Jacquie Platt

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Talkback: How to grow tomatoes in growing bags

Water retaining gel crystals

I use old compost bags (tough, black and 'free' ) to line terracotta pots and hanging baskets to reduce water loss. Just remember to put a few tiny holes in it to allow for some drainage and prevent water logging when it rains.

Water retaining gel crystals

I've found little difference between makes of crysals, but like others before me, I have found it far better to soak crystals before adding to compost to prevent overspill. Just mix well, (a bit like the rubbing in stage of making pastry or crumble!). This is also a good time to mix in a granular, slow release plant food. Youv'e then got a good potting compost to last the whole season.

what are these?

Doesn't matter at the moment whether what you have is considered a weed or a flower (a weed is really only a flower in the wrong place.) Enjoy the mystery, let nature 'do its thing' and see if you like the result. If you do, enjoy the randomness and unexpected beauty; if you don't, you know what to dig/pull out next year! Also, if you watch its full development you will be able to identify it more easily and the decision about keeping it or not will become obvious. All plants have their place in the wildlife chain and something, somewhere will appreciate it as a scource of food or shelter.  Go with the flow and let it grow...                                                                             

What to do!!

Go with the flow, work with nature, look at other gardens in your area to see what you like and what grows well (you could also use this as an 'excuse' to talk to neighbours and swap cuttings and seeds,) don't be in too much of a hurry, remember why you wanted a garden in the first place and enjoy the journey.

Advice from the odlies :)

Not all of us have access to gardening neighbours or family which is why I appreciate sites like this so much! Thanks to all you 'Virtual Oldies' out there!

Talkback: How to grow tomatoes in growing bags