Can anyone help with the following queries please ?
Can you use Builders sharp sand for mixing with potting compost in order to make it better draining?A local DIY store sells horticultural sharp sand (double the price of the builders sand) and it mentions that it is `lime free`.Should I do a ph test on the Builders sand to check that it is ok?
I've had contradictory advice on the best type of secateurs to buy. Some say any mid-price range is perfectly satisfactory, whilst others swear by that most expensive one (name escapes me) costing at least £50, and which can be sent away for servicing and sharpening (how much does THAT cost?). I'm not a 'name snob'! What'd you reckon? TY, P.
I urgently need to prune my box and yew 'bushes' and would like to 'topiarise' them...but confused about the best tool for the job! Although as an art teacher I feel confident about my ability to sculpt them I don't think I have the patience or the stamina to keep sharpening my shears throughout what promises to be a quite lengthy project. Last year I tried a mini battery operated, single handed hedge trimmer which did not seem to cut efficiently at all, so I ended up returning it to the garden centre. I then resorted to shears which seemed to need sharpening CONSTANTLY. All suggestions would gratefully received and considered!
@Maria7 : search www.toolstation.com for 'mattock head': I bought one a few months ago, and it works really well for lifting turf, and digging up stony or compacted ground.
@GrandBob : gravel boards are (roughly) 6"x1" boards that go along the bottom of fences. Try looking for fencing laths, perhaps: but that's about the size of what you want.
@Reg Simpson : I bought bags of sharp sand from Wickes, instead of pricey horticultural sand. Sharp sand drains better than builders sand, which is too round (I believe), and doesn't help drainage. You have to be careful of lime and salt: they're the risks with non-horticultural grit, but I've been ok so far.
@WeedFairy : I really like Joseph Bentley forks & spades, which haven't bent on me yet. They've got nice ash handles, and are a good length.
Hi all, can you tell me why when taking cuttings we are told to place them at the edge of a terracotta pot then cover with a plastic bag? I find every time I do this the remaining leaves rot.
I have seen a super rigid plastic cloche on different gardening sites, they are about one metre in length and have two end panels, it can be extended by buying another length they can be pegged down in windy weather, unfortunately they don't. deliver to N.Ireland , is there a site anywhere that does, would be thanhful for any information
Perhaps rather a stupid question but when I read about looking after tools etc. magazines etc say I should use oil on the blades....but my silly question is which type of oil? Thanks.
Posts
Can anyone help with the following queries please ?
Can you use Builders sharp sand for mixing with potting compost in order to make it better draining?A local DIY store sells horticultural sharp sand (double the price of the builders sand) and it mentions that it is `lime free`.Should I do a ph test on the Builders sand to check that it is ok?
Reg
I've had contradictory advice on the best type of secateurs to buy. Some say any mid-price range is perfectly satisfactory, whilst others swear by that most expensive one (name escapes me) costing at least £50, and which can be sent away for servicing and sharpening (how much does THAT cost?). I'm not a 'name snob'! What'd you reckon? TY, P.
I urgently need to prune my box and yew 'bushes' and would like to 'topiarise' them...but confused about the best tool for the job! Although as an art teacher I feel confident about my ability to sculpt them I don't think I have the patience or the stamina to keep sharpening my shears throughout what promises to be a quite lengthy project. Last year I tried a mini battery operated, single handed hedge trimmer which did not seem to cut efficiently at all, so I ended up returning it to the garden centre. I then resorted to shears which seemed to need sharpening CONSTANTLY. All suggestions would gratefully received and considered!
@Maria7 : search www.toolstation.com for 'mattock head': I bought one a few months ago, and it works really well for lifting turf, and digging up stony or compacted ground.
@GrandBob : gravel boards are (roughly) 6"x1" boards that go along the bottom of fences. Try looking for fencing laths, perhaps: but that's about the size of what you want.
@Reg Simpson : I bought bags of sharp sand from Wickes, instead of pricey horticultural sand. Sharp sand drains better than builders sand, which is too round (I believe), and doesn't help drainage. You have to be careful of lime and salt: they're the risks with non-horticultural grit, but I've been ok so far.
@WeedFairy : I really like Joseph Bentley forks & spades, which haven't bent on me yet. They've got nice ash handles, and are a good length.
Tallulah Sheep shears are supposed to be pretty good for topiary
http://www.burgonandball.com/shop/scripts/prodList.asp?idcategory=80
Hi all, can you tell me why when taking cuttings we are told to place them at the edge of a terracotta pot then cover with a plastic bag? I find every time I do this the remaining leaves rot.
Thanks
I have been told you can use honey to propagate rose bush and other cuttings instead of rooting powder. is this true?
Perhaps rather a stupid question but when I read about looking after tools etc. magazines etc say I should use oil on the blades....but my silly question is which type of oil? Thanks.
Traditionally it's linseed oil which helps stop steel parts rusting and is good for wooden handles. It's also safe in the garden.