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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Ground Cover Plants That Smother Weeds: 20 for Every Site
Ground cover plants only smother weeds once the canopy closes, and that takes one to three years. Plan on 6–12 plants per square metre, clear every scrap of perennial root weed before planting, and weed actively for two seasons. Bigroot geranium, Pennsylvania sedge and bearberry are the safest bets in zones 3–6.
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Raised bed gardening: the complete guide
Quick answer: Build raised beds no wider than 120 cm (4 ft) so you can reach the middle from both sides, and at least 25–30 cm (10–12 in) deep. A 1.2 × 2.4 m (4 × 8 ft) bed at that depth takes roughly 750–900 litres (1–1.2 cubic yards) of soil. Site it in six…
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Best raised bed crops: 20 vegetables that actually pay off
Quick answer: The best raised bed crops are the ones with shallow roots and a short season. Lettuce, spinach, chard, arugula, carrots, radishes, beets, kale, snap peas, bush beans, garlic and scallions all thrive. A standard 1.2 × 2.4 m (4 × 8 ft) bed holds 32 lettuce heads, 350 radishes or 128 garlic cloves.…
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Growing strawberries: the complete guide
Quick answer: Growing strawberries takes full sun and well-drained soil at pH 5.8–6.2. Set plants with the crown level at the soil line, 45 cm (18 in) apart in rows 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) apart for June-bearers. Pinch off all flowers the first year, renovate within two weeks of harvest, and mulch with 10–15 cm…
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Annual Flowers from Seed: A Complete Growing Guide
Quick answer: Most annual flowers germinate best at 65–72°F (18–22°C) and take 5–21 days depending on the species. Hardy annuals like calendula, larkspur and sunflowers can be direct-sown outdoors once the soil has warmed to around 50°F (10°C), while tender annuals such as petunias, lobelia and ageratum need 6–8 weeks indoors before your last frost…
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How to Grow Carrots: Straight, Sweet Roots Every Time
Quick answer: Grow carrots by sowing seed directly 1–2 cm (1/2–3/4 in) deep into deep, stone-free, free-draining soil once it reaches 7 °C (45 °F), with rows 25–30 cm (10–12 in) apart. Seed takes 10–21 days to emerge, so keep the surface evenly moist. Thin to 4–6 cm (11/2–21/2 in) and cover the bed with…