Finally, the proverb “weeds do not perish” is pretty much true. Fighting weeds requires a fair amount of prolonged effort because many varieties are exceptionally hardy. In general, it’s best to wait until April before you prune a conifer. July-August is prime time for formative pruning — training the tree to grow into a particular shape — while August is the best month for thinning out the plant and removing larger branches.

Prune off the dead wood — it’ll be brown on the inside of the stem. Cut until the stem is green, which means it’s alive. You may need to cut dead wood to the base.You might not know which of those possible causes are creating the yellow patches on your lawn, so it’s time to investigate a little further. The main problem with box caterpillars in the UK is that they have no natural predators here. So, the only option is to use biological or chemical solutions to control and eradicate a population invading your garden. How to get rid of box caterpillars naturally And, of course, each variety requires different care. Of course, we’re not going to go into the entire family of 30,000 — that would make War & Peace feel like a holiday read.

However, it’s essential to be aware that chemical treatments can affect other beneficial species, such as bees — so, use these as a last resort. But from a lifestyle perspective, you’ll enjoy breakfast on your patio with ample morning sun! Try to surround your patio with potted plants that thrive in the morning sun and cope well with less direct sunshine. It’s too cold to fertilise because most plant roots become inactive and don’t need to absorb nutrients. Sandy soil is unlikely to suffer from too much water. But heavy clay soil can turn its turf yellow because the earth is too wet. In general, plants need a specific concentration of active ingredients to survive each season. And remember, plants react to weather conditions, so might not need feeding as much when it’s cold.

The shrub rose is relatively straightforward to prune. Follow the 8-step guide above, but wait until late spring or early summer for the best results. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the world of greenery, these plants are sure to impress with their hardy nature and year-long beauty.

Healthy turf requires sunlight, water, and oxygen. And waterlogged soil starves your grass plants’ roots of oxygen. This tropical beauty is ideal for adding an exotic feel to your garden, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. 11. Dwarf Conifers (Pinus mugo ‘Pumilio’ group) A dwarf conifer in a pot Once you’ve found the right fertiliser for your plants, the next question is how often to apply feed. Bear in mind that, just like us, plants go through different growing phases, so choose the right fertiliser appropriate to the season.A range of clovers only appears in nitrogen-rich soil with a neutral pH, while coltsfoot grows in soil with a poor structure. However, let’s look at the pruning techniques for the most popular UK varieties. 1. Pruning shrub roses Lovely pink roses Fertilise the plant regularly and provide plenty of water to keep the plant growing steadily throughout the year. 3. Pruning ground cover roses For example, the Box Plant Health “Cleanse & Shine” treatment deters caterpillars from eating the leaves of plants sprayed with the oil mix.

Millet (aka proso millet/broomcorn millet/red millet) is a highly nutritious, edible grain that’s mainly farmed in Asia and Africa, but it’s also grown in the UK. The crop grows flat and wide in its initial stages, displacing your lawn grasses by casting it in shadow when it appears in your garden turf. Acidic soil (pH lower than 6.0) produces blue or lavender-blue hydrangea blooms, while alkaline soil, with a pH above 7.0, promotes pinks. But, again, nettles are a boon for insects, especially butterflies, which lay their eggs between the plants. And they’re edible for humans, brimming with vitamins and minerals.One of the best things about ivy is its ability to grow in the shade, which brings textural interest over fences, trellis, and walls. 20. Barbed Wire Plant (Calocephalus) The barbed wire plant If the leaves are well-above target levels, dilute the soil by adding additional soil. Alternatively, you can flush out the excess nutrients with increased watering. But this isn’t without its risks: overwatering can lead to compacted soil and root rot. Use the eye test for plant fertilising Well-fed plants provide lots of blooms