Garden Maniac

dandelions

Organically, get a tortoise - brilliant eradicators of dandelion - in fact I used to grow / transplant potfuls to satisfy their cravings.  Sadly after 40 years I don't have them anymore (thanks to the vicious frosts of 3 years ago) - once again I have a dandelion problem!

No plum blossom

This year, similar to last, there has been some blossom - the wind and rain however have knocked it off the tree before the fruit has had time to set.  As a new tree 3 years ago, mine yielded several pounds of fruit (as did my neighbours' Victorias, established trees). This pattern again however, means that few fruit,if any, are likely to be produced this year.  When the conditions are right the tree will be bountiful!  Stick with it, it will be worth it in the end!

what is this thats killing all our hedge and what can i do

I think mile a minute - easy to cut back and contain if you are persistent!  Doesn't kill trees, just grows around them 

slugs

Egg shells - only thing I've found works, especially with small tender plants. 

No blossom or magnolia flowers

At least your magnolia has leaves - and healthy looking ones too!  Mine has small buds, definately no flowers and few and far between!  

It is magnolia 'Limelight' with green-white flowers (supposedly), planted last year - it is annoying as my neighbour's magnolia is full of blossom and looking quite handsome - mine is little more than a stick - if anyone has any suggestions of help I would welcome it! I too am wondering if I'm expecting too much too soon?

Seed raising problem

Thanks for all the above suggestions and responses.  This makes me think that by trying to do the 'right thing' by way of the compost, I should actually stick with what I know and do what I know works best. It is interesting to see how many other people actually have done similar things with similar outcomes -  the joys and experience of gardeneing!   You live and learn!  Just in response to Mummy Muddy Paws - growing windowsill plants is great - the outcomes are fantastic without the faff!  How you move away from the reality sometimes in order to get a 'professional' response with limited success!  I wish those Courgettes and Pumpkins that you and your son have enjoyed much success!

Seed raising problem

Hi Marshmello - electric propogator has been in use since early February - it has taken so long to try and establish these plants (that's another problem too). Now, at this time of year I wouldn't bother with it.  As I said before, everything else including the propogator has been standard practice for me, but this year - no show! I have in the past raised seeds both in and out of the propogator, with no real difference. Maybe, if I'm not too late I'll try without and see what happens - can't be any worse!  Thanks for the comment! 

Seed raising problem

Just wondered if anyone else has experienced the same problem as I have this year - I have raised my usual favourite tomatoes, cucumber and pepper varieties from seed, using my electric propogator to give them a good start.  I have not varied any of my usual practices, although I have used a good quality seed compost this year rather than my usual multi purpose compost that I normally make do with.  All seed types and varieties are the tried and tested ones that I have used before.  All so far, except for two cucumber plants have died or are of a small and incorrect formation (too few leaves, small leaves etc).  What I have noticed is when I have removed the seedlings to pot on, the root systems on them are either very small or flimsy; they do not seem to have developed properly. Not to be deterred I have tried another tray of the same - only to encounter the same problem!   Is it just me or has anyone else experienced this?  It is very frustrating, as my own raised stock for the greenhouse this year is virtually non-existent! 

Talkback: Gardeners' World Magazine Seed Club

There is a small but informative article in this month's GW about testing viability, much the same as Sally Nex is suggesting, growing a small sample of each on tissue and ascertaining how many germinate.  I think I will be doing the same as I have a glut of older seeds in storage this year! 

Talkback: Winter shelter for wildlife

Grape Vine Care

Seed raising problem

Curly leaves on tomato plants...

Torbay Palm