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Q. Why are my parsnips multi-rooted?

A. Anne - This can often be caused by stony or clay soil.

Bob – If you add fertiliser or compost, the roots will search for it in different directions. You shouldn’t mix anything into the soil before you grow. You could plant them in an old onion bed, scarify the surface and top off with a bit of sterile compost.

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Q. Why are the bluebells on our local roundabout failing? They are growing beneath a recently planted oak tree.

A. Anne – Colonies of bluebells in woodland grow amongst an established system of roots and leaf litter. In the summertime they are protected from too much water by the canopy and thirsty tree roots. Your area of bluebells will not have these advantages.

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Q. Daffodils – To deadhead or not to deadhead?

A. Chris – It largely depends on the type of daffodil. If you are growing large hybrid varieties there is no harm in deadheading. They often don’t produce any viable seed or the seed doesn’t come true because of the hybrid nature of the bulb. If you are growing species, such as Narcissus pseudonarcissus or Narcissus bulbocodium, then don’t deadhead. Plants are weakened by the production of seed but you will get a naturalisation. With each seed produced the plant sends a hormonal message to make sure that it doesn’t over commit.Ìý Ìý

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Q. I am trying to raise Magnolia from seed. Have the panel tried this and have they any tips to increase the germination rate?

A. Soulangeana germinates very easily and the seed has often germinated before it hits the ground. Magnolias need a period of chill. Put them in damp sand in a refrigerator for at least a month. Then add them to seed compost and add to a propagator in a cool glasshouse. They layer very easily.

Anne – Be patient, as many of them can take several years and will germinate in the second or third spring.

Bob – Use ericaceous compost diluted with leaf mould and sand. Magnolias don’t like lime.

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Winter Garden planting suggestions:

-Hellebores, Pulmonaria, Acer griseum, Hamamelis, Cyclamens, Polyanthus, Primulas.Ìý