麻豆社

Eric Robson visits the garden at Beechgrove for this week's episode of the horticultural panel programme. Chris Beardshaw and Matthew Wilson are joined by Beechgrove's Carole Baxter and Jim McColl to answer audience questions.

Produced by Howard Shannon.
Assistant Producer: Darby Dorras.
A Somethin' Else production for 麻豆社 Radio 4.

Questions and answers from this week's programme:

Q. I made the basic mistake of planting these Antirrhinum seedlings without my glasses. I now have a thicket. Can I use some of the seedlings or should they all go to the compost heap?

A. There are hundreds of seedlings here but you are lucky that they are in a reasonable state. They are healthy and there are no signs of fungal complaints. The issue is trying to extract them. It will be easier to tease individual leaves out if you leave them to soak in a large washing up bowl of lukewarm water. You should usually sow them in late February or early March to guarantee flowers.

Q. I am planning a small wildlife pond. Should it be in full sun or partial shade? How deep should it be at its deepest? What sort of planting would you recommend next to cottage style borders?

A. Full sun is always good. The coverage of plants is very important and you should only leave one third as open water. Coverage provides somewhere for animals to hide away and shelter from the sun. A minimum in the deepest part should be a metre (3ft). Try using Water Forget-me-not, Water Mint, and Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris). All of these plants are quite invasive so perhaps contain them in baskets. Use clay topped up with gravel. Make sure that one side is a natural beach to allow animals to get in and out. If you extend the liner slightly beyond the pond you can create a bog like area.

Q. I hope to establish an orchard 12m(39ft) by 8m(26ft). I have already planted an eating apple called James Greave, a cooking apple called Howgate Wonder and the crab apple John Downie. These are accompanied by a Victoria Plum and a Damson Merryweather. Could the panel suggest other varieties or fruit trees that will cope with harsh winters and an exposed site?

A. With apples you can control the size by choosing a root stock wisely. Try adding more shelter, like a native hedgerow to filter the wind.

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