simon@yorkbonsai.co.uk

spring onions

and another!

Mycorrhizal Fungi

FloBear wrote (see)

So is there just one kind of fungus that's supposed to work with any plant? I thought that plants had fungi that were specific to their particular needs.

Also, would it be really silly to dig up a very recently planted shrub to apply the fungus then plant it again?

Bear of Very Little Brain

From what I uderstand the fungi works on just about all trees except that with high acid soil (Azalea etc) and as its a soil based thing rather than a plant one it has the symbiotic relationship with the roots okay.  Probably not a good idea to dig up a healthy tree/plant to add it if its growing okay though

Venus Flytraps

Last year I tried a selection of venus flytraps, pitcher plants and sundews in the greenhouse to keep the airbourne pests at bay.  The bees seemed to avoid them and they other little flying criters disappeared over night and left the plants free from damage - still got them after winter and they are happily looking out for my early growing tomatoes already 

who knows a new kind technology can be used in plants speed up plants grow fast

Not sure you can really speed up the growing process without some compromise.  Arguably it is better to give them the ideal growing conditions to maximise the potential?  Good root space and areation, light and feed should do the trick

If you want to grow a bonsai on quicker put it back in the ground but keep it in shape. Putting something flat under the root ball will prevent the tap root from developing again and make a nice root spread.  Artifical light can keep tomatoes growing longer per 24hrs rather than faster

Bonsai

Hi Harry, 

From experience I would try something that is tolerant like a Chinese Elm, Podocarpus or a Maple.  Outdoor trees are a bit easier to look after as they dont get affected by central heating/too dry indoor air as much but watch out for frosts!  If you're just starting out then a more tolerant tree like these are usually better value for money and do put up with a bit more trail and error that some other varieties. 

The main failure with bonsai is the watering - most like to be moist rather than soggy and drying out the soil inadvertantly can lead to a new tree been sought quite quickly.

When buying a tree make sure it looks healthy and its secure in its pot; if it is loose then there is a chance the roots could be damaged and this could affect the health of your tree.

I wouldnt go mad on buying tools as you wont need many to start with and its just an unnecessary expense.  A decent pair of pruning scissors and a pair branch cutters will meet most needs.

Be warned - it can get addictive!!

getting rid of slugs

I find encouraging Thrushes and Blackbirds into the garden does help.  Once they have been attracted by the normal bird feeder approach the slugs are next on the menu! 

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Mycorrhizal Fungi

When I have been potting on seeedlings I put some in the hole so it is in direct contact with the roots.  I've used it on bonsai trees ever since it came on the market to reduce stresses when repotting and it does seem to make a difference 

Talkback: How to grow garlic

Keep on top of weeds around the bulbs as they are only shallow rooting so weeds compete with them too easily.  I have kept garlic for 18 months after harvesting without any problems.  As Koalagirl mention braid them and hang them somewhere cool to dry fully

Mycorrhizal Fungi

I used Mycorrhizal Fungi in all my fruit and veg plants last year and had really noteably bigger crops (especially chillies).  Has anyone else noticed a difference when using this?

Venus Flytraps

Mycorrhizal Fungi