If you are sorting through old seed packets through the winter months use this handy table to decide whether seeds are worth keeping. For more info on seed viability, proper storage and testing seeds before the main sowing season, see Amateur Gardening 21 Jan 2012, available at news agents and other outlets from 17 Jan.
Veg and flower seeds and how…
Impress your Christmas guests with this snazzy, easy-to-make festive container
For a cool, sophisticated look choose white and silver plants and embellish them with silver decorations and bright lights. This display will look classy for many months and the cineraria can be planted in the garden once the other plants are over. The calocephalus will do…
Deck the halls with a difference, says AG gardening editor Kris Collins
This is a great alternative to traditional Christmas decorations. Use up surplus apple harvests or buy a few bags from the supermarket. Take a walk and see what berries you can find to add to the display. Treat yourself to a floristry foam cone or create your own shape…
Can’t keep on top of houseplant watering? Hydro crystals could be the answer, says AG’s gardening editor Kris Collins
Hydro crystals provide water and basic air and nutrients needed for plants to grow. I’ve used the crystals with a number of houseplants, all of which are doing fine after several weeks in these unusual growing conditions – and I haven’t needed…
November is the ideal time to plant tulip bulbs, says AG gardening editor Kris Collins
While spring flowering bulbs have been available to buy since the end of August, tul;ips are best left until November for planting. This prevents problems with tulip fire disease, a soil-borne fungus that can develop in the lingering warmth of autumn. By planting closer to Christmas…
With little in flower, add architectural interest with topiary this winter, says AG gardening editor Kris Collins
No matter what time of year, a well-tended topiary shape is guaranteed to catch your attention. Usually created using evergreen plants, these shapes take centre stage during the winter months, bringing structure and an element of fun when the majority of garden plants are…
By Lisa Buckland
How many times have you heard a member of the Gardeners’ Question Time audience complain that their lovely acer has gone ‘all crinkly’ and died?
Just what is the secret with these plants? The RHS website describes acers as ‘easy to grow’. And they are when you know how…or rather, when you know where.
The best advice I was ever…
For the best plants and flowers, roses need attention all-year-round. AG gardening editor Kris Collins sets out the key jobs this autumn
Prune late-flowering types
My Rosa ‘The fairy’ was still flowering when the snow hit last year. This shrub rose is renowned for it’s long flowering period. Cold nights mean that many types will slow down, but others seem to enjoy…
Increase your plant stocks by taking simple hardwood cuttings through October, says AG’s Michelle Wheeler
Hardwood cuttings are easy to take and, for most deciduous trees and shrubs, the best way to increase plant stocks. They are taken in the plant’s dormant season, best carried out after leaf fall, and before the plant starts to show growth in spring.
The material used…
Plants used:
1x Carex ‘Frosted Curls’, 1x Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaeity’, 2x heather, 2 x pot cyclamen (red and white), 3x cineria, 2x viola, 1x pansy
1) All winter containers should have drainage in place to prevent plants sitting in wet. I’ve used broken up polystyrene plant trays. If possible, also raise the pot on feet or bricks for increased drainage.
2) Mix some slow release fertiliser with multipurpose compost…
