Monthly Gardening Q&A – November 2023
Expert Gardening Advice for Your Green Thumb
Introduction
Welcome to our monthly Q&A session, where our horticultural experts answer your gardening questions. Each month, we select a variety of questions from our Premium members and provide detailed advice to help you solve your gardening dilemmas.
November 2023 Questions and Answers
Q: My photinia hedge, planted against a wall, is turning brown at the edges. What can I do?
A: Browning at the edges of photinia leaves is often caused by lack of water, especially if the hedge is planted against a wall that reflects heat and dries out the soil quickly. Water the hedge deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Mulching around the base of the plants will also help to retain moisture.
Q: Should seedlings and overwintering plants be watered in an unheated greenhouse?
A: Yes, even in an unheated greenhouse, seedlings and overwintering plants will need to be watered occasionally. However, watering should be done sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture regularly and water only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: How do I get my oleanders in containers to flower?
A: Oleanders require plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to flower well. Make sure your container has drainage holes and use a potting mix specifically designed for container gardening. Water the oleanders regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plants monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I stop squirrels and foxes from digging up my pots and garden?
A: Squirrels and foxes can be deterred from digging up your pots and garden by using a variety of methods, including:
- Physical barriers: Place chicken wire or hardware cloth over the soil around your plants.
- Repellents: Spray your plants with a commercial animal repellent or sprinkle cayenne pepper around the base of the plants.
- Motion-activated sprinklers: These devices spray a jet of water when they detect movement, which can scare away animals.
Q: Is it best to prune older stems or newer stems when pruning a rose?
A: When pruning a rose, it is best to remove older stems to encourage new growth. Older stems are typically thicker and have darker bark than newer stems. Prune the stems back to a healthy bud facing outwards.
Additional Gardening Tips and Advice
In addition to answering your specific questions, our experts also provide general gardening tips and advice. Here are a few highlights from this month’s Q&A session:
- Avoid overwatering your plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. Water your plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize your plants regularly. Fertilizing provides your plants with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.
- Protect your plants from pests and diseases. Pests and diseases can damage your plants and reduce their yield. Use organic methods of pest and disease control whenever possible, such as companion planting and neem oil.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with a gardening problem, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a horticultural expert or experienced gardener.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this month’s Q&A session helpful. Remember, gardening is a learning process, and there’s always something new to discover. Keep asking questions, experimenting, and enjoying the beauty and bounty of your garden.
