY left by the end of the week!

Replied: 13th Mar 2019 at 19:55

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Have any of you any experience of aerial layering roses?

I know it is not considered necessary, as roses grown easily from cuttings, but it is not right time of year to take a cutting, and I want to replace a bare root rose planted last Autumn, which failed to survive the (admittedly very mild) Winter. (All those bought from garden centre survived: one variety I did not find so bought for £18 on eBay. The second time I have found rose from eBay failed to survive!)

I had anticipated filling the gap by purchasing a pot grown replacement, but having so far failed to locate one, now considering the aerial layering option.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Replied: 1st Apr 2019 at 13:48

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Was going to get my Cordyline out of the greenhouse. Glad I changed my mind has there was a severe frost yesterday plus icy winds and rain all day. Will now wait till the end of April before moving it.

Replied: 5th Apr 2019 at 08:21
Last edited by PeterP: 23rd Apr 2019 at 10:57:51

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

maybe right to do that peterp has weather is so changeable flowers and plants coming through slowly .

Replied: 10th Apr 2019 at 16:41

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

maybe right to do that peterp has weather is so changeable flowers and plants coming through slowly .

Replied: 10th Apr 2019 at 16:41

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Completed building a new rockery and planted the cordyline in the centre. Next step is to plant the potatoes in the raised bed then clear/clean the greenhouse ready for the missus to get seed trays planted up

Replied: 23rd Apr 2019 at 11:02

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Before I went away I prepared my bean wigwams in pots. The morning after I returned I planted the bean seeds. The following two mornings (Sat/Sun) all beans taken leaving a mess. Moved them into the greenhouse until sprouted. At present am trying to thin out bluebells, they are beginning to become a nuisance.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2019 at 11:21

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Just got back from garden centre got bedding begonias for window box and
couple of troughs in back garden..planted runner beans the other day and
tomatoes are in breenhouse..I just love this time of year....but am hoping
that the pink pampas grass I planted last year produces pink plumes..if it
does,I'll be over the moon...if not..

Replied: 23rd Apr 2019 at 11:36

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Got missus out into the greenhouse to pot up Sunflowers and some Peas for the grandkidsSome of the potatoes are starting to poke through not be long before I will be banking them up.All the plants which I put into the new rockery have started to grow none died back due to late frosts(touch wood).

Replied: 9th May 2019 at 13:14

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Just came across this.

Not done it before, but will be trying it.

When growing cordon tomatoes, it is common to pinch-out the side shoots which form between main stem and leaf stem.

I have just discovered the alternative strategy: to remove them with a proper pruning cut, and to pot them up to grow on as cuttings, They won't all survive, but, conditions being favourable many will grow into more mature plants. They take faster then starting from germinating seeds, but mature later than the parent plant. As such if brought inside, or under glass, they serve to extend your tomato cropping season.

Worth a try, I guess.

Replied: 15th May 2019 at 12:03

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

I have over watered my Tomato plants they have died .

Replied: 15th May 2019 at 18:35

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Ann,get another couple more..try B&Q then look on google on how to look
after them.

Replied: 15th May 2019 at 19:01

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

My first strawberry of the season ripened today.

Unfortunately a bird got to it before I did, so had to sling it!

Will have to decide if I am going to net the plants. Some years I do, and some, I don't bother.

Frustrating that birds will take one peck at the berry, (evidenced by the beak-shaped impression left) and the remains are just waste!

Replied: 1st Jun 2019 at 00:48

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Mu strawberry are flowering so I'm keeping them covered with netting .

Replied: 2nd Jun 2019 at 13:14

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Good for you Ann..PS we got little Gizmo today.

Replied: 2nd Jun 2019 at 15:52

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

It was traditional to place straw under the berries to keep them off the ground, as ground contact tends to make them rot.

However, I live in a City, so straw not easily obtainable, and these days, not cheap. It also acts as a refuge to harbour slugs, which can devastate the strawberry crop.

You can buy strawberry mats. It is much cheaper to buy your strawberries from the shop than embark upon that course.

Last couple of years, tried using plastic Picnic forks to support the fruit away from ground, but they frequently caused stem to break, and the fruit to rot anyway, so another failure.

This year, trying some DIY strawberry mats cut from those waxed card party plates.

Just have to keep experimenting

Replied: 2nd Jun 2019 at 19:17

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

I have two pear trees in the back garden and they are full of small fruit. Over the last few days some of the fruit has fallen off the branches and I thought something was wrong. But on looking it up it is natural for some of the fruit to fall during June, Natures way of thinning the crop.And I hope I get a nice crop of pears later in the year

Replied: 8th Jun 2019 at 15:50

Posted by: momac (12409) 

PeterP..I've obviously pruned my pear tree all wrong,I only
have half a dozen pears on mine,supposedly followed all instructions,so hopefully next year I'll do better.

Replied: 8th Jun 2019 at 16:01

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac My pear trees were planted about 5years ago.
1st 2years nothing at all
3rd year got a good crop
last year about 20 pears all riddled with some form of bug
this year trees have been sprayed and got plenty of bloom followed by small pears.

Replied: 8th Jun 2019 at 18:10

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you Peter my tree is two years old so I supposd I'm
asking too much too early.

Replied: 8th Jun 2019 at 20:18

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Think that this year, I will again have to write off the strawberry crop.

When we needed rain to swell the fruit, we had drought.

Now, when sun needed to ripen fruit, incessant rain.

Replied: 11th Jun 2019 at 17:33

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Hoping to get sunflowers into the garden soon. They are growing as single plugs in the greenhouse but are starting to be a bit legging and I dont want to put them into bigger pots.If the weather does not improve by the week end then I may have to repot them

Replied: 17th Jun 2019 at 15:32
Last edited by PeterP: 24th Jun 2019 at 19:40:45

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Been splitting a large hosta with a spread of approx four feet by three. The curious thing is, it smells strongly of garlic yet I have never grown or seen wild garlic anywhere in my garden. Any answers anyone?
Not imagination my hands smell of garlic too.

Replied: 27th Jun 2019 at 11:31

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Several more strawberrys this year .

Replied: 28th Jun 2019 at 07:30

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

We have had nothing but rain for nearly 2 weeks and the 1st day of sunshine and I saw some one watering their plants

Replied: 29th Jun 2019 at 12:07

Posted by: retep1949 (1184)

They could be giving the plants a feed

Replied: 10th Jul 2019 at 15:03

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Retep should imagine they would use a watering can or a tank of feed attached to the hose pipe. This person was just using a hose pipe and spraying the foliage probably watered the lawn after we went byEven I have POT PLANTS which do not get a lot of rainwater but a bucket of water every few days when it is really dry weather will suffice

Replied: 10th Jul 2019 at 15:43

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Wigan & Leigh Hospice Gardens will be open to the public next Sunday, 21st July - Link

Replied: 14th Jul 2019 at 08:19
Last edited by jo anne: 10th Sep 2019 at 13:21:33

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Not many more flowers to come through now but i have enjoyed them in bloom this year .

Replied: 29th Jul 2019 at 16:39

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Sun flowers now starting to get their heads on and the Montbretia is in full bloom.Both pear trees are full of pears but they are on the small side maybe the mix of sunshine and rain will boost their growth.

Replied: 29th Jul 2019 at 19:08

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Jackamani (Clematis) has been this year's star performer for me. Seems to have coped with the weather extremes better than owt else int garden.

Replied: 30th Jul 2019 at 22:32

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Priscus..the Clematis is my favorite plant,I'll have to keep an eye open for
Jackamani next Spring,I'm going to have a toot on Google to have a look at
it's colour.

Replied: 30th Jul 2019 at 22:48

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Just had a look..the white one is beautiful.

Replied: 30th Jul 2019 at 22:51

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Wigan & Leigh Hospice Garden Party on Sat 3rd August, 12pm - 4pm, admission free (Link)

A blog about the garden by Jim - thehospicegardener.com

Replied: 31st Jul 2019 at 07:53

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Disappointed with the sun flowers,seem stunted in height and some have flowered and the wind and rain has ripped the petals off.Even the potatoes which I planted in about 8rows are thin in places and some areas have no potatoes at all growing

Replied: 19th Aug 2019 at 19:02

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Peter,I've been disappointed with a couple of plants this year,the runner
beans did nothing at all..my two year old pink pampas grass produce no
plumes at all..I thought it would bloom in its second year..but nothing.

Replied: 19th Aug 2019 at 19:12

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac (googled) your p/pampas should flower from Sept- Feb and any where from 2to 4 years old

Replied: 20th Aug 2019 at 20:23

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Lovely,thank you Peter..I googled it myself but didn't find that information.
thanks again..I'll look forward to seeing them.

Replied: 20th Aug 2019 at 20:55

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac I types in"when does pink pampas grass bloom"and clicked on the telegraph page

Replied: 20th Aug 2019 at 23:21

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you again Peter ,I've bookmarked it..and as soon as I see any pink
plumes I will let you know....you've been very helpful.

Replied: 21st Aug 2019 at 12:16

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Maybe it's time to start collecting seeds fir next year .

Replied: 9th Sep 2019 at 15:29

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

ann-spam

Now would be a good time to plant daff bulbs, to get blooms next spring, should you find any.

Replied: 21st Sep 2019 at 12:32

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Lifted the last of my spuds today, so it will be back to the poor quality shop-bought stuff in a week or two.

I have not grown spuds every year, and last few years crop has been extremely poor. This lot have done better than any previous crop, in spite of our weather extremes.

They were Charlotte variety from Wilko. May well get these again next year.

Replied: 21st Sep 2019 at 20:47

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Last of the sunflowers now in flower (multi headed) rain and wind battered them this morningAll of them are staked but one seems to be snapping away at the base, put a short cane near to the base and tied it off but I think its to late to save it.

Replied: 28th Sep 2019 at 09:46

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Some spring onions which I had missed: they had formed VERY small bulbs, but no white stem, (Variety=White Lisbon)had gone dormant and lost all their growth over the summer, and the recent dry spell. The bulbs small enough to have virtually disappeared among the vegetative dross on the soil surface.

Now, following the rains, they are sprouting green growth once again.

I do not know if they are likely to survive over Winter, or if they will produce anything worth eating, either prior to, or after the Winter period.

Let me know, please, if you have been able to harvest White Lisbon, when grown on for a second season like this.

Replied: 28th Sep 2019 at 16:50

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Apple Day in Haigh Hall Walled Kitchen Garden
Sunday 27th Oct, 11am - 3pm, Facebook

Help the volunteers crush the harvest of apples and taste the delicious juice.
Fun activities such as Apple Bobbing, Ballooon Bike, Craft activities and more.
Find Sally Scarecrow's lost ribbons and enjoy the Kitchen Garden.
Take home apples, pears and other produce. (Donations requested for activities & produce.)
All donations go toward developing and maintaining the Walled Kitchen garden by the volunteers.
Ask about volunteering.

Replied: 27th Oct 2019 at 07:59

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

It's been a funny season for cosmos this year. They have grown into forest size plants, as tall as me and bushy, with no blooms at all during summer. I was on the verge of destroying them but now many of them are in full bloom. I have read that it is the same all over the country, an odd happening altogether.

Replied: 27th Oct 2019 at 08:35

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Cosmos, I might try some next year
Are they susceptible To Slugs ?

Replied: 27th Oct 2019 at 13:34

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Cordy.....not experienced any slug trouble. I should think the leaves aren't succulent enough. I put a photo of mine on PAD some time ago, I think it must have been the second year I grew them. I don't seem to have been bothered with slugs for a number of years, don't know why even though I have a number of big healthy hostas. PAD July 2014.

Replied: 27th Oct 2019 at 14:58
Last edited by Anne: 27th Oct 2019 at 15:25:58

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Squirrels
Last Wednesday I planted many bulbs in my son's garden
Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinth, Crocus and Muscari
A couple of dozen Winter flowering Pansies on top of them

Today I found a few half eaten Crocus bulbs scattered around the garden and some Pansies uprooted

They do know that Squirrels frequent their garden
Would covering the soil with bark chippings help ?

Replied: 30th Oct 2019 at 21:11

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

If there are squirrels about there could also be mice and they are little devils where bulbs are concerned. I haven't found anything that helps other than fine wire mesh to be taken up in spring and even then they get underneath. Frustrating I know.

Replied: 30th Oct 2019 at 21:18

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Weather still mild
No sign of frost in Pemberton; none forecast in the next couple of weeks
I need to plant several bulbs in this planter but the Petunias and Dahlias are still going strong
Seems a pity to pull them out while still flowering
How long can I leave the bulb planting ?

edit;
Spring flowering bulbs of course, Daffs, Tulips, Crocus etc

Replied: 3rd Nov 2019 at 15:26
Last edited by cordyline: 3rd Nov 2019 at 16:14:32

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Hello Cordy,just had a toot on Google,it says you can plant as late as
December providing thr ground isn't frozen

Replied: 3rd Nov 2019 at 17:30

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Cordy is that a polystyrene fish box in the background

Replied: 3rd Nov 2019 at 18:33

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

No Peter, not polystyrene -- it's a planter that I made from some old decking type wood that was being scrapped

The internal dividing boards are to separate four Clematis that are being grown on before planting in the ground -- will keep the roots from intertwining

Might photograph it tomorrow

Momac; I might wait a couple of weeks then remove the Dahlias and Petunias, the Delphinium and perennial Lobelia will stay of course

Replied: 3rd Nov 2019 at 19:51

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Here is the plant box

Bulbs are Iris and Freesia;

Clematis varieties
Miss Bateman, Piilu, Rouge Cardinal and Hagely Hybrid

Replied: 8th Nov 2019 at 15:15

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Cordy very nice sorry I called it a fish box

Replied: 8th Nov 2019 at 16:52

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

I planted out a cordyline earlier this year (used to be in a large pot and I over wintered it in the green house).Do I risk it and leave it alone or tie it up and put fleece round it

Replied: 29th Nov 2019 at 16:56

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Peter, we have two healthy Cordylines growing in our small garden
Never protected them in any way, although we have had several mild winters

Replied: 29th Nov 2019 at 16:59

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Planted some Dwarf Gladioli bulbs in July - a tad late in the season, but a few have flowered

Here are the last couple to bloom


Photos taken with an eighteen year old Canon G3; 4 Megapixels

Replied: 29th Nov 2019 at 17:05

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Lovely Gladioli flowers nice colours .

Replied: 4th Dec 2019 at 16:33

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Earlier this year I disposed of the birdtable due to lack of use. The other day I threw some bread and broken biscuits out because we had seen a lot of birds in the garden. Once it has stopped raining I will have to clean the soggy mess up No birds been anywhere near the food and I dont want to encourage mice or other vermin

Replied: 13th Dec 2019 at 09:10

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

First gardening of the decade, today.

Some long overdue pruning!

Very wet end to 2019 left conditions underfoot too sticky to attempt this until today.

Had to heavily prune some Clematis, and alas spring budding was already occurring, so just hoping I have not killed off the plants.

Some maintenance on the roses if tomorrow brings a sunny day.

Replied: 4th Jan 2020 at 17:33

Posted by: marsin (191)

I bought some turmeric rhizomes from the grocery store-for cooking. I plant a couple of pieces to see if they would grow and now have fresh turmeric. They multiply very fast.I grate a little on my cereal. They grow like fresh ginger.

Replied: 25th Feb 2020 at 06:30

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Marsin Turmeric what does it do for your health .

Replied: 26th Feb 2020 at 16:11

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Ann-spam Turmeric is good for bad joints

Replied: 26th Feb 2020 at 17:10

Posted by: marsin (191)

Ann-spam..turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
I have turmeric every day along with cinnamon-good for memory.
Crushed flax seeds- omega 3
Dried cranberries- for water works.
All on top of my oatmeal.

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 03:38

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

I went into home bargains yesterday and they were selling potato sets for 99p but only about 6 potatoes per bag.This is ok if you want to grow various types of potato or plant earlies and main crop in a limited space.I normally plant main crop potatoes like Maris Piper but think I will try another type this year.Will be preparing the raised bed and putting extra manure in over the next few weeks.

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 08:20

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

I have some lilies growing, they are about eighteen inches high. Can't see any buds yet but am amazed by them at this time of year. It's either the amount of rain or spring is on its way.

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 08:30

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Peter, Wilko is good for seed potato: not expensive, and reasonable choice of variety.

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 13:35

Posted by: marsin (191)

PeterP. I envy you being able to plant so early- approximately 2 ft snow on vegetable garden. Have you grown potatoes in raised beds?

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 13:44

Posted by: marsin (191)

PeterP. I envy you being able to plant so early- approximately 2 ft snow on vegetable garden. Have you grown potatoes in raised beds?

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 14:21

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Marsin I built a 8ftx 4ftx18 inch deep raised bed out of decking timber and flagged it all the way round so my missus can get to it and do a bit of gardening with me.We plant potatoes.peas and onions in this bed

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 15:28

Posted by: marsin (191)

PeterP. Thank you. Size will fit perfectly . Was the floor of bed also timber?

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 17:45

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Marsin about a quarter of my open area at the rear of my property has a concrete layer under 20mm coloured gravel. Must have been a base for some outbuilding before I bought the property. So the raised bed is on this concrete. Excess water just drains away into the gravel.

Replied: 27th Feb 2020 at 19:40

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

NEW BEANS

These may have been available for a while, but I have only just discovered them.

A hybrid cross between French Bean and Runner Bean. They are claimed to be heavy cropping even in poor weather.

Anyone tried them? (a range of varieties available)

Replied: 28th Feb 2020 at 13:08

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

My Jade Plant, aka Money Plant, is enormous: height and spread both in excess of Five Feet. It is over 20 years old, and today really surprised me: it is flowering for the very first time.

I do hope it is not one of those plants which just deteriorates once it has bloomed.

Rosemary plants which I have wintered indoors, also flowering. (I take some in, and leave some outdoors. Amongst he latter, some survive Winter, and some do not. It strangely does not seem to be severity of Winter cold that determines survival.)

I guess I am less happy about the Rosemary blooming. It is usually the case that herbs lose potency after they have bloomed. The plant's biological imperative is next to put all its resources into its seed.

Replied: 12th Mar 2020 at 15:49

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

I Was reading about people who are now going to start growing their own fruit and veg. Do some of them not realise it can take from weeks to months to grow most crops? fruit trees can take years before they bear fruit. I bought my seed potatoes and put them in egg trays to start them off in the shed in the next week or so I will move them into the greenhouse to get them spritting better and about the second week in April they may be ready to sow and I should have a crop about the back end of August if I am lucky

Replied: 22nd Mar 2020 at 15:05

Posted by: momac (12409) 

I tried last year Peter,but wasn't very successful..but may have another try
this year..my greenhouse isn't very big though

Replied: 22nd Mar 2020 at 17:01

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I am at the same stage with my spuds, (growing variety Charlotte this year)

We are not getting heavy frosts, even an overnight frost has been very light so far. I am thinking of trying a frost protection technique called 'Wall of Water'. It will be easier to look it up with a search engine than for me to try to explain on here. Have a few dozen empty 2L PEP bottles from which I could make them. It will make earlier planting an option.

Last few Winters have been very mild, but in my neck of the woods, last three years we had overnight frost on May Day.

Replied: 22nd Mar 2020 at 17:07

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac I am only using the greenhouse because the potatoes need some light and at least 10 deg C to sprit. I have got my raised bed ready and dug some manure into the soil. Just hope when I plant out the frost will have gone. I was the same has you last year half the potatoes did not mature but those that did I got a good yield.It is nearly time to start the sunflowers off in the greenhouse.

Replied: 22nd Mar 2020 at 18:59
Last edited by PeterP: 23rd Mar 2020 at 08:55:30

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

It was lovely to bein the garden yesterday all my seeds and plants budding

Replied: 23rd Mar 2020 at 08:28

Posted by: momac (12409) 

I wish I'd known how far wild garlic can spread in the garden,and how to get rid of it.

Replied: 25th Mar 2020 at 15:05

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

momac, have you tried 'Roundup'?

I find buying the concentrate works best: the ready to use is too dilute for many of the things I have needed to target.

Replied: 25th Mar 2020 at 21:58

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you priscus,I'll certainly have a look for that..I've got garlic all over
the back garden at the moment..it was a tiny piece from Yorkshire a few
years ago and have been struggling with it ever since...here's hoping.

Replied: 25th Mar 2020 at 23:29

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Tesco have stocked the concentrate, this time of year season, but do not know what is going on with their gardening section given the Covid-19 disruption.

Replied: 25th Mar 2020 at 23:45

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Sunflower seeds now potted up in the greenhouse.I have been given some "Charlotte "potatoes which have about 6-9inch sprits on them planted up half of the raised bed with them. Put my main crop potatatoes"Pentland Crown" into the greenhouse to sprit.

Replied: 31st Mar 2020 at 14:29

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

I grew 'Charlotte' last year.

I was sufficiently pleased with them to buy the same variety again to plant this year.

Replied: 31st Mar 2020 at 15:32

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Just been reading about crop rotation and the reasons why you should not plant potatoes year on year in the same spot. From the risk of carring diseases over from year to year to taking all the nutrients out of the soil. I plant in a raised bed but take approx half of the soil out every year and spread this around my garden beds, I then refill the bed with a mix of fresh soil and manure well mixed in. I also keep new soil in bags ready to bank up the plants has they grow. Maybe next year I will grow some other type of veg in the raised bed and use some of the bags of soil to grow potatoes.

Replied: 1st Apr 2020 at 13:22

Posted by: ann-spam (3470) 

Does horse manure do your garden soil good.

Replied: 2nd Apr 2020 at 09:33

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Ann-spam one of the best manures is from chickens then horse manure then cow manure.

Replied: 2nd Apr 2020 at 10:18

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

@RHSBridgewater (13th April):
We're launching ‘Grow at home’ to support the nation to get gardening during lockdown and to grow a new generation of gardeners.

We'll be sharing advice to help you get growing with #GrowAtHome over the coming weeks and months. Find out more: www.rhs.org.uk/growathome

Replied: 13th Apr 2020 at 12:08

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Delphinium flower buds



Photographed this afternoon

Replied: 13th Apr 2020 at 16:02

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Been a good Spring for Tulips
Hyacinths now faded

Replied: 13th Apr 2020 at 16:13

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Those are beautiful, Cordyline! We have a few tulips that reappear every year too.



My Wild Garden has launched as part of GM’s 5 Year Environment Plan
to help wildlife thrive in your outdoor space.

Request your free booklet here: www.lancswt.org.uk

Replied: 16th Apr 2020 at 17:26

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Wigan Council has launched Bloomin’ Beautiful – an online gardening competition (17th Apr) Link

• Take a photo of your garden (or hanging basket, window box or pot) looking its best
• Write a few words about why you love your greenspace
• Email to ourtown@wigan.gov.uk along with your name, address and age

More info: HERE (Closing date - 31st May)

Replied: 18th Apr 2020 at 17:00

Posted by: cordyline (5350) 

Six Tulips

Replied: 26th Apr 2020 at 09:53

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

High winds yesterday caused a lot of damage in the gardens completely stripped all the flowers off the rhododendron and a lot of the azalea flowers are now on the lawns. In the raised bed the potato stems are all on their sides even though they were well banked up.Will have to clean up tomorrow has winds are forcast for today,Will try to bank the potatoes up later.

Replied: 23rd May 2020 at 09:40

Posted by: Anne (4384) 

Same here Peter.....fifteen redhot pokers were in danger of snapping off, been out to stake them. Should have put my tin hat on as all sorts of branches flying about. Even my wheel barrow has been flipped on its side. Lots of small plumbs blown away, windy until tomorrow.

Replied: 23rd May 2020 at 10:21

Posted by: FAT MICK (inactive)

My wheelbarrow was stood on its end and its walked across the garden to the otherside
Also my very tall Arum lilies have been blown down

Replied: 23rd May 2020 at 10:29

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

I have been given 6 Tomato plants and a Courgette plant which are all growing and now starting to flower and some of the courgettes are now about 4 inch long ready for picking.The potatoes have picked up since the high winds and some are getting flower buds on them.

Replied: 31st May 2020 at 19:49

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Went to Dobbies garden centre today . We had a look at some of their prices and come away thinking that we had a gold mine in the garden or the bin. Foxgloves were £20 for one clump, I must have thrown at least 20 clumps into the bin(self seed every year)also Montbrecia a small pot with about 20-25 bulbs in the pot £10. I must throw or give away 100s every year,If you don't keep them in check they spread like wild fire

Replied: 24th Jun 2020 at 19:44

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Looked over the fence at next doors Cherry tree which had about 10 nice red Cherries on it. Looked the day after and all the cherries had gone but the stems were still on the tree, Had a bird eat them or this is a squirrel knocking about

Replied: 3rd Jul 2020 at 12:09

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Well early this year I planted an Avacado seed,it’s now two and a half feet tall..does anyone know when it will stop growing,it’s only in a six inch plant pot..thank you.

Replied: 9th Jul 2020 at 21:18

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac there is some good reading about Avacados on Growing Avacado Uk

Replied: 10th Jul 2020 at 07:46

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you Peter,I have googled it before and read that it’s intolerant to cold weather so can’t be planted outside ..it’s in my kitchen and getting too tall for the space in there,I just wish it would stop growing,it’s a lovely thing..I’ve just read something that amazes me,that if you attack it ( Google’s words)with a knife,make tiny cuts in the bark it will spur it on to produce fruit. but seeing as I don’t like Avacados I’ll leave it alone..as I say I just wish it would stop growing..again Peter,thank you.

Replied: 10th Jul 2020 at 10:26

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

I read that if you cut the top off it then it will become bushy

Replied: 10th Jul 2020 at 11:00

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Peter I’ve done that but it just keeps growing..Jack and the beanstalk comes to mind.

Replied: 10th Jul 2020 at 11:36

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Got 6 tomato plants growing in the green house. All have at least 3 trusses of tomatoes ranging in size from marble to over golf ball size on them . They are all green but no sign of them going RED? they should be red (money maker)

Replied: 18th Jul 2020 at 15:49

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Peter, no doubt you already know but the temperature has got to be high but a bunch of bananas put in the greenhouse with your toms is worth trying,the gassed that bananas throw off will ripen any fruit..I hope this helps.

Replied: 18th Jul 2020 at 16:57

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Will try anything (within reason) .

Replied: 18th Jul 2020 at 17:09

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac how is the pampas grass

Replied: 25th Jul 2020 at 19:57

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Peter, there’s still no sign of any plumes but I suppose it should be in the ground,my garden is all flagged which means it has to be in a big pot,so I don’t suppose that helps.

Replied: 25th Jul 2020 at 23:18

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac I looked pampas grass up on google and the root system can go down to 10ft . You say yours is in a large pot maybe its pot bound

Replied: 1st Aug 2020 at 15:12

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Thank you Peter, I’ll have to see if I can dig a hole somewhere..as I say our garden is more or less all flagged,hubby can’t do it, he’s very ill.. but thank you again.

Replied: 1st Aug 2020 at 15:41

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

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Replied: 9th Aug 2020 at 17:13

Posted by: PeterP (11222)

Momac tried your trick with the bananas seems to have worked plenty of red tomatoes growing now

Replied: 18th Aug 2020 at 20:49

Posted by: momac (12409) 

Lovely news Peter..I'm so glad.

Replied: 18th Aug 2020 at 21:02

 

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