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How to get rid of weeds?
In the past I used to pull out the weeds by hand and use a weedkiller from supermarket. Now in my 60s my back is not what it used to be. Seen a weedkiller at screw fix which sounds powerful enough. Comes with a pump etc. Is it best to spray on weed or pull the weeds out and spray around the area? They grow between paving…
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Resilient plants (for a changing climate)
Hi All, I noticed this article in the latest issue of Gardens Illustrated and thought it worth mentioning as it claims "Five expert designers and plantspeople choose their top garden plants that are adaptable, beautiful and sure to grow happily whatever the weather throws at us" These 76 resilient plants chosen by…
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Garden Work In Progress
In the spirit of Working Mums thread, having actually seen through the eyes of anyone else [ not my own] how bad my ack garden actually looks, this is a thread where I'll be updating as I go along. You don't have to comment if you don't want to but you know when you do a job and then you take after pictures and you always…
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What's happened to my Acer!?
Morning all, Is anyone able to advise what may have happened to my Acer? Beautiful full bloom last year, lovely pink/red leaves all over, all seemed to be going well with growth through spring but then it seemed that only half the buds on the tree opened. Small buds can be seen on the one side but it's as if the growth has…
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Returfing lawn during water restrictions
I planned to replace the lawn this spring but didn't get round to it. Not a bad thing as Kent has been too hot for too long. Problem now is we have a hosepipe ban so is doing it in early October advisable? If the ban has not been lifted by then will I be wasting the money? Will climate change put a stop to ever being able…
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Bother that badger!
Don't get me wrong, I love seeing badgers in the right place, which I don't consider to be my garden! For context, we live near a couple of strips of woodland / wilderness, and there are definitely setts in the woodland. And I have seen one hurtling down the road and over into the woodland from the wilderness area. And our…
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Makeshift watering system when away on holiday?
Any good ideas for outside plants watering while away for a week please? Neighbours not available!
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Gardening apps
My husband has been looking at apps which can check plant leaves to advise the name of the plant, or to recognise various diseases. However, the apps he has found, although saying they're free, offer free for 7 days, followed by subscription charge. In true MSE style, he wondered whether there are any which are free, with…
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Squirrel Deterrent
We have 3 squirrels that frequently visit our garden, yes I know they're cute but they are causing damage to many of our smaller plants. I've tried the chilli and other plants options to deter them but with no great success. Has anyone any suggestions how to tackle this problem? Are Ultrasonic repellents worth trying? Look…
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Too Hot To Work In The Garden?
Having spent most of the winter gazing out the window and planning my new patio/landscaping in my mind, it he time has finally come and I really don't fancy the idea of working in this heat. Is anyone else putting off work due to the heat or am I just looking for excuses? :smiley:
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Bargain roadside plants
Stopped at one of those "plants for sale" signs by the roadside. Now I'm not exactly an inexperienced gardener, so I mainly bought these three (£2 each) on the basis that I didn't know what they were so they might be something unusual. I think "? SORRY" is Polemonium pauciflorum "Sulphur Trumpets", and "Lysimanchia White"…
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Any Strawberry Advice?
I have strawberry plant (not sure of variety) in a hanging basket. Before getting too big they are just going mushy and out of shape, Is there a way to protect them from whatever is happening. Not sure what bugs go after strawberry's but I saved my cherries this year using small anti-bug nets stopping the stink bugs from…
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Tasteless beetroot!
My wife has for many years been trying without success to grow a beetroot that still tastes of beetroot. The varieties that she has tried either taste of nothing or they taste of sweetness, and the problem seems to be getting worse as more and more seed production is farmed out to China. Can anyone suggest a beetroot…
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Garden Furniture
Hi all, Any tips for comfortable outdoor seating with good old British weather? I've got an Ikea sofa set and left the cushions over the winter in a plastic storage box, but they've come out covered in mould stains. I don't think it lets water in, probably just due to general damp in the air getting in and staying there. I…
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Paved driveway questions
Hello, We get a huge amount of weeds on our large driveway so I'm trying to do something about it. We've removed them at the root and powerwashed. Once it dries, i intend to spray weedkiller then a few days later brush lots of kiln sand into the spaces. I have a few questions: Have I missed anything? What is a good…
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RHS Level 2 - Practical Certificate in Horticulture
Anyone done the above course and what was your experience of it? Was it worth your time and investment? Potentially, going to an Open Day tomorrow to look around college facilities etc
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Rough cost to have a tree removed
Hi all, we've just moved into a house and much as it pains me to say it, there's tree which I think will need to be removed. It's a spruce, about 25ft tall, isn't in the best health and is growing at an odd angle. With the prevailing winds it will take down our fence and land on the area where a neighbour parks their cars…
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Why are my cherries split
As said, half the cherries have split around the stem area. It's been almost constantly dry for months but it's a dwarf established tree so haven't watered. A couple of wet nights but that hardly dampened the soil. Very hot, sunny, small back garden They've been sat the same size and half ripe for some time.
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Blank Canvass Garden - Design Inspiration Needed
Hello everyone, I am an avid reader of this thread and am in need of the collective advice. I moved house last year - downsized to a lovely 1930's semi. I had a large leafy garden in my old home but it is fair to say this new garden is rather bereft of any charisma. I attach a pic of the garden - now this is from the…
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Planting out the tomatoes/ zucchini
1st time wannabe vege gardener here! I'm wanting to try tomato and zucchini plants and due to no existing beds I dug up a section of the soil in the garden up to 12-15 inches depth. Soil was very dense/ compacted and lots of stones- I removed lots but not all. I've got multi purpose compost, the contents of 3 gro bags,…
