Adam Frost Answers Your Gardening Queries
Introduction
Hello, gardening enthusiasts! Join us as we delve into the world of gardening with expert advice from Adam Frost himself. In this comprehensive article, Adam tackles a variety of gardening conundrums, providing insightful tips and guidance for gardeners of all levels.
Planting Ornamental Grass
Question: I live in the Scottish Highlands and want to add some ornamental grass to my garden. Can you recommend some varieties that will thrive in my climate?
Adam’s Answer:
For your Scottish garden, consider planting Deschampsia, which grows up to a meter tall and remains strong throughout the winter. Molinia is another option, although it may collapse during the winter, but it will provide a stunning late-season display. For lower-growing grass, Hakonechloa prefers shady conditions, while Melica is a versatile choice.
Reviving Snowdrops
Question: My double-flowering snowdrops don’t seem to bloom the following year. What am I doing wrong?
Adam’s Answer:
To ensure snowdrops bloom year after year, it’s best to buy them as bulbs and containerize them before planting them out. Avoid disturbing them once they are in the ground, and simply label them for future reference. If you’re growing them in pots, repot them annually.
Managing Wildflowers
Question: How can I remove invasive plants like nettles, teasels, and buttercups from my wildflower garden?
Adam’s Answer:
Instead of removing these plants entirely, consider managing their growth to maintain a diverse wildflower area. Use a fork or trowel to tease out the stronger plants and sow weaker species in their place to fill the gaps. This approach helps prevent monocultures and promotes a healthy ecosystem.
Propagating Hydrangeas
Question: I’m struggling to propagate hydrangeas from cuttings. They start well but then die before developing roots. What am I doing wrong?
Adam’s Answer:
For successful hydrangea cuttings, take tip cuttings in July or August. Cut just below two leaf joints (nodes) and remove any large leaves at the top. Use a mixture of 50% grit and 50% peat-free compost, and plant three cuttings around the edge of a one-liter pot. Water well and keep the cuttings moist but not overly wet.
Pruning Peach Trees
Question: When and how should I prune my two-year-old peach tree?
Adam’s Answer:
Prune peach trees after harvesting the fruit, typically in mid to late August. Focus on reducing new growth to a few buds, leaving two to four buds per stem. This will promote healthy growth and fruiting for the next season.
Ask the Experts
As a Premium member, you have the exclusive opportunity to submit your gardening questions to our horticultural experts each month. They will select a variety of questions to answer and share their advice at the end of the month.
More from Adam Frost
- Take a peek inside Adam’s garden for an exclusive tour.
- Discover five gardening practices Adam plans to change in 2024.
- Listen to Adam Frost’s podcast, “A Year in My Garden,” for more gardening insights.
