Garden Tips

[jj]

Ooooo makes me eyes go funny Bob ;D

[juicyjude]

Now we tried that smudgey one and I said to Al, I said, ohh can't read that, is it the green button with a G on it?

[The March Hare]

This is a good time to consider aerating the lawn. If you have a compact, heavy soil, as most of the area does, core aeration in the spring and fall can help reduce compaction and improve the health of the lawn. Core aeration pulls small plugs of thatch and soil, leaving spaces for air and water penetration. Although some fine roots of trees and shrubs in the lawn area will be cut by this process, the resulting increase in oxygen in the soil is beneficial for these plants as well. The soil should be moist but not soggy when the aeration is done; water deeply a couple of days before the procedure. Aeration equipment can be rented, or many yard care companies can perform this service. The small plugs that remain on the surface will break down on their own, but you can speed up the process by mowing over them. They can also be raked up and added to the compost pile

[The March Hare]

Growing from seed
Most bedding plants are easy to raise from seed, but some smaller seeds, such as begonias, can be difficult to grow. You do not need a greenhouse or heated propagator to germinate seeds. Placing a seed tray or pot with a polythene bag over it on a window-ledge is also effective.

[The March Hare]

Seedlings
You can purchase seedlings with just two or three leaves. They are usually purchased by mail order and come in trays containing between 100 and 400 plants. They will require pricking out soon after they arrive into seed trays or pots

[marmaris98]

i leave it to me mam to grow from seed..........it keeps her out of mischief

[jj]

marmaris98 said:

i leave it to me mam to grow from seed..........it keeps her out of mischief

And what do you do to keep out of mischief??

[jj]

The cheapest way to make an arc in your garden is to buy some plastic water piping then drive four star pickets into the ground the with of the wire then slip the piping over the star pickets then attach the wire and you have got an arc you can grow grapes passionfruit climbing beans etc on it.

[jj]

When growing sweet peas from seed, two-thirds fill pot with compost and water well, top up with dry compost and plant seed at about 1/2 inch beneath surface of compost. This way the seed with draw up as much water as required and will not rot away.

[jj]

Spray weeds which are well established in a rock garden and paving with a glyphosate herbicide. This kills the entire plant without having to dig them out.

[jj]

Mix perlite in with the potting compost in patio planters and hanging baskets.
It absorbs moisture when water is plentiful and releases it when the compost is dry.

[jj]

When planting bare rooted trees and shrubs, spread the roots out like an umbrella, twisted roots stunt growth. As you cover the roots with soil shake the plant from time to time to allow the soil to drop down well between them. Water well after planting.

[jj]

A circle of twigs about 500mm high (20ins), provides a better support for border plants than a single stake, and is less obtrusive.

[jj]

Save wooden ice cream spatulas, lolly sticks or plastic knives to use as garden labels. Write on them with a ball point pen or waterproof marker.

[jj]

To prevent snow damaging small conifers, when it is forecast tie the branches to the trunk with string, however, do not leave them tied for more than a day or two.

[jj]

When taking cuttings use one of the cheap plastic beakers which you can buy 25 at a time in whatever size you want. Fill it with vermiculite, dip cuttings in rooting powder and put several in the beaker. Water in but only until the water reaches halfway and leave in a warm place. This method enables you to see if cuttings have rooted and you do not need to tug them to check.

[jj]

If you start your own seeds put them between some wet coffee filters to check the germination rate.
Then when planting in pots, put a wet coffee filter in the bottom of the pot, this will hold in the dirt yet let the water seep out gently.

[jj]

Use old blankets to line hanging baskets, these can be purchased for a few pence at car boot/jumble sales.

[jj]

To water hanging baskets slowly and gently. Place a handful of icecubes in the centre of the basket overnight. The cubes will thaw slowly and water the plants.

[The March Hare]

Plugs
Young plants called plugs and are more advanced in their growth than seedlings and are ready to plant out immediately. Plugs mean you can grow plants that would be difficult to germinate yourself. When buying trays of plugs, check they have good root growth and the leaves and shoots are not damaged, mouldy or turning yellow. Prick out the plants into individual pots and keep them in a greenhouse. Water plants regularly then put them in a cold frame to harden them off two or three weeks before planting.