The Patient Gardener

A deeper dive into patientgardener.co.uk

Common questions asked about patientgardener.co.uk

1. Why should I avoid planting onions in autumn?

Answer: Planting onions in autumn may seem like a common practice, but it is not recommended. Onions need a certain amount of daylight hours to grow properly, and planting them in autumn can result in smaller bulbs or even no bulbs at all. It is best to plant onions in spring or early summer to ensure a successful harvest.

2. What are some uses for banana peels in gardening?

Answer: Banana peels can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants. They are rich in potassium, which is essential for plant growth. Simply chop up banana peels and bury them in the soil around your plants. You can also make a banana peel tea by soaking the peels in water for a few days and then using the water to water your plants. Additionally, banana peels can be used to deter pests like aphids and slugs.

3. How can I extend my tomato harvest?

Answer: As summer comes to an end, you may want to extend your tomato harvest. One way to do this is by pruning your tomato plants. Remove any new flowers or small fruits that appear after a certain date, usually around 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost. This will allow the plant to focus its energy on ripening the existing fruits. You can also cover your tomato plants with a frost blanket or bring them indoors if frost is expected.

4. Will mangetout grow into peas?

Answer: Mangetout, also known as snow peas, are a type of pea that is harvested when the pods are still flat and the peas inside are small and tender. If left on the plant for too long, the pods will become tough and the peas will grow larger. However, if you prefer to harvest fully mature peas, you can leave the mangetout pods on the plant until they reach the desired size. Just keep in mind that the peas will be starchy and less sweet.

5. How can I propagate strawberry plants using runners?

Answer: Runners are long stems that grow out from the mother strawberry plant and produce new plants at their tips. To propagate strawberry plants using runners, simply peg down the plantlet at the tip of the runner into a small pot filled with soil. Keep the soil moist and the plantlet will develop roots and grow into a new strawberry plant. Once the plantlet has established itself, you can cut it off from the runner and transplant it into the desired location.

Some reasons to choose patientgardener.co.uk

Why You Shouldn't Plant Onions In Autumn

If you are a gardener who spends much time online, you will have seen all the advice telling you to plant your onions in Autumn/Fall. This company disagrees with that advice and provides reasons why planting onions in Autumn is not recommended.

Banana Peel Fertiliser & More Uses For Banana Skins!

This company promotes the idea of making free fertilisers and feeds out of banana peels, which is a great way to make growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers more affordable. They also emphasize that this practice helps reduce waste.

Extend Your Tomato Harvest

This company provides tips and techniques on how to extend the tomato harvest beyond the summer season. They understand the importance of tomatoes in various dishes and offer solutions to keep the harvest going.

Will Mangetout Grow Into Peas?

This company discusses the productivity of mangetout and the challenge of keeping up with their rapid growth. They provide insights and advice on managing mangetout plants effectively.

Turning Strawberry Runners into Plants

This company shares a popular method of propagating strawberry plants by using the runners that grow out from the mother plant. They provide step-by-step instructions on how to successfully turn strawberry runners into new plants.

How to Keep Cucumber Plants Producing

This company offers guidance on maintaining a continuous cucumber harvest throughout the season. They provide tips and techniques to ensure cucumber plants keep producing an abundance of cucumbers.

How to Ripen Tomatoes Off the Vine

This company provides instructions on how to ripen tomatoes off the vine, allowing gardeners to enjoy fully ripe tomatoes even after the growing season. They offer methods to ensure tomatoes ripen properly and maintain their flavor.