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Questions and time codes are below. Where applicable plant names are listed

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Q – We run a spud in a bucket competition, but can you recommend any alternative competition ideas?

(1 minute 45 seconds)

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Q – Can I grow fruit trees on solid chalk? If yes, why are mine doing so poorly?

(4 minutes 22 seconds)

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Q – I’ve had slow worms in my wooden compost box for years and I’m afraid to turn the compost for fear of injuring them; do they dive down when you touch the compost?

(8 minutes 13 seconds)

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Q – I’m trying to grow a yellow seed peony from seed without much luck; the outer skin of the seed is hard, so I’ve tried to grate it to help – can you offer me some advice?

(9 minutes 52 seconds)

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Feature – Dahlias

(12 minutes 20 seconds)

‘Apricot Desire’

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Q – Is it possible to create hanging baskets and troughs that are as colourful as spring/summer, through the winter months?

(20 minutes 48 seconds)

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Christine – Pansies, and violas

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Pippa – Euonymus

Pernettya

Crocus

Iris reticulata

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Matt – Cyclamen

Heathers

Carex – Sedges

Variegated ivy

Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum)

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Q – We have a four-year-old Crinodendron in a large pot on the patio which is now 10ft (3m) high. Can we replant it in open ground, given that we have lime, chalky soil?

(24 minutes 32 seconds)

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Q – My pear tree has an infestation – could you tell me what it is, and how to stop it?

(27 minutes 58 seconds)ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

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Correspondence

(31 minutes)

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Q – How would you suggest I plant a very narrow bed (1ft/30cm deep, 8ft/243cm wide), with poor stony soil at the foot of a 6ft/182cm wall?

(35 minutes 3 seconds)

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Matt – Lavender

Artemisia

Cistus (Rock rose)

Sternbergia

Cyclamen

Crocus

Rosemary

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Christine – Nandina domestica

Abelia

Spiraea

Variegated leaf Pittosporum

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Q – I have been told you should never water the leaves of cucumbers but spray the flowers of a tomato to help them fruit – is this true?

(36 minutes 48 seconds)

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