100s of expert answers to popular questions about a range of gardening issues, including the right plants to grow, pruning, dealing with pests, propagating, cuttings, seedlings and many, many more issues

Q&A

Finding scented pelargoniums

I want to build up a collection of scented pelargoniums. Can you suggest some sources? more...

Rambling rose is out of control

Is now a good time to deal with a rambling rose that has got completely out of control? more...

Dealing with dandelions

What’s the best way to deal with dandelions in a small lawn? more...

Should I let nettles grow?

My nephew, aged 10, has told me I should allow nettles in the garden for the butterflies. What butterflies and why? more...

How to train an espalier

I want to plant espalier apples, but prefer the idea of training them myself. Can I convert a tree into an espalier or are there special varieties? more...

Laying out a new veg patch

I am setting aside part of our quite large garden for vegetables. The area will be roughly 10m by 5m (33 x 16ft), backed by a high wall which faces south. How should I lay this area out?
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Honey fungus is spreading

We have honey fungus. Two rhododendrons are dead and it has spread into our privet hedge. Is there anything we can do? more...

Is January-flowering violet unusual?

I have a violet flowering outside in January! Is this unusual? more...

Clubroot is getting worse

Clubroot has got worse and worse in my vegetable beds. What can I do to prevent it? I’ve tried resistant varieties to no avail. Everything is grown from seed, sown in drills on a different part every year. more...

Home-raised strawberries

I decided to dig up my old strawberries last year. I potted up 50 runners and these are now in an open cold frame, but I’m worried about virus. Will it be safe to continue with them or should I buy more plants? more...

Flowering tree for a small lawn

I’d like to give my son and daughter-in-law a flowering tree for the lawn at their new house. Their garden is small, but sheltered and south-facing. more...

What’s next for my lupins?

I was given some lupin seeds which I germinated last autumn. They are now in small pots in a tray on my patio. What should I do next? more...

Why do I need a propagator?

Why would I want a propagator, when I’ve already got a greenhouse? more...

Set seed spuds out in January

Is it too early to set seed potatoes out for chitting? more...

When to prune blackcurrants

Should blackcurrants be pruned? Is it all right to prune them now? more...

I can’t find my favourite tomato

I’ve grown the tomato ‘Tornado’ for more than 20 years, but I can’t find a seed supplier now. Can you help me? more...

Ideas for early perennials

I’d like some ideas for early-flowering perennials. I’m flush for colour from June onwards, but not so good for April or May, apart from spring bulbs. more...

Fruit, vegetables and herbs

How to train an espalier

I want to plant espalier apples, but prefer the idea of training them myself. Can I convert a tree into an espalier or are there special varieties? more...

Flower Garden

Finding scented pelargoniums

I want to build up a collection of scented pelargoniums. Can you suggest some sources? more...

Trees, shrubs, climbers, roses & hedges

Rambling rose is out of control

Is now a good time to deal with a rambling rose that has got completely out of control? more...

Greenhouse, conservatory & houseplants

Enjoy your date palms as houseplants

I planted six date stones and four have germinated. They are now a foot high. Could you give me some tips on how to look after them? more...

Lawns & meadows

Lawn has lots of seed-heads

My lawn has lots of seed-heads on it this year. Is there any reason for it? Will it happen next year? more...

Plants in containers

Pot-bound Acer palmatum

I bought Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’, but noticed that the plant was pot-bound. Will it be safe to move it to a bigger pot? more...

Garden Ponds

Help me solve my pond and rockery problems!

My pond is several years old now and has done well and the fish are healthy. The filter works well and the water is clear but I need help, especially with plant ideas because it is quite bare, especially in winter. more...

Garden design, construction & plant selection

Putting up a greenhouse

Which firms would deliver and erect a greenhouse in my garden? more...

Environmental factors affecting plants

Is water from roof OK to use?

I want to collect rainwater from my greenhouse roof, but it is whitewashed with shade paint. Is the water safe to use? If not, could it be used on other plants? more...

Weeds, weed control, pests & diseases

Dealing with dandelions

What’s the best way to deal with dandelions in a small lawn? more...

Soils

Could compost be contaminated?

Could mowings from herbicide-treated lawns end up in local authority composting bins? The peat-free, general-purpose compost which I bought from a DIY store performed very badly. The leaves on potted-up plug plants turned yellow and failed to develop roots. I’m concerned that compost from council garden waste might be contaminated. more...