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Gardening

Adam Frost’s 2024 Gardening Resolutions: Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Outdoor Oasis

by Donna
written by Donna 2 minutes read

Adam Frost’s 2024 Gardening Resolutions

Garden Makeover Plans

Adam Frost, a well-known gardener, has shared his plans for improving his garden in 2024. He wants to create a more enjoyable and wildlife-friendly space.

  • Improving Views: Adam wants to enhance the views from his kitchen window by adding a raised pool near the steps. He also plans to plant a mixed bed in the front garden, similar to one he already has.

  • Revitalizing Medlar Trees: Adam has two overgrown medlar trees that he intends to rejuvenate. He will lift their canopies to improve their appearance and create space for under-planting.

  • New Potting Shed: Adam plans to build a new potting shed in the front garden, similar to the one he designed for the BBC Gardeners’ World Live show. It will have a green roof to add diversity.

Wildlife-Friendly Enhancements

Adam is passionate about providing a habitat for wildlife. One of his resolutions is to add a sparrow terrace to attract more feathered friends. He will also plant shrubs to create layers and provide cover for wildlife.

Growing and Cooking

Adam plans to experiment with growing new varieties of fruit and vegetables in his garden. He wants to reduce the quantity but increase the diversity of his crops.

He also intends to grow more herbs for cooking, both in the garden and in pots. Herbs are a versatile group of plants that require minimal space and can greatly enhance meals.

Enjoying the Outdoors

Adam recognizes the importance of taking time to relax and enjoy his garden. He plans to cook more meals outdoors and spend more quality time with friends and family in the garden.

Conclusion

Adam Frost’s gardening resolutions for 2024 focus on creating a beautiful, wildlife-friendly, and enjoyable outdoor space. By making these changes, he aims to enhance the overall experience of his garden.

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Gardening

Seed Sowing in May: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Experts

by Gregory
written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Seed Sowing in May: Tips and Techniques

Introduction

May is a great time to sow seeds and get your garden growing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get your hands in the soil this month. In this article, we’ll share some seed sowing advice and ideas from BBC Gardeners’ World experts Monty Don and Adam Frost.

Seed Sowing Advice for May

While you may have already sown some seeds earlier in the spring, there are still many crops that you can sow in May. Some popular choices for this month include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Eggplants
  • Cucumbers
  • Zucchini
  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Carrots
  • Beets

When sowing seeds in May, it’s important to keep in mind the last frost date for your area. This is the date after which you can expect all danger of frost to have passed. You can find the last frost date for your area by searching online or contacting your local Cooperative Extension office.

How to Make Soil Blocks for Seed Sowing

Monty Don demonstrates how to make soil blocks for seed sowing as part of his ongoing effort to reduce plastic usage in the garden. Soil blocks are a great way to start seeds because they are easy to make, biodegradable, and help to improve germination rates.

To make soil blocks, you will need:

  • A soil blocker
  • Potting mix
  • Water
  1. Fill the soil blocker with potting mix and press down firmly.
  2. Water the potting mix until it is evenly moist.
  3. Use the soil blocker to create the soil blocks.
  4. Sow your seeds in the soil blocks and cover them with a thin layer of potting mix.
  5. Water the soil blocks gently and place them in a warm, sunny location.

Sowing Less-Common Crops from Seed

Adam Frost demonstrates how to sow agretti and kohlrabi, two less-common crops that can be grown from seed.

  • Agretti: Agretti is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Italy. It can be sown in May and will be ready to harvest in about 6 weeks.
  • Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family that is grown for its edible bulb. It can be sown in May and will be ready to harvest in about 8 weeks.

Tips for Improving Germination Rates

If you are having trouble getting your seeds to germinate, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success:

  • Make sure that the seeds are fresh.
  • Sow the seeds at the correct depth.
  • Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Provide the seeds with plenty of light.

Growing Kohlrabi from Seed

Adam Frost shows how to sow kohlrabi, an unusual-looking member of the cabbage family. Kohlrabi is easier to grow than some other brassicas, such as swedes, and it is ready to be harvested from around eight weeks.

When growing kohlrabi from seed, it is important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate. Some popular varieties include:

  • ‘Azur Star’ (purple)
  • ‘White Vienna’ (white)
  • ‘Gigante’ (green)

Kohlrabi can be cooked in a variety of ways, including:

  • Steaming
  • Boiling
  • Roasting
  • Stir-frying

Conclusion

Seed sowing is a great way to get your garden growing and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long. By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of success and have a bountiful harvest.

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Gardening

Expert Gardening Advice: Adam Frost Answers Your Questions

by Donna
written by Donna 4 minutes read

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.
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Plant Propagation

Adam Frost’s Favorite Plants for Summer Cuttings: A Beginner’s Guide

by Gregory
written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Adam Frost’s Favorite Plants for Summer Cuttings

Introduction

Adam Frost, the renowned gardener, has shared his favorite plants for taking cuttings in the summer. Cuttings are a great way to propagate new plants, and summer is the perfect time to do it because the plants are actively growing.

Choosing the Right Plants

Not all plants root equally well from cuttings. For beginners, it’s best to choose plants that are known to be easy to propagate, such as:

  • Penstemon
  • Salvia
  • Fuchsia
  • Pelargonium
  • Clematis
  • Flowering currant
  • Dianthus
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Dahlia
  • Rosemary

Taking Cuttings

  • Select healthy stems: Choose new growth that is firm but flexible and free of blemishes or flowers.
  • Prepare the cutting: Remove any leaves that would be below the soil line when planted.
  • Use the right compost: Plant the cutting in a gritty peat-free compost with added perlite for drainage.
  • Keep it moist: Water the cutting well and cover it with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.
  • Provide good air circulation: Place the cutting in a light position with good air flow to prevent rot.

Specific Plant Instructions

For more detailed instructions on taking cuttings from specific plants, refer to the following guides:

  • How to take penstemon cuttings
  • How to root salvia cuttings easily
  • How to take fuchsia cuttings
  • How to take cuttings from bedding geraniums
  • How to take clematis cuttings
  • How to take carnation cuttings
  • How to take rosemary cuttings

Conclusion

Taking summer cuttings is a fun and rewarding way to propagate new plants. By following these tips and choosing the right plants, you can easily create a beautiful garden filled with your favorite flowers and shrubs.

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