Watch these tidy planting tips from AG’s gardening editor, Kris Collins, for success with your summer patio containers
featured
AG video: Planting summer containers
Weed control: beds and borders
Keep bedding and border displays weed free this season with top tips from AG gardening editor Kris Collins
Aim to dig out weeds growing in border soils unless you’re faced with persistent weeds that re-grow from bits of root left in the ground (ground elder, bindweed and couch grass spring to mind) .
Digging is eco-friendly, cheaper, and it removes the risk…
Weed control: Patios and paving
Keep patios, paths and drive weed free with top tips from AG gardening editor Kris Collins
Allow weeds to mature in the joins between patio slabs or block paving and it can be a real problem to remove them by hand. With no room to dig out tap roots, perennial weeds will likely return soon after pulling off or scraping away…
Weed control: Hoe, hoe, hoe!
Stay chemical free with regular soil cultivation, says AG gardening editor Kris Collins
Regular hoeing or cultivation of garden soils is the best way to prevent weeds taking hold. Scratch over the soil weekly with a hoe or clawed hand cultivator and it’s an easy job – but watch out for emerging perennial flowers. The soil never has time to compact,…
How to sow and grow a crop of basil
Kris shows how to start off crops of basil
Fill a pot with a good quality soil-based seed compost. Tamp down the surface. Lightly sprinkle a few seeds on the surface, then water.
Cover with a ¼in (6mm) layer of vermiculite. Label, then place in a light, warm place. A temperature of 13˚C (55˚F) is needed.
I place the seeds under a clear-domed…
Quick Easter containers
Kris creates an Easter hanging basket
Place a liner into the basket and secure with plastic ties if required. Once in, start by covering the base of the liner with multipurpose compost.
I’m positioning some sprouting dwarf narcissus in the centre of the basket. The blooms will be held above surrounding plants.
Next to go in are some coloured hybrid primroses. Three, planted…
ADVERTISEMENT- QlawnsEach day from 1st March 2013 until 31st May 2013, Q Lawns will be offering free products to the 20th person to place an order online at www.qlawns.co.uk Please note; only the cost of the products will be refunded…delivery charges will still apply.
Make your own nettle feed
Nettle leaves can be used to make a highly nutritious liquid, useful for boosting leafy growth on plants. In spring there is plenty of nettle growth for you to use. Simply follow our step-by-step guide:
Using shears and wearing gloves, cut the top new growth of nettles. Young stems and leaves are best as they have a higher nutrient content than…
How to prick out small seedlings in a pot
Michelle shows you how to pot on seedlings for strong plants to set outside in summer
Water the seedlings and allow to drain. Fill a module tray or small pots with JI No 1 or multipurpose compost, tap lightly to settle.
Turn the pot containing seedlings on its side, lift out the rootball with care. With your fingers, tease out individual seedlings.
Remove…
Preparing for perennials
Prepare and plan borders now for a spring planting of herbaceous perennials, says Kris
For curves, use a hosepipe to mark out the bed (a plank will give straight edges). Use an edging iron along the marker and lift turf.
Pull out weeds and lift debris. Use a fork to turn over the soil. Poor and heavy soils will benefit from the…
