I have cut through a silver birch root which is weeping profusely, what steps can I take to stop this. Is the tree in any danger of dying or disease?

Answer:

I suspect your tree will be OK. Just ensure the soil has been replaced and firmed down well. Keep well watered and add a mulch to help it repair itself.

• Lavender dentata - Question:I bought another lavender dentata tree today after one I bought in February just shrivelled up and died I don’t want the same mistake to happen to this one I think one or two or both may have contributed to the 1st one dying I did not realise that it was not hardy to the ...
• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...
• Turnips - Question:Hi, I have an allotment and had planted some young turnips. They were doing well until this morning when I went down and discovered something had eaten all the turnip tops. They were stripped right down to nothing. The same thing happened with the swedes last year. Is this likely to be slugs or birds?Answer:What ...
• Honeysuckle - Question:I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.Answer:As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven’t said what ...
• Nicandra seeds - Question:Can I plant the seeds of nicandra directly into any compost this month [April] I live in West Central ScotlandAnswer:Thank you for your enquiry about nicandra seeds. I would wait until May to ensure that all risk of frost has passed. You will then be able to sow directly where they are to flower. However, ...

I am looking to put (high) hedges around my garden (I currently have fences that have fallen down). Can you please advice on a good sturdy hedge, and advise the correct procedure for planting. I have no gardening experience at all, and am at a loss.

Answer:

There are many types of hedges available to you but the one I would avoid at all costs is Leylandii. It is very tempting to use this plant as it grows very quickly but it also grows to an amazing height and becomes unmanageable very quickly and it also does not stay green once you have cut into the old wood. However, as I say there are lots of others to choose from. I have attached a link to my section on hedges which gives you an overview of planting requirements but it also has a link to Crocus.co.uk which has a really good set of articles on hedges. Go to my link: http://gardeningregister.co.uk/NonProductPages/Articles/types_of_plants.htm#Hedges Then under hedges click the crocus link. Once at crocus type hedges into their "find more info" box. This brings up a list of hedging plants which they sell but further down the page there are a number of articles to help you. They compare the different hedge types with height, planting distances, pruning requirements, etc. There are even articles by Alan Titchmarsh. To make your choice easier there is a section which helps you choose a hedge depending on whether you want fast growing, evergreen, deciduous or flowering. My personal favourite evergreen hedge is Yew (Taxus), although it is slow growing it is a lovely deep green and easy to prune. Another favourite is Beech (Fagus) which retains its dead leaves during the winter so takes on a copper colour. A similar plant to Beech is Hornbeam (Carpinus); this has the same characteristics but likes heavy, wet soil. Both these will quickly reach about 8ft in height.

• Honeysuckle - Question:I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.Answer:As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven’t said what ...
• Leather Jacket - Question:My lawn has suffered from a leather jacket infestation. 2 dry summers have not helped. It is potholed throughout the lawn. There are 3-4 areas where these potholes come together to form sizable bare patches. To seed every pothole would be a nightmare job. Could I add seed to an 80/20 sand/loam mix and spread ...
• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...
• Nicandra seeds - Question:Can I plant the seeds of nicandra directly into any compost this month [April] I live in West Central ScotlandAnswer:Thank you for your enquiry about nicandra seeds. I would wait until May to ensure that all risk of frost has passed. You will then be able to sow directly where they are to flower. However, ...

I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.

Answer:

As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven't said what variety they are but in general they tend to be quite slow growing to begin with so it may only reach about 5-6ft this year but you should see some flowers later in the year. Longer term they are capable of covering a fence but they do tend to be untidy and lose their lower leaves, flowering nearer the top of the plant. To help avoid this remove old or unwanted stems once flowering is over. They thrive in sun or partial shade and like a moist, fertile soil. A general purpose plant food should do for now but you could add some pelleted chicken manure in the autumn and top off with a mulch of manure.

• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...
• Hedges - Question:I am looking to put (high) hedges around my garden (I currently have fences that have fallen down). Can you please advice on a good sturdy hedge, and advise the correct procedure for planting. I have no gardening experience at all, and am at a loss.Answer:There are many types of hedges available to you but ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...
• Lavender dentata - Question:I bought another lavender dentata tree today after one I bought in February just shrivelled up and died I don’t want the same mistake to happen to this one I think one or two or both may have contributed to the 1st one dying I did not realise that it was not hardy to the ...
• Turnips - Question:Hi, I have an allotment and had planted some young turnips. They were doing well until this morning when I went down and discovered something had eaten all the turnip tops. They were stripped right down to nothing. The same thing happened with the swedes last year. Is this likely to be slugs or birds?Answer:What ...

My lawn has suffered from a leather jacket infestation. 2 dry summers have not helped. It is potholed throughout the lawn. There are 3-4 areas where these potholes come together to form sizable bare patches. To seed every pothole would be a nightmare job. Could I add seed to an 80/20 sand/loam mix and spread evenly across the lawn to even up these holes? If so what would be the best method to spread please?

Answer:

I am not certain that this approach would give you what you want. You could well end up with very uneven growth and the potholes would probably sink again which would cause problems when mowing. Although it is a lot of work initially I think you would be best to fill the holes with topsoil, make sure you firm it well and ensure the surface is level with the rest of the lawn. Once this is done you can sow the seed. Here is a link to the relevant page on my website. http://gardeningregister.co.uk/NonProductPages/Articles/lawns.htm#From_Seed

• Hedges - Question:I am looking to put (high) hedges around my garden (I currently have fences that have fallen down). Can you please advice on a good sturdy hedge, and advise the correct procedure for planting. I have no gardening experience at all, and am at a loss.Answer:There are many types of hedges available to you but ...
• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...
• Silver Birch Root - Question:I have cut through a silver birch root which is weeping profusely, what steps can I take to stop this. Is the tree in any danger of dying or disease?Answer:I suspect your tree will be OK. Just ensure the soil has been replaced and firmed down well. Keep well watered and add a mulch to ...
• Nicandra seeds - Question:Can I plant the seeds of nicandra directly into any compost this month [April] I live in West Central ScotlandAnswer:Thank you for your enquiry about nicandra seeds. I would wait until May to ensure that all risk of frost has passed. You will then be able to sow directly where they are to flower. However, ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...

Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won't eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?

Answer:

Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, plants with spines, or plants with tough leathery leaves. I have found a useful website with a list of such plants http://www.complete-gardens.co.uk/online/online-gardening-plant-solutions-category.php?cat=15&sub_cat=15

• Honeysuckle - Question:I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.Answer:As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven’t said what ...
• Hedges - Question:I am looking to put (high) hedges around my garden (I currently have fences that have fallen down). Can you please advice on a good sturdy hedge, and advise the correct procedure for planting. I have no gardening experience at all, and am at a loss.Answer:There are many types of hedges available to you but ...
• Leather Jacket - Question:My lawn has suffered from a leather jacket infestation. 2 dry summers have not helped. It is potholed throughout the lawn. There are 3-4 areas where these potholes come together to form sizable bare patches. To seed every pothole would be a nightmare job. Could I add seed to an 80/20 sand/loam mix and spread ...
• Turnips - Question:Hi, I have an allotment and had planted some young turnips. They were doing well until this morning when I went down and discovered something had eaten all the turnip tops. They were stripped right down to nothing. The same thing happened with the swedes last year. Is this likely to be slugs or birds?Answer:What ...
• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...

I bought another lavender dentata tree today after one I bought in February just shrivelled up and died I don't want the same mistake to happen to this one I think one or two or both may have contributed to the 1st one dying I did not realise that it was not hardy to the UK despite the label saying it was and I think I may have over watered it to start has the days are now warmer I would imagine its fine to keep outside now even though the nights are still on the cool side in the north of England would it do it any harm bring it in on a night even though we seem rid of the frost at least until the nights get warmer I have learnt that lavender in general does not like a lot of water how often would you water and should I feed it at all thanks for any information you can give me

Answer:

I would pot it into a pot which would look nice indoors during the winter. Use a potting mixture of two parts course gritty sand and one part compost. Once your area is free of frost (probably in the next week or two) you can place the pot outside. It is hard to say how often to water as it depends on how much sun it gets and, of course, the weather. I would place it in a very sunny spot and give it a really good watering. Watch for the water coming out of the bottom of the pot. Then I'd leave it until the soil is very dry before watering again. I think the best way to think about it is that they come from the Mediterranean area where they get baked with sun for days on end before getting a heavy downpour. If you can mimic that then it should be OK. Feed once a month or so with a high potassium feed to promote flowering. Cut back after flowering to maintain its shape but don't cut into any old, woody stems as it may not re-grow. Bring it indoors again before the weather gets too cold.

• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...
• Nicandra seeds - Question:Can I plant the seeds of nicandra directly into any compost this month [April] I live in West Central ScotlandAnswer:Thank you for your enquiry about nicandra seeds. I would wait until May to ensure that all risk of frost has passed. You will then be able to sow directly where they are to flower. However, ...
• Lambs Lettuce Seeds - Question:Please can you suggest how to germinate lambs lettuce? I have tried outdoors, indoors and with bottom heat, to no avail.Answer:Try pre-soaking the seeds in water before sowing then keep them at relatively low temperatures (5? to 20?C). Share and Enjoy: ...
• Honeysuckle - Question:I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.Answer:As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven’t said what ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...

I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?

Answer:

Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, it does prefer an acid soil so if yours is more alkaline you may be best putting it in a pot. My Mum has successfully grown this plant in a pot for several years and it flowers successfully every year. You just need to remember to keep it well watered and feed it regularly throughout the season. If you plant it in the ground it will eventually reach 4m high with a spread of 3m. It likes full sun or partial shade and a moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches after flowering. The best time to plant is in April, adding plenty of peat to the planting hole, in a sheltered spot. Mulch in spring with manure and leafmould, especially on dry soils.

• Honeysuckle - Question:I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.Answer:As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven’t said what ...
• Hedges - Question:I am looking to put (high) hedges around my garden (I currently have fences that have fallen down). Can you please advice on a good sturdy hedge, and advise the correct procedure for planting. I have no gardening experience at all, and am at a loss.Answer:There are many types of hedges available to you but ...
• Lavender dentata - Question:I bought another lavender dentata tree today after one I bought in February just shrivelled up and died I don’t want the same mistake to happen to this one I think one or two or both may have contributed to the 1st one dying I did not realise that it was not hardy to the ...
• Silver Birch Root - Question:I have cut through a silver birch root which is weeping profusely, what steps can I take to stop this. Is the tree in any danger of dying or disease?Answer:I suspect your tree will be OK. Just ensure the soil has been replaced and firmed down well. Keep well watered and add a mulch to ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...

Please can you suggest how to germinate lambs lettuce? I have tried outdoors, indoors and with bottom heat, to no avail.

Answer:

Try pre-soaking the seeds in water before sowing then keep them at relatively low temperatures (5? to 20?C).

• Nicandra seeds - Question:Can I plant the seeds of nicandra directly into any compost this month [April] I live in West Central ScotlandAnswer:Thank you for your enquiry about nicandra seeds. I would wait until May to ensure that all risk of frost has passed. You will then be able to sow directly where they are to flower. However, ...
• Lavender dentata - Question:I bought another lavender dentata tree today after one I bought in February just shrivelled up and died I don’t want the same mistake to happen to this one I think one or two or both may have contributed to the 1st one dying I did not realise that it was not hardy to the ...
• Silver Birch Root - Question:I have cut through a silver birch root which is weeping profusely, what steps can I take to stop this. Is the tree in any danger of dying or disease?Answer:I suspect your tree will be OK. Just ensure the soil has been replaced and firmed down well. Keep well watered and add a mulch to ...
• Turnips - Question:Hi, I have an allotment and had planted some young turnips. They were doing well until this morning when I went down and discovered something had eaten all the turnip tops. They were stripped right down to nothing. The same thing happened with the swedes last year. Is this likely to be slugs or birds?Answer:What ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...

Hi, I have an allotment and had planted some young turnips. They were doing well until this morning when I went down and discovered something had eaten all the turnip tops. They were stripped right down to nothing. The same thing happened with the swedes last year. Is this likely to be slugs or birds?

Answer:

What a shame about your turnips. I think the damage it is most likely down to the dreaded slug but pigeons do like the tops too. If you are not gardening organically try putting a few, animal friendly, slug pellets down and cover the crop with a cloche or some netting. Hopefully one of these methods will enable the turnips to put on some growth before it's too late for the root.

• Honeysuckle - Question:I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.Answer:As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven’t said what ...
• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...
• Silver Birch Root - Question:I have cut through a silver birch root which is weeping profusely, what steps can I take to stop this. Is the tree in any danger of dying or disease?Answer:I suspect your tree will be OK. Just ensure the soil has been replaced and firmed down well. Keep well watered and add a mulch to ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...
• Leather Jacket - Question:My lawn has suffered from a leather jacket infestation. 2 dry summers have not helped. It is potholed throughout the lawn. There are 3-4 areas where these potholes come together to form sizable bare patches. To seed every pothole would be a nightmare job. Could I add seed to an 80/20 sand/loam mix and spread ...

Can I plant the seeds of nicandra directly into any compost this month [April] I live in West Central Scotland

Answer:

Thank you for your enquiry about nicandra seeds. I would wait until May to ensure that all risk of frost has passed. You will then be able to sow directly where they are to flower. However, you could sow them now into pots or trays and leave them indoors until large enough to plant out.

• Lavender dentata - Question:I bought another lavender dentata tree today after one I bought in February just shrivelled up and died I don’t want the same mistake to happen to this one I think one or two or both may have contributed to the 1st one dying I did not realise that it was not hardy to the ...
• Lambs Lettuce Seeds - Question:Please can you suggest how to germinate lambs lettuce? I have tried outdoors, indoors and with bottom heat, to no avail.Answer:Try pre-soaking the seeds in water before sowing then keep them at relatively low temperatures (5? to 20?C). Share and Enjoy: ...
• Magnolia susan - Question:I have just bought a small magnolia susan and would like to know where to plant it can I plant it in a large pot or would it be better in the ground? What are your recommendations for planting?Answer:Where to plant your Magnolia Susan really depends on the amount of room you have available. However, ...
• Rabbit proof plants - Question:Could you give me the names of some plants that the local rabbit population won’t eat as whatever I seem to plant becomes their latest delicacy?Answer:Thank you for your message regarding rabbit proof plants. No plant is really rabbit proof but they do tend to dislike very aromatic plants, plants that ooze sap, prickly plants, ...
• Honeysuckle - Question:I have planted some honey suckles this week about a foot in height at the moment have used general purpose plant food so far should I consider chicken manure pellets and when should I do this what sort of height should I expect in the first year.Answer:As regard to your honeysuckles. You haven’t said what ...