大象传媒

Eric Robson hosts the horticultural panel programme from Leeds. Bob Flowerdew, Christine Walkden and Matthew Wilson take questions from local gardeners. Bob and Katie Rushworth visit a jungle garden which is thriving despite the chilly climate.

Produced by Howard Shannon
A Somethin' Else production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

This week's questions and answers:

Q. I sowed my Leeks in June this year. Now they look like Spring Onions. Should I leave them to grow or throw them into a stir-fry now?

A. Bob says that next year, sow them earlier - April at the latest. They will grow through the winter, but they have a high chance of bolting. If this happens, cut the flower head off then a bulb will develop which you can leave for a couple of weeks before digging up and putting to one side. You can replant those bulbs at the end of August and have better sized Leeks by Christmas. Go for 'Musselburgh' seeds as they are reliable.
Eric advises you to give up!
Bunny says you should plant them at least nine inches apart. Transplant them now and you'll have a good chance of decent sized leeks soon.

Q. Can the panel recommend some plants that we could grow in containers in a shaded paved area? The area gets sun in the late afternoon. We want a good view, something that reminds us of the courtyards of Seville.

A. This is ambitious. Go for containers with a structure of climbers such as Trachelospermum Jasminoides - 'Star Jasmine'. Sow annuals for colour. Try Virginian Stock, Californian Poppies, Wallflowers and Night-scented stock. Plumbago 'crystal waters', Pelegonium 'Lord Beaufort' or 'C茅zanne' would also work well as long as you can keep them frost-free over the winter.

Q. I make home brewed beer for Christmas. This year's brew had lots of Barley and Hops in it. I've heard that Hops can be used on the allotment to repel the slugs, can I use the brewed Barley in the garden, or will it start to re-germinate?

A. Use the grain in the compost, it will be good for the soil.

Q. How can I improve the soil in a massive raised bed? It's topsoil and there is a dressing of compost but it's very hard to dig. It's a metre high, a metre wide and two metres deep.

A. It's a myth that the deeper the topsoil the better. You need lots of sub soil too. The excessive amount of topsoil you have used has now turned bad. So dig out 400mm of the existing soil and then incorporate lots of organic matter and put some more topsoil above that and feed from above. Or, put the compost on top and let the worms do the work. Bob says put lime on first, and then a few weeks later, put on manure. Bunny recommends using green waste.

Q. Does the panel have any advice on how to save some large shrubs that I will have to move as part of a drastic garden makeover? A contorted Hazel, a Buddleia 'dark night', a huge Fuchsia 'Hawkshead' and a large 'mop-head' Hydrangea are among the shrubs. I've read that root pruning in advance can help.

A. Matthew says yes, do the root pruning now with a sharp spade. Prune back when the plant has been moved. Take cuttings from the shrubs as a backup. Bunny says that if you have a digger at hand, use that to dig up the shrubs.
Bob thinks you should buy new plants.

Q. What are the panel's views on using wood chip in the compost?

A. Bob says mix the chippings with urine, compost and lime so that it breaks down. Don't add too much to the compost heap but use it for paths. Bunny and Matt say you must be careful because it can really affect the PH of the soil.

Q. Any tips on growing Physalis alkekengi 'Chinese Lantern' plants?

A. Plant them in the spring as they have all summer to get their roots down. Choose the plants that look very healthy. They will skeletonise by late winter. You can grow it with Passiflora, 'Passion Flower' as the two look great together. Grow both against the wall to maximise the.

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