Frequently Asked Questions
Gardening related FAQs
Whether you're just getting your hands dirty for the first time or you're a seasoned horticulturist, questions are part of every gardener's journey. This page brings together the most common gardening questions we hear - from soil tips and planting times to pest control and pruning techniques. Explore the answers below to grow your confidence and your garden.
Yes, if kept in a cool, dry, frost-free place. Reduce watering to a minimum and allow them to rest until spring.
Permalink: Can I leave calla lilies in their pots over winter?
Indeed - such gardens can cut domestic water use substantially. With little to no irrigation after establishment, most watering needs are met by natural rainfall. Rainwater harvesting further reduces dependence on mains water. Homeowners often see noticeable savings especially during dry summers. Even drought-tolerant additions in part of the garden can translate into measurable reductions in household water use and costs.
Permalink: Does a drought-tolerant garden reduce water bills?
Yes, liquid seaweed is widely accepted in organic gardening and is often certified by organic standards bodies. It provides a natural, non-synthetic way to improve plant health and productivity without harming the soil or environment. Because it enhances biological activity, stimulates natural plant growth processes, and improves nutrient availability, it fits well within organic gardening principles. When choosing a liquid seaweed product, look for one that is labeled as certified organic to ensure it meets the standards required for organic food or flower production. It's a safe and effective tool for sustainable gardeners.
Incorporating permaculture in a school garden provides a living classroom. Start with observation: involve students in mapping sun, water, and wind. Design small, interactive zones with low-maintenance perennial edibles like berry bushes and herbs. Integrate rainwater harvesting and composting to teach resource cycles. Create sensory gardens, wildlife habitats, and designate areas for natural play. Emphasise hands-on learning, encouraging students to observe, interact, and understand ecological principles and food production in a practical, fun way.
Permalink: How can I incorporate permaculture in a school garden?
Fruits that thrive in small gardens include:
Permalink: Best fruit to grow in a small garden
Trees are central to permaculture design, forming the backbone of many systems like food forests. They provide multiple functions: food (fruits, nuts), timber, fuel, shade, shelter from wind, soil stabilisation, habitat for wildlife, and carbon sequestration. They are often planted in layers (canopy, understory) and in guilds to maximise their benefits and create resilient, long-term productive ecosystems. Their deep roots can also bring up nutrients and break up compacted soil.
Permalink: How does permaculture integrate trees into the system?
Powdery mildew is a white fungal coating that affects young leaves, shoots, and buds. It can stunt growth and reduce fruiting. Improve airflow by pruning, avoid overhead watering, and apply sulfur-based sprays if needed.
Permalink: How does powdery mildew affect apple trees?
The running costs of cordless garden tools are typically very low. They primarily consume electricity for charging their batteries. Compared to the recurring cost of petrol and oil for combustion engines, the electricity cost is minimal. The main initial investment is the tool itself and its battery/charger, but with a battery sharing system, subsequent tool purchases are often just for the 'bare' tool, reducing overall expenditure over time.
Permalink: What are the running costs of cordless garden tools?
Black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) is a common and unsightly fungal disease affecting roses, causing black spots on leaves which then turn yellow and drop off prematurely. Management strategies focus on prevention and sanitation.
Promptly remove and destroy (do not compost) any affected leaves as soon as you see them, including fallen leaves around the base of the plant, to reduce the spread of spores. Ensure good air circulation around your roses by appropriate spacing and pruning. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry, as moisture encourages spore germination. Choosing disease-resistant rose varieties is a very effective long-term solution. Fungicides can be used for severe cases, but integrated pest management is always preferred.
Permalink: How do I deal with black spot on roses?
Containers and hanging baskets are particularly vulnerable to drying out due to their limited soil volume and exposure to wind and sun. Daily watering is often required in warm, sunny weather, and in peak summer, they might even need watering twice a day. The best way to check if they need water is to feel the weight of the pot or stick your finger about 2 inches into the compost; if it feels dry, water. Always water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is saturated. Watering in the early morning or late evening reduces evaporation. To improve water retention, incorporate water-retaining gel crystals into the compost, or add a layer of mulch on top of the soil. Consider using a drip irrigation system for multiple containers to save time and water.
Permalink: What are the best practices for watering containers and hanging baskets?
Rose mosaic virus causes distorted, mottled, or yellow patterns on leaves, often appearing as zigzags, rings, or line patterns. It is spread through propagation (budding, grafting) using infected material, or occasionally by sap-sucking insects. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rose mosaic virus. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread, especially if symptoms are severe or they are a source of infection for healthy plants. Always buy certified disease-free roses.
Permalink: What is mosaic virus on roses and can it be cured?
Roses can be affected by pests like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles, as well as diseases such as black spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices work best. Regularly inspect plants, remove infected leaves, and encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for pest control. For diseases, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove diseased foliage promptly. If necessary, apply a fungicide labeled for roses.
Permalink: What are common pests and diseases that affect roses, and how can I manage them?
Magnolias need consistent moisture, especially during their first few years after planting and during dry spells. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Established trees are more drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods, particularly when they are flowering or developing new growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so good drainage is crucial.
Permalink: How much water do magnolias need?
Focus on repetition, structure and grouping. Plant in clusters or drifts of similar species to create visual flow. Layer height from groundcovers to shrubs. Use bold foliage, seedheads and architectural forms for year-round interest. Combine hardscape such as gravel paths or stone features with plantings for balance. Consider sun orientation, wind exposure and microclimates. Use water harvesting and rain capture. Repeat plant selections for continuity. Aim for resilience, visual harmony and minimal resource use.
Permalink: Drought tolerant gardens - What design principles should I follow?
In the UK, fig trees usually produce one main crop per year, ripening between late August and early October, depending on location and weather. You may also see a second crop forming in autumn (known as the 'breba' crop), but this rarely ripens in time and is often removed in spring to conserve the plant's energy. Look for swelling, softening, and drooping fruit - signs that they are ready to pick.
Permalink: When do figs fruit in the UK?
A good mix for raised beds includes 60% topsoil, 30% compost, and 10% soilless growing mix (like peat moss or coconut coir) to ensure proper drainage, fertility, and aeration.
Permalink: What type of soil is best for raised beds?
Permaculture contributes to sustainability by designing systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially equitable. It emphasizes the use of renewable resources, minimizes waste, and fosters biodiversity, all of which are key components of sustainable living.
Some ways permaculture promotes sustainability include:
By adopting permaculture principles, individuals and communities can create systems that meet their needs while preserving the environment for future generations.
Permalink: How does permaculture contribute to sustainability?
Herbs can enhance vegetable gardens by attracting pollinators and repelling pests. Basil grows well with tomatoes and helps improve their flavour. Chives repel aphids and grow well with carrots. Mint deters cabbage moths but must be confined to containers. Dill attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybirds. Avoid pairing herbs with very different water or light needs in the same bed. Companion planting with herbs is a natural way to improve plant health and productivity.
Permalink: What are some companion plants for herbs?
Yes, bees are drawn to bright colours, especially blue, violet, and yellow. They can't see red well, so red flowers are less attractive unless they offer strong nectar rewards. Using bee-preferred colors can help increase pollinator visits to your garden.
Permalink: Do bees prefer certain colours of flowers?
Gabions are cages, cylinders, or boxes filled with rocks, concrete, sand, or soil, often made from wire mesh. In permaculture, they are used for various earthwork and water management applications. They can form retaining walls for terraces on slopes, prevent erosion along waterways, create permeable dams or weirs to slow water flow, and provide robust, flexible structures that allow water to pass through while holding back soil. They can also act as thermal mass to store heat.
Permalink: What are gabions?
If your fig tree is healthy but not producing fruit, possible reasons include:
Permalink: Why is my fig tree not producing fruit?
Earth berms are raised mounds of earth, often created from excavated soil (e.g., from a pond or swale). In permaculture, they serve multiple functions: they can act as windbreaks, create warmer microclimates on their sunny side and cooler, shaded areas on their opposite side, absorb and release heat (thermal mass), and provide additional planting areas. They are also used to direct water flow and prevent erosion, making them versatile elements in landscape design for climate moderation and resource management.
Permalink: What are earth berms and their use in permaculture?
Olive trees (Olea europaea) can be grown in the UK, but they do require specific conditions to thrive, as the UK climate is generally cooler and wetter than their native Mediterranean habitat. Here's what they need to grow successfully in the UK:
Full sun is essential - olive trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
A south-facing position, ideally near a wall or fence, is ideal to provide warmth and shelter.
Olive trees are hardy to about -10 degrees C (14 degrees F), but young trees and flowers can be damaged by frost.
Best in mild areas, such as southern England, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, or coastal areas.
In colder regions, grow them in pots so they can be moved to shelter over winter.
Well-drained soil is crucial - avoid waterlogged ground.
Olives prefer chalky or loamy soils, but will tolerate poorer soils as long as drainage is good.
Slightly alkaline to neutral pH is ideal.
Olive trees are drought-tolerant once established.
In the UK, avoid overwatering - water only when the top inch or so of soil is dry.
Container-grown trees need more regular watering, especially in summer.
Protect from cold winds and excessive wet.
A warm microclimate, such as against a house wall, helps protect from winter chill.
Many UK gardeners grow olive trees in pots:
Use a gritty compost mix (e.g., John Innes No.3 with added horticultural grit).
Re-pot every few years.
Move to a greenhouse or conservatory in harsh winters.
Light pruning in late spring helps maintain shape and airflow.
Remove any frost-damaged or dead wood after winter.
Fruit production is possible in the UK, especially in warm years, but it's not guaranteed.
Olives need a long, hot summer and a cool winter for best fruit set.
Permalink: What growing conditions do olive trees like in the UK?
Choose a spot with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily but some shade during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid areas near trees (which drop leaves into the pond) or where water runoff may carry fertilisers. A visible location also lets you enjoy the wildlife.
Permalink: What is the best location for a pond in my garden?
Perennial plants (those that live for more than two years) are highly valued in permaculture design and form the backbone of many systems like food forests. Unlike annuals, they do not need to be replanted each year, reducing labour and soil disturbance. They build healthy soil by continually developing deep root systems, provide stable habitats, offer continuous yields, and require fewer inputs (water, nutrients) once established. They contribute significantly to the long-term stability and resilience of a permaculture system.
Permalink: What is the role of perennial plants in permaculture?
Woolly aphids appear as white, cottony clusters on branches and trunks. They feed on sap and can cause swelling or galls. Control them by brushing off colonies, encouraging natural predators like ladybirds, or applying insecticidal soap.
Use oxygenating plants, avoid overfeeding fish, and remove fallen leaves regularly. A UV clarifier or filter can help in fish ponds. In wildlife ponds, balance is key - too many nutrients or not enough plants can lead to algae blooms.
Permalink: How do I keep my pond water clear?
Yes. Larger volumes of soil compact more easily over time, especially when not penetrated by roots. This reduces the air pockets necessary for root respiration.
Poor aeration means less oxygen at the root level, causing root stress, stunted growth, and increased susceptibility to disease.
Permalink: Can over-potting affect soil aeration and drainage?
Drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, rosemary, sedum, ornamental grasses, and many Mediterranean herbs require less water once established. Native plants also tend to be more water-efficient in your local climate.
Permalink: Which plants use less water?
Zone planning is a permaculture design tool that organises elements in a landscape based on the frequency of human interaction and the intensity of management required. Zone 0 is the home/building. Zone 1 (most frequently visited) includes herbs, salad crops, and highly managed annuals. Zones extend outwards to Zone 5 (wild/unmanaged areas). Placing elements in appropriate zones minimises energy expenditure and maximises efficiency in a design.
Permalink: What is zone planning in permaculture?
Organic gardening is a method of growing plants that relies on natural processes and materials, avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It focuses on building healthy, living soil, promoting biodiversity, and working with nature to create a sustainable and productive garden ecosystem.
Permalink: What is organic gardening?
You can reuse potting soil in organic gardening, but it's advisable to rejuvenate it first. Old potting soil may be depleted of nutrients and could harbour pests or diseases. To reuse, remove large root clumps, then mix it with fresh organic compost, worm castings, and perhaps some perlite or grit to improve aeration and drainage. This revitalises the soil, adding back nutrients and beneficial microbes. Avoid reusing soil from plants that had severe pest or disease problems.
With the included AS 2 lithium-ion battery, the Stihl HSA 26 provides up to 110 minutes of run time (when using the grass trimmer blade). Actual run time may vary depending on usage and material being cut.
Link: Stihl HSA 26 run-time vs the Milwaukee M12 FHT20
Permalink: How long does the Stihl HSA 26 battery last on a full charge?
Animals are integrated into permaculture systems to perform multiple beneficial functions. Chickens can provide eggs, pest control, weeding, and fertilisation. Ducks control slugs. Goats can clear brush. Sheep can graze orchards. Their manure provides fertility, and their actions can help manage vegetation and pests, creating productive, synergistic relationships that reduce human labour and external inputs. Animal welfare and ethical treatment are central to this integration.
Permalink: What is the role of animals in a permaculture system?
When composting garden waste, it's important to know which materials are best suited for the process. Garden waste includes both 'greens' (nitrogen-rich materials) and 'browns' (carbon-rich materials). A successful compost pile requires a balance between these two categories. Here's a detailed breakdown of compostable materials:
Avoid adding the following materials to your compost pile:
By ensuring you have the right balance of greens and browns, your compost pile will decompose efficiently and provide the rich, dark humus that your garden will love. Remember to chop or shred large materials before adding them to your compost pile, as this helps speed up decomposition and prevents the pile from becoming too compact.
Permalink: What materials can I compost from my garden?
While black spot is primarily known for affecting leaves, it can also appear as purplish-black lesions on rose stems, particularly on new, soft growth. These spots can develop into cankers if severe. If you see black spot on stems, prune out the affected canes immediately, cutting back to healthy, unblemished wood. Disinfect your pruning tools between cuts to prevent spreading spores. Focus on improving air circulation and general plant health to reduce overall disease pressure.
Permalink: How to identify and treat rose black spot on stems?
Yes, many evergreen trees like dwarf conifers, bay laurel, and certain hollies grow well in pots. They provide year-round interest and are great for patios and entranceways. Choose compact varieties and maintain them with regular pruning and feeding.
Permalink: Can I grow evergreen trees in containers?
Rose leafhopper (Edwardsiana rosae) causes characteristic white or silvery stippling (tiny dots) on the upper surface of rose leaves. This damage results from the leafhoppers sucking sap from the undersides of the leaves. Severe infestations can cause leaves to appear pale and unhealthy, and eventually turn brown. Inspect the undersides of leaves for the slender, pale green adult leafhoppers and their nymphs. Strong jets of water can dislodge them; severe cases may warrant insecticidal soap.
Permalink: What is rose leafhopper damage?
Compost tea is a liquid fertiliser made by steeping finished compost in water. It's rich in beneficial microorganisms and soluble nutrients. To make it, place compost in a porous bag (like hessian) and suspend it in water for 1-3 days, aerating if possible. Dilute the resulting "tea" and use it as a foliar spray to boost plant health and disease resistance, or as a soil drench to feed the soil microbiome. Use within a few hours for maximum microbial benefit.
Permalink: How to use compost tea in organic gardening?
In permaculture, companion planting is the strategic placement of different plants together for mutual benefit, aiming to create a self-supporting plant community. This goes beyond simple pest deterrence (though that's a part of it) to include nutrient cycling (e.g., nitrogen fixers), attracting beneficial insects, suppressing weeds, providing shade, improving soil structure, and enhancing overall system health and productivity. It's a key part of creating polycultures and guilds.
Permalink: What is companion planting in a permaculture context?
Start seeds indoors in late February to early March. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, typically in late May or early June. Use a greenhouse or cloche for protection.
Permalink: When should I plant tomatoes in the UK?
Yes, with season extension methods like:
Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and lettuce can grow even in cooler months.
Permalink: Can I grow vegetables year-round?
No. Only repot into a bigger pot when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. If a plant is healthy and not showing signs of stress, there's often no need to upsize.
Sometimes, refreshing the soil or pruning the roots is more beneficial than choosing a larger container.
Permalink: Should I always move up to a bigger pot?
Common permaculture mistakes in the UK include trying to implement too much too soon without sufficient observation, not understanding your specific site's conditions (e.g., heavy clay soil or shade), planting unsuitable species for the UK climate, neglecting water management, and underestimating the initial labour involved in establishing perennial systems. Also, being too rigid with a design and not allowing for adaptation or feedback can be a pitfall. Start small, observe, and learn.
Permalink: What are some common permaculture mistakes to avoid in the UK?
Common pests include:
Use natural deterrents like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or plant pest-repelling companions like marigolds.
Permalink: What pests affect small gardens?
Top-dressing your lawn involves applying a thin, even layer of a specific mix (often sand, loam, and compost) over the grass. This practice is best carried out in autumn (September/October) or spring (March/April) when the grass is actively growing but the weather is not excessively hot or dry. This allows the lawn to recover quickly and the top-dressing material to integrate well.
Top-dressing helps to improve soil structure, enhance drainage in heavy soils, fill in minor hollows to level the surface, and encourage denser, healthier grass growth by providing nutrients and stimulating new root development. It's often done in conjunction with scarifying and aerating for optimal lawn health.
Permalink: When should I top-dress my lawn?
In permaculture, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on preventing pest problems rather than reacting to them with chemicals. It involves a holistic set of strategies: promoting biodiversity to attract natural predators, building healthy soil for resilient plants, companion planting, crop rotation, and creating a balanced ecosystem. Direct interventions are usually non-toxic, such as hand-picking pests or using biological controls, only when necessary. The goal is ecological balance, not eradication.
Permalink: What is an integrated pest management (IPM) approach in permaculture?
Definitely! Herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, and mint produce flowers that bees love. Let some of your herbs flower rather than harvesting them all, and you'll create an attractive food source for bees while still enjoying fresh herbs.
Permalink: Can herbs attract bees to my garden?
Yes. Dormancy is essential for calla lilies to recover and bloom again. Reduce watering in autumn and let the leaves die back naturally.
Permalink: Do calla lilies need to go dormant?
To lighten heavy clay soil organically, the key is to improve its structure and aeration by adding plenty of coarse organic matter. Dig in generous amounts of well-rotted compost, aged manure, or coarse grit/sharp sand (not builder's sand). This helps to break up the dense clay particles, creating larger air pockets and improving drainage. Avoid working clay soil when it's very wet. Over time, consistent organic amendments will make the soil more workable and less prone to compaction.