BobTheGardener

Using the back button

It's been fine all day for me, chilli.  What browser are you using?  With my techie hat on, I can tell you that some adverts on websites have started causing the back button to stop working in Internet Explorer 9.  I use IE9 and have it set up to block adverts, which may be why it is OK for me.

Training Kiwi Issai

Hi Janet, Even 'baby' kiwis like Issai have a tremendous growth rate and will need strong support, like heavier gauge trellis (eg the stuff made from 1" (2.5cm) thick wood.)  New growth is soft and will twist itself around things, but once a few weeks old it becomes hard, and cannot be moved.  As it is hardy, I would get it planted as soon as you can and not attempt to start training it until it is in its final position.  Cut it back if it grows too big before you can plant it - sideshoots will immediately start growing and there is no danger of harming it.  I have few kiwi grown from the seed of shop-bought fruit and although they are unlikely to ever flower/fruit for me, the red new growth and large furry red-veined leaves are very attractive.  Mine easily grow 6-12 feet in a season and need to be kept in check, or they'd quickly become an inpenetrable jungle!

What tree is this?

Hi Lizzie, I'm sticking to Wisteria as I mentioned originally.  It's just that I noticed the name above the door - presumably there's a fig somewhere in the garden.  Agree - lovely cottage - would suit my style of gardening down to a tee!

Tomato seedlings

Verdun, yep - I usually grow a few outside too.  Although last year was terrible for outside toms (and none too brilliant for those in the GH!), the Sungold were the only ones to provide any fruit outside.

What tree is this?

I've just noticed the house seems to be called "Fig Tree Cottage."  Might be a clue, but not sure it looks like a fig to me?

Tomato seedlings

Planted mine in a windowsill propagator on Friday and the first 3 came up today

The germinated ones all happen to be Sungold (I have 8 different types on the go.)  Must say I've been impressed with Sungold for the last 5 years or so that I've been growing them as they are always the first to start ripening, the last to finish cropping and are one of the sweetest and tastiest of all the types I have ever grown - top marks on all counts!

What tree is this?

Very difficult to tell as we can't zoom into the photo (upload a larger one if you can), but judging by the twisted stems and growth habit, my guess would be Wisteria.

Does is have flowers, and if so, can you describe them?

is will you use the extra hour next weekend

Verdun, how about one of these:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-21981063

Should at least keep you warm!

Sweet pepper seed germination - epic failure!

I usually give them up to 3 weeks, so yours are at my limit.  Peppers, especially F1 hybrids, can be a bit difficult I find.  I always plant about a dozen extra cheaper (non-F1) pepper seeds so I at least have something in case of failure.  F1 pepper seeds are very expensive for what you get and I have never had more than about 50% germinate of all the types I've tried.

It might be worth complaining to the supplier as having one germinate pretty much proves you gave them the right conditions.

Strange fungus-like growth on tree

It spreads by spores in the air (which are released from the 'brackets'), but these need to fall on an open wound (eg where a branch has broken or been cut off) of another tree and even then probably won't infect it.  It may only infect certain species. Not very much is really known about fungi like this to be perfectly honest.

Bee spotting

New deliveries

Flower ID

Oh no, lily beetles are back!