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
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Renovating an Old Fruit Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide
Quick answer: Renovate an overgrown fruit tree gradually, over 3 to 4 years, removing no more than 20–30% of the canopy in any single season. Start with dead, damaged and crossing wood, open up the center, then shorten overlong limbs back to a strong outward-facing side branch. Prune apples and pears in late winter while…
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Watering a Lawn the Right Way: How Much, How Often and When
Quick answer: Give your lawn 20–30 mm of water a week (about 0.8–1.2 in), split into one or two deep waterings rather than a little every day. Water early in the morning, between 4 and 9 a.m., so the grass has time to dry out before evening. An established cool-season lawn usually gets through a…
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How to Repair Bare Spots and Worn Patches in Your Lawn
Quick answer: Rake out the dead grass, loosen the top inch of soil, spread a thin layer of topsoil or compost, then sow grass seed at about 30–35 g per square meter (roughly 1 oz per 10 sq ft) and keep the area lightly moist for two to three weeks. The best windows for lawn…
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DIY Drip Irrigation: Build Your Own System Step by Step
Quick answer: A basic DIY drip system uses 13–16 mm (1/2 in) mainline tubing feeding 4–6 mm (1/4 in) drip line fitted with 2–8 liter-per-hour (0.5–2 GPH) emitters, connected to a tap through a filter and a pressure regulator. Materials for a 10 m² (100 sq ft) bed typically run $30–60, and a first system…
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Growing Dahlias: Planting, Care and Overwintering in Cold Climates
Start growing dahlias by waking the tubers indoors four to six weeks before your last frost, then planting out once the soil reaches 15 °C (60 °F). Set the tuber 5–10 cm (2–4 in) deep in full sun, pinch at 20–30 cm (8–12 in) and feed potassium. Lift the tubers after frost and store at…
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How to Grow Courgettes (Zucchini): The Complete Guide
Quick answer: Sow courgette (zucchini) seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost, or direct-sow outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 15°C (60°F). Space plants 75–100 cm (30–40 in) apart in rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Water deeply and consistently, and start picking fruit at 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long, about…