George asks…
Gardening according to the phases of the moon, has anyone any experience?
I saw something about it on tv the other day and have read a little about it before.
Does anyone have any experience, does it make a difference or is it coincidence?
From my own experience, I find most things are reluctant to grow after June, when the days start getting shorter. I’ve never tried gardening by moon phases, I tend to go by the phases of the sun rather than the moon, but thought of trying it out this year just for fun.
GardenersCardiff answers:
I tried it a few years back – but you really do have to be quite methodical about it!
My main problem with it was that it wanted me to sow/grow/harvest etc. At times I wasn’t ready to!
The idea is that you should expect bigger & better, pest free crops if whatever you grow.
My mum also did it a few years back, she is retired and was able to fit her schedule around the suggested times etc. More easily than I could and she reckoned she did see a difference – not sure if that was just wishful thinking though!
Lisa asks…
How to get savvy with gardening?
Every time I buy a houseplant or look something up that’s related to any kind of gardening I get completely lost in all the terminology, latin names, etc.
I’d like to get better at gardening and growing things without having to get my degree in horticulture. Are there any sources (websites/books) for beginners who don’t understand all the “big words” ?
GardenersCardiff answers:
What I did was to go to the local library, and grab a large stack of books on gardening. Ones with pictures are more inspiring. Out of a stack of 10 or so, there would be at least a couple that seemed to “speak” to me. Reading was not over my head, good visuals, and I actually learned things, or at least got ideas.
It’s a great way to spend a winter, when there’s not much going on outside.
Linda asks…
Gardening vegetarians and vegans: what sort of fertilizer do you use?
I’m new to gardening and I’m using liquid seaweed for my tomatoes.
People at the gardening centers have been telling me I won’t get awesome tomatoes without using blood meal/bone meal.
Have you used seaweed? What do you use?
I would really love to be composting, but I live in a one-room apartment that’s smaller than my childhood bedroom. I’m trying to garden on my huge, south-facing windowsill. We’ll see how it goes.
GardenersCardiff answers:
I’m Vegan. I grow cabbages, peas, carrots, corn, tomatoes and butternut squash and I use NO fertillizer what so ever.
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Daniel asks…
What is the best way to start growing your own tea leaves (buy/plant seeds, other)?
Interested initially for personal use, but also interested in knowing if this is worth pursuing as a business, land/space requirements, any other commercial needs. Any experienced insight (for either personal or commercial pursuit) would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.
GardenersCardiff answers:
A certain type of Camilla bush is used for tea. I am sure one would need at least an area of 7 * 7 ft. They are slow growing. Do you have the right conditions for it–morning sun, afternoon shade? Also, you can use bay leaves or lemon grass for tea as well.
Susan asks…
Good books on growing your own herbs for brewing tea?
As the topic says. I am looking for books that explain the planning and how-to of growing your own herbs for tea.
Any suggestions then?
GardenersCardiff answers:
Any book that describes growing herbs is good. There isn’t a different procedure for growing herbs for brewing than growing them for beauty, or medicinal use, or culinary.
Which books might depend a little on your region. But unless you live in a tropical area, most herb books would work.
I suggest going to your local library, getting a stack of books on growing herbs (they’re all going to be on the same shelf, so once you find one, you find them all), and leafing through them. Probably 2 or 3 will grab your attention.
Thomas asks…
How do you grow your own tea leaves in the back yard so you can harvest your own tea .I live in sunny socal .?
Where do yopu get the seeds or seedlings and what kind do you look for? I just love too drink lipton ice tea and I also like growing a real green yard so this could be a fun project for me.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Tea comes from the young shoots of a Camellia species. You may be able to get the cultivar used for tea from mail-order nursery! Good luck.
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