51
Gardening Q&A with Experts
Introduction
Do you have gardening questions? Our experts are here to help! Each month, they answer a selection of your questions and share their advice.
Expert Panel
- Ashley Edwards, Head Gardener at Horatio’s Garden
- Humaira Ikram, Garden Designer and Course Instructor
- Christine Walkden, Garden Writer and TV Personality
- Matt Biggs, Horticulturist with over 30 years of experience
Your Questions Answered
How to Make My Plum Tree Healthier
- Use winter wash to protect from pests and diseases.
- Feed with high-potash fertilizer in late winter.
- Keep a grass-free circle around the tree.
- Prune in summer to create an open form.
Can I Propagate Cordyline Cuttings?
- Yes, you can cut off the small shoots at the base and plant them in a pot with free-draining compost.
- Place in sunlight and water regularly.
Training Apple Trees to Grow Downwards
- Cut back previous year’s growth by one to two thirds in late winter.
- This will encourage side branching.
- Bend the stem towards the horizontal and anchor it with a string or weight.
Why Are My Camellia Leaves Yellow?
- Camellias like acidic soil. Yellowing leaves may indicate alkaline soil.
- Other causes include underwatering, overwatering, or viruses.
Tips for Growing Goji Berries
- Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Train against a wall or fence.
- Fertilize each spring with a high-potash fertilizer.
Ivy on Hawthorn Trees
- Ivy generally does not harm trees.
- It provides shelter for wildlife and blooms late in the year.
- If you want to remove ivy, be aware that it may take several years for the garden to recover.
When to Start Ranunculus
- Soak ranunculus bulbs for 12 hours before planting.
- Plant in late summer to early winter.
- Choose a well-drained spot with plenty of sunlight.
Getting Rid of Wild Garlic Plants
- Remove them by digging out the bulbs before they fully establish.
- Repeat this process year after year to weaken the plants.
- Alternatively, you can cover the area with black cloth or sheeting to block out sunlight.
Evergreen Hedge Plants for Wet Peat
- Camellia x williamsii
E.G. Waterhouse - Camellia japonica
Elizabeth Cooper - Erica arborea
Albert's Gold - Rhododendron
Rocket - Rhododendron
Phyllis Korn
Raised Vegetable Bed in Front of Air Source Heat Pump
- It’s not recommended to plant a raised vegetable bed in front of an Air Source Heat Pump.
- The different microclimate around the pump can make it difficult for plants to thrive.
More Gardening Tips
- Visit our website for more gardening advice from our experts.
- Watch videos of Adam Frost answering your questions.
- Explore our archives for previous Q&A articles.
