Gardening Events, and Climate News from August 2007
Early sowing: a fine artLast Updated: 12:01am BST 17/08/2007Page 1 of 3
It may still feel like summer, but now is the time to do your autumn sowing if you want a bumper crop of flowers next year, says Sarah Raven.
Most teachers and garden books tell you to do autumn sowing at the height of the season in late September or October, but I think that this is too late.
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Garden advice: Thorny problemsLast Updated: 12:01am BST 10/08/2007
Garden tips and advice from our resident expert Helen Yemm. This week: plastic compost bins, Sussex trugs and holiday preparations
Have your say: Tell us about your gardening problems
It makes me weep, it really does. John Cushnie doesn't rate plastic compost bins, but according to you they work and, furthermore, we should put them in the sun, stir the contents and let them stew with the lid on. Now I read that Tom Petherick says heat is not important, nor is stirring - and he says you can even compost weeds, which I thought was a no-no! How are we supposed to know what to do if experts can't even agree?
Pelargoniums and schizanthus: a pair of potted paragons
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Gardeners should combine schizanthus with pelargoniums for a stunning summer display, writes Sarah Raven
If you have a greenhouse, conservatory or sunny porch, it should be full of pelargoniums that will flower continually for you from early summer until the winter. But what will make a splash after that?
This week from the RHS
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 17/08/2007
Garden advice compiled by the RHS Horticultural Advisory ServiceRose balling• With all the recent wet weather, look out for slimy rose buds that fail to open. ?Increase ventilation, protect flowers from rain and cut back shrubs or trees that are casting shade. • If wet weather is followed by sun, the fused outer petals may dry out and scorch into a tight shell that prevents buds from opening.• Select planting sites carefully -open, airy and sunny positions are best.• Water the base of plants rather than over the foliage.• In hot, sunny weather, do not water until evening.• Remove balled buds promptly, before secondary rot sets in.>> Read full story
