Head Gardeners’ Tips
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July 05 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
July 2018
"In this hot, dry weather it’s important to water plants effectively. A really good soak every few days is better than a daily sprinkle, and try to water in the early morning rather than in the heat of the day. Water containers slowly, so the water can really soak in rather than just run down between the root ball and the inside of the pot".
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July 12 2018
Sallie Sillars - Head Gardener, Scotland
July 2018
"Head Gardener in Scotland Sallie Sillars has her top tip for gardening in July, "In extreme growing conditions the best tip I have heard is to add organic matter to the topsoil to improve water retention in dry spells and a protective layer in harsh frosts. Composted leaf mulch is soil elixir and is top of my autumn activities. Hope you and your gardens are all enjoying the sunshine!"
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June 01 2017
Jacqui Martin-Lof - Head Gardener, Stoke Mandeville
June 2018
"Now is the perfect time to carefully dig up self sown seedlings before they become too large, try not to disturb the roots. Replant to the same depth in prepared soil and water well. Self sown seedlings could include; Erigeron, Verbena bonariensis, Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascene), Aquilegia vulgaris, Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), Astrantia to name but a few".
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April 03 2017
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
April 2018
"Sow annuals indoors now, and they'll be ready to plant out in the cutting border by mid May, when frosts shouldn't be a problem. Cosmos are great value but named varieties produce more flowers. Try 'Rubenza' (deep red) or 'Purity' (white)".
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March 08 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
March 2018
"March is the time to lift and divide overgrown clumps of summer-flowering perennials, as they're just coming into growth. Lift the old clump with a fork, and then prise apart with a couple of forks back to back".
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March 01 2018
Sallie Sillars - Head Gardener, Scotland
March 2018
"February is almost the last chance for that spring clean! By now you should have a collection of clean tools, washed pots and trays ready to use so now turn your attention to the greenhouse. I am opting to steam clean the glass, wipe down surfaces and remove any leaf matter gathered over the winter to reduce the chance of plant pathogens taking hold. Topped off by a good airing on any milder days! Now the Spring sowing and growing can commence!"
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February 12 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener Salisbury
February 2018
"Once Snowdrops have finished flowering, take stock of where they are in the borders. Now's the time to move and divide any clumps which might not quite look right - maybe they could be moved to a more visible spot for next year? February is also the time to buy Snowdrops 'in the green', which is far the best way to augment your displays. You can never have too many snowdrops! Do make sure that you only buy from a reputable supplier, and that plants haven't been dug up (illegally) from the wild".
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January 08 2018
Stephen Hackett - Head Gardener, Salisbury
January 2018
"It’s dark and cold outside, and everyone’s recovering from Christmas festivities. What better way to dispel the January blues than to cast your mind ahead to summer, and order your dahlias? The specialist suppliers will have the best selection available now, and you can spend a few happy hours (indoors!) browsing catalogues and dreaming of all that late summer colour. My favourite from this season was ‘Black Touch’, a Fimbriata variety with lovely deep crimson flowers – great for cutting - which kept going well into November".
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