Peat-Free Compost: Choosing a Blend, Watering and Feeding
Choose peat-free compost for the plant and its purpose. Learn how to check moisture, read feeding instructions and avoid unnecessary extra fertiliser.
Journal
-
Pruning Hydrangeas: Timing and Method for Every Type
Panicle and smooth hydrangeas bloom on new wood and are cut back hard in late winter or early spring, to a framework 25–60 cm (10–24 in) tall. Bigleaf, mountain, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas bloom on old wood and should only have dead wood removed – cut them back in spring and you remove the entire…
-
Amaryllis Care: How to Get the Bulb to Rebloom Every Year
Amaryllis care comes down to two things: water sparingly until the flower stalk shows, then let the leaves grow all summer. A 34/36 cm bulb gives three stalks, a 26/28 cm bulb only one. Allow 6–8 weeks from planting to flower, and 8–10 weeks cool and dry before you restart it.
-
How to Grow Clematis: Planting, Care and Pruning
Quick answer: Plant clematis in spring or early fall in rich, well-drained soil, with the roots shaded and the top growth in sun. Set the crown 8-10 cm (3-4 in) deeper than it sat in the pot, so dormant buds survive if the plant is ever hit by clematis wilt. Water generously through the first…
-
Lawn Care Guide: What to Do Every Month of the Year
Good lawn care comes down to four numbers: mow at 6–9 cm (2.5–3.5 in) and never remove more than a third of the blade, apply no more than 0.5 kg nitrogen per 100 m² (1 lb per 1,000 sq ft) in one go, water 25 mm (1 in) a week instead of a little every…
-
Clematis Pruning Groups: How and When to Prune Each Type
Quick answer: Pruning depends on the group. Group 1 needs almost no cutting, just light shaping right after flowering. Group 2 gets a light trim in late winter plus deadheading after the first flush. Group 3 gets cut back hard to 8–12 in (20–30 cm) every late winter, which is what keeps it blooming well…
-
Sowing a New Lawn From Seed: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Quick answer: sow grass seed once the soil has warmed to at least 8–10°C (46–50°F), ideally in late summer to early autumn or, second best, in mid-spring. Use roughly 35–50 g per square metre (about 3–4.5 lb per 1,000 sq ft) for bare soil, rake it in no deeper than 1 cm (0.4 in), keep…