Gardening thread

[YetAnotherObsessionx]

My bulbs are sprouting

Mine too, and my bare root rose I planted in November has tiny little growths on it already too

 

[Doodlebug005]

what type of potatoes are they? is the polytunnel warm enough? I put my in my kitchen window in an egg box.

I think they are kerrs pink ( getting forgetful these days) have a mini greenhouse in the polytunnel might put them in there and see what happens

 

[coconochanel]

How are everyones plants/veg holding up in this terrible weather?

 

[CallMeHollywood]

We ended up putting blue heather in ours as it lasts all year, unlike everything that we bought before it. It seems quite happy.

 

[coconochanel]

Are buxus balls good to put in borders?

 

[MavisBeacon]

Rake them as it causes bald patches.

I need some recommendations for decent climbers. We’re selling the house in two years but the garden is pretty bare. Need some fence climbers that are relatively cheap and grow fast.

Our garden is nearly two years old (new build). Best climbers have been Honeysuckle, followed by summer jasmine in a sunny warm spot. Also we got quite a big winter jasmine and splayed it out across a trellis on the fence, and it has filled a space nicely. Clematis also grow fast and look lovely at flowering time, but die back every year, so it depends what time of year you're planning to sell.

 

[MavisBeacon]

Who's pruning/tidying what now?
I'm just north of London and itching to get going on tidying up for spring as everything looks so scruffy rn.

I've been studying Gardener's world and on my hitlist for this weekend are:
Cutting back roses (patio, wild and climber)
Pruning clematis to strong buds
Cutting back ornamental grasses
Prune flamingo willow stems by about 1/3 and tidy up other trees (hawthorn, crabapple)
Cut back verbena bonariensis to the ground
Cut back dead stuff on rudbeckia, asters and other shrubs - is it OK to do this now before the risk of frost is over? They look so shit
Cut back buddleia a bit if necessary

Anything in there that makes you go "NOOOOOOOOOOO don't do that yet!!"
What are you planning to do imminently, and what are you going to leave for a bit?

 

[Also_smoke_and_mirrors]

Anyone growing any veg this year?

Yes. I do every year, but last year was a washout and other than some chard, I didn't really get much. Chillis, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers just a few per plant. It was really demoralising.

Year before was a bumper crop for everything. The tomatoes went mad and I had to get the neighbours over to pick some as I had far too many.

 

[Doodlebug005]

Oh I'm a novice to growing Potatoes so I'm just going by the RHS website and hoping for the best .

Did a bit of research last night “ blight resistant” said some of the packs on offer… maybe this it the year to chance it

 

[coconochanel]

Hi after some advice where do you all store your seating Cushions for your outdoor furniture? I Was going to purchase a keter storage container however I’m not sure if they should be stored outside in the winter? I Don’t want them to go mouldy? I did wonder if I vacuum packed them it would preserve them? Any tips or advice much appreciated Thankyou

I store mine in the house.

 

[Doodlebug005]

Hanging baskets work well. In a 12" diameter one you could have 4 plants if you use the water holding gel crystals and feed regularly. If it's particularly shallow you might be better off with just three though.

Great idea! thank you! was thinking that or window boxes!

 

[YetAnotherObsessionx]

Who's pruning/tidying what now?

Pruned the roses yesterday.

Next task is reseeding the bald lawn, but I think it's still too early for that.

 

[MavisBeacon]

Me: I'm not going to buy loads of plants this year - I'll just grow from seed, and see what comes up self-seeded in the garden.
Also me: Goes mental on Crocus.com and also spends £400 on two new pleached trees to screen the house that has popped up next door, after the conifers we put in last year both died.
In my defence, we're working with a new build garden and there's SO MUCH space we need to fill in, including quite a large area where the conifers were which now needs a complete rework.

Have started sowing seeds - mostly Salvias, snapdragons and Cerinthes, plus some herbs- because it makes me so excited to have seedlings to look after when it's still so cold and meh with nothing to do outside in the garden yet.

 

[MavisBeacon]

Still cross with myself after accidentally knocking the growing tip off a tree peony last weekend while pruning something else I hope I haven't permanently fucked it

 

[ElektraWintour]

Bumping this to see if anyone can help. I’ve noticed in the past day or two we have loads of caterpillars by the front door and it’s freaking me out. I think they’re possibly attracted to the bush by the front door/in the front garden.

What’s the most effective way to get rid of them?

I’ve googled and moved our bird feeder to the front window in the hope it attracts the birds to eat the caterpillars but we live on a main road so the cars and people constantly passing might disturb the birds.

 

[coconochanel]

I’d like to do potatoes this year- my sister put me off a few years ago - talking about spraying for blight‍ I thought it was beyond me- Have success with rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries, courgettes, cucumbers, salad veg etc… but I fancy my own new spuds- any advice would be welcome

Oh I'm a novice to growing Potatoes so I'm just going by the RHS website and hoping for the best .

 

[Ruby’s mum]

Hi after some advice where do you all store your seating Cushions for your outdoor furniture? I Was going to purchase a keter storage container however I’m not sure if they should be stored outside in the winter? I Don’t want them to go mouldy? I did wonder if I vacuum packed them it would preserve them? Any tips or advice much appreciated Thankyou

I bought some of these from ikea and keep them in the garden shed. They’re sturdier than vacuum bags (which never seem to stay vacuumed anyway!) and are a really good size.

 

[coconochanel]

My bulbs are sprouting

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Yes. I do every year, but last year was a washout and other than some chard, I didn't really get much. Chillis, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers just a few per plant. It was really demoralising.

Year before was a bumper crop for everything. The tomatoes went mad and I had to get the neighbours over to pick some as I had far too many.

My parents grow veg always have too much. End up with a lot of frozen blackberries, green beans and frozen tomato soup. Also loads of onions in the shed in the dark but they last a long time

 

[Also_smoke_and_mirrors]

Great idea! thank you! was thinking that or window boxes!

Window boxes would be good too. I'd not thought of those!