大象传媒

Eric Robson hosts the horticultural panel programme from Stottesdon, Shropshire. Chris Beardshaw, Bob Flowerdew and Bunny Guinness answer the audience questions.

Produced by Howard Shannon
Assistant Producer: Darby Dorras

A Somethin' Else production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

Q. Within two weeks I must move three large Hellebores. Please could you advise me on the best way to replant my Niger, Orientalis and Pink Ice Hellebores in mid-summer.
A. They are not an easy plant to move when they are large and old. It might be best to plant new Hellebores in the autumn. Theoretically you could try digging with some small machinery.
If you do try to move them, first drench them in water, prune off as many of the leaves as possible and dig as deep as possible. Plant them into a well-prepared site. Subsequently keep it very well watered. Choose a protected, permeable site with dappled shade. Use shade netting if you are moving it on a sunny day.

Q. At what time of day should I water greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers? How much water a day should I use?
A. The more you water, the less flavoursome the tomato. You can judge by eye, only watering when the fruits are looking less plump than usual. Make sure you don't let them wilt. Cucumbers require a daily watering, perhaps twice a day. It is best to be consistent so that you can avoid splitting.

Q. I planted some onion sets in the autumn. They are very large but the foliage is still very green. Should I lift them now or wait longer?
A. It would be best to wait a little longer. They will continue swelling until late June. There is always a danger of mildew. The bigger the onion the harder it is to keep. Do not bend the necks down, as you will let disease in.

Q. My daughter has been promised a herb garden and we have provided her with Oregano, Thyme, Sage and Mint planted in individual 12 inch pots. Could the panel provide her with some tips?
A. We often 'over pot' herbs and the plants become lost within the soil and are surrounded by too many nutrients. The plants become soft and they lose flavour. You ideally want to grow them in impoverished conditions. They need a lot of sunlight. In the winter lift the pots from the ground to allow excess water to be released. You might want to make a mini cold frame in the cold months.

Q. We have a freestanding Wisteria. Is it possible to take cuttings?
A. It would be better to layer it and you could bring a pot up to it. Take a pot of gritty compost, raise it and pin down into it. Take fresh wood in early summer and scratch underneath the tissue, removing the outer layer of bark. You could use a hanging basket, filled with a soil-based compost. Layering is much more reliable than taking cuttings.