container plants – gardenerscardiff.co.uk

Your Questions About Gardening

GardenersCardiff — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 14:05:03 +0000

Lizzie asks…

Is there a way of eliminating flatworms from container plants?

I’m moving house and don’t want to contaminate my new garden. I don’t think I have any flatworms as it’s two years since I saw one in my garden but I want to make sure.

GardenersCardiff answers:

Not as yet.
They are doing studies on a parasite but that has to go through the research stage for so many years first.
I have as yet not come across a New Zealand flatworm but keep a constant look out.
I do not know if it is possible with your plants in the pots but can you cover them with newspaper? This is supposed to bring them to the surface and then you could drop them in a jar of vinegar.
Salt, vinegar and orange oil will all dissolve them but will not work unless it is a direct hit. No good just adding them to compost. More likely to damage your plants than the flatworms.
Here is some more information….
Http://blog.shirlsgardenwatch.co.uk/2007/03/new-zealand-flatworms.html

Thomas asks…

How to obtain healthy soil with palm tree seeds and roots?

I would like to grow a flower garden and put in a day bed at the back of my yard.
However, there is quite a large palm tree with roots that have spread throughout the garden, and the seeds are spread everywhere and growing.

The tree is not being removed for another 2-6months and I would like to start now.

Thank you

GardenersCardiff answers:

Palms are very adaptable, I would do the removal first as the tree will definitely be in your way, and when it is time for removal you will damage all you have planted. Palm roots generally are 1/8th inch thick and spread several feet. Being such a tangled mess ( almost like thick hair underground ) you could manipulate them to plant during the time being. Check out our free Blog page on the website for more tips.
Good Luck!

Steven asks…

What topics are there that I can choose from to write about Christianity?

So I’m trying to decide of a blog topic to write about on my myspace page, and I want to write about Christianity (positively). I am a Christian, and my goal is to get my friends to think deeply on the subject of Christianity. I want to be able to change the way they think whenever they hear the word “Christian”. Are there any good topics I can write about?

GardenersCardiff answers:

How not to lead your friends down the garden path.

Your Questions About Gardening

GardenersCardiff — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:05:03 +0000

Paul asks…

Is it a lot of work to grow your own cooking herbs?

I’m getting more interested in cooking and I find I use herbs more often now. I’m beginning to think about growing my own since they’re so expensive at the shops. But is it easy? Can it be done in small apartment or do you need a back yard or something?

GardenersCardiff answers:

Anything you want to grow is worth a try.
If you live in an apartment and have a sunny window or a balcony and even if you don’t you can buy grow lights to make it happen.
Figure out what herbs you want to grow then look up what the plant needs to grow. Some like rosemary needs sunlight and dry roots not a too wet soil. Each herb has it’s own requirements.
You are so right about prices of herbs. They cost as much as some meats. Having the right soil and right amount of light is very important and the choice of pots some like a small pot to be confined while others require a larger space. It just takes some research and you will be on your way. Trial and error but it’s “worth every bite” to grow your own and have it available for a small price. Good luck! Here is an article that will help you.

Http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tips-for-healthy-indoor-herb-garden-good-questions-183953

Donald asks…

Gardening: can you make your own ecosystem, compost, edible plants in a flat? guerilla gardening?

Hi. I’m reaching out to the gardening afficionados I’ve just seen no impact man use a compost bin and a video on vertical gardening. I live in a flat but I have a bit of balcony and I want to grow my own veg/herbs and start putting some of my biodegradable trash in a compost bin. Can you combine all these ideas to build a vertical gardening ecosystem or would the worms that help break down the trash also attack my herbs? :-/ thanks

GardenersCardiff answers:

Yes, you can garden in containers on a balcony. Yes you can compost. Don’t combine the two. Finished compost can be added to pots to add soil and nutrition, but you don’t want to add raw compost to container plants.

Mandy asks…

How do I grow herbs and spices?

I like fresh herbs and spices for cooking but they’re expensive at the supermarket so I want to grow my own Basil, rosemary, thyme, etc.

Do I just need seeds and some dirt? Do I need special dirt? How long does it take to grow? How do I maintain it?

GardenersCardiff answers:

Since you want to use the herbs in the kitchen I’d suggest getting a small window-box kit

usually where you get your seeds will also have these kits. From sowing the seed to harvest can take upwards of 3-4 months

you could try getting small potted plants & place them in a container with a water dish underneath (less you ruin your windowsill) then place same in a sunny window

note of caution windows can get quite cold in winter unless insulated

I’ve made a mini-greenhouse with a clear plastic taped to the window above the plants

be certain to vent same or the mini-climate will cook the herbs.

Your Questions About Gardening

GardenersCardiff — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:05:01 +0000

Charles asks…

I want to plant wildflowers. If I plant some this fall, will they be here by summer?

I am getting married next summer and my dream bouquet is wildflowers. We were thinking we could plant some but sadly, we know nothing about gardening or flowers. If you have any suggestions about how to plant them, take care of them, or anything remotely helpful, it would be openly accepted. Even if you think we probably wouldn’t want the information, trust me, we do!

GardenersCardiff answers:

Wildflowers typically are self seeding perennials — they drop seeds in the fall, which germinate again the following spring.

You can put some container plants in now, and add more next spring, along with some seed.

Here’s a pretty nice article or two:

How-to: Planting a wild flower prairie garden

http://www.gardening-guides.com/specialty-gardens/wildflower-garden.php

Chris asks…

How can I keep Slugs and Ants out of my Garden ?

I have a smal Garden inside of a Tire .Everythings growing real good except for one thing . . . Red Ants and Slugs are eating the Leaves and crippling the Plants . What can I do ????

GardenersCardiff answers:

I really hate slugs…
I heard that if you put pennies or copper anything around where they are that they will flee from it and maintain a 5 foot radius.
I also found this on a site and I believe it will help.

“Many insects, including ants, can be repelled from gardens by sprinkling hot chile powder (e.g., red pepper, cayenne powder ) around and on the plants. These powders will need to be renewed after a rain, however. The amount to use is mostly determined by trial and error. The ants usually will not walk across the powder, so putting a good amount on any paths will help, but a nice dusting everywhere in addition to that is usually the best approach.

For the most economic plan, grow your own hot chiles, dry*, and powder them with a mortar and pestle. The hottest varieties will provide the most potent powder, so some very good choices are any of the Chinense varietals such as Habanero. They are also thinner-walled chiles and, therefore, easier to dry quickly before they are able to mold.

*An easy and quick method of drying is to cut thin-walled chiles (such as Habanero) into small pieces and microwave until totally dry. Food dehydrators will also give directions on how to dry vegetables such as chiles.

Be very careful to avoid breathing or getting the dust on your body or in your eyes. It is best to do the grinding into powders outside, and the easiest method is to use an old coffee grinder dedicated for that use. (Add some plastic wrap under the lid to assure a good seal). But, you can purchase the powders from the spice sections at the grocery to do the same thing. The more you use, the better the repellent effect.

The chiles contain a substance called capsaicin which is an irritant to the ants and other insects. That is what the chile plant uses it for, too. NouGuard, a commercial repellent for ants, is made with capsaicin as a primary component.

A mixture can also be made using the powder mixed in water or in a solution of 1 ½ teaspoons of Dawn liquid detergent per one quart of water to spray on the plants. The “soap” (detergent) adds an extra insecticidal component, but is a safe alternative to more toxic chemical pesticides and works along with the repellent qualities of the capsaicin to take care of the problem. (Make a paste of chile powder and a small amount of water for use inside the house. Place a small dab of the paste at the points of entry and on obvious ant trails.)

A mixture of chile powders with other known ant repellents can add to the effectiveness (but also adds to the costs). Some of those other natural repellents include: mint (fresh or dried), cinnamon, and dill. If you grow your own mint and dill, their very presence in the garden will help, and, when needed, you can dry and sprinkle their powders along with the chiles’.”
Hope I helped
– Jackie

Donna asks…

If I spray weed killer on grass and weeds growing through gravel, will it effect nearby plants?

If I spray weed killer on grass growing through gravel, will it effect nearby plants?

I installed a gravel garden. I decided not to stick a membrane underneath because I grow yearly plants in it and harvest them every fall.

I also have fruit trees growing there.

The problem is I have weeds and grass growing through it. Most of the weeds are quiet easy to remove, but the grass is a real pain.

If I spray a weed killer, I understand the type that kills grass will also kill my plants if contact is made.

Obviously I would make sure none touches my trees and plants. But once it enters the weeds and grass, it has to go somewhere. So will end up in my soil. How dangerous is this?

Thanks for advice and suggestions..

GardenersCardiff answers:

No.

Just make sure to buy the kind you WANT, and, no matter what, only spray the gravel.

It is only a hazard to the leaves, IF you buy the non-sterilizing type