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Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

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Q – I have started to grow two Picea abies from seed. They germinated in the fridge, but haven’t seemed to grow much. How can I make them grow faster?

(4 minutes 10 seconds)

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Q – We have a Photinia ‘Red Robin’ hedge which keeps getting yellow leaves. We have chalky soil, and have tried adding compost, seaweed, and sequestered iron. We’d like to avoid digging it out. How can we solve this problem?

(9 minutes 15 seconds)

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Q – At the end of November I was thrilled to see a bumblebee feeding in my garden. Have the panel noticed any wildlife being more active during the mild weather we’ve been experiencing? Can they suggest any planting to help wildlife on mild, winter days?

(11 minutes 25 seconds)

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Alan –

Snowdrops

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Bob –

Lonicera fragrantissima

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Anne –

Viburnum farreri

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Q – My new veg beds weren’t very successful this year which I suspect is due to lack of light, as they are along an east-facing wall in a walled garden. My husband is keen to rig up some mirrors, but is reflected sunlight as good as the real thing?

(15 minutes 55 seconds)

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Q – I would like to grow pickled onions. We live in East Sussex above the cliffs where it’s mild. Last year I tried Paris Silverskin but they bolted. Which variety would be best, when should I sow them, and when should I - hopefullyÌý - harvest them?

(17 minutes 47 seconds)

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Bob –

Bedfordshire Champion

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Q – I understand that you can grow mushrooms on a log, but I wonder if you can grow them on a living tree? We have a hazel tree which is about 20 years old but the squirrels eat all the nuts, so we thought it might be more useful to grow mushrooms on it?

(20 minutes 30 seconds)

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Q – I have two fig trees that didn’t bear any ripe fruit this year. Both are in a sheltered position, and I pruned them hard last year. It has grown back wispy branches with unripe fruit. When and how do I prune it correctly?

(23 minutes 50 seconds)

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Q – I’m planning a charity plant sale and am wondering what plants you’d recommend that propagate easily, and will grow well in a university flat?

(27 minutes 5 seconds)

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Anne –

Parsley

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Bob –

Impatiens niamniamensis

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Q – My nandina shrub has quadrupled in size over the past five years, and I’d like to reduce it by half. It has a large trunk and I don’t think I can cut it from the base. Would it survive if I just cut it in half?

(33 minutes 5 seconds)

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Q – I have a few supermarket orchids which I’ve had for a few years. They all flower well but one of them has produced a large number of air roots which look unsightly. Is it ok to snip some of them off, or will that damage the plant?

(34 minutes 35 seconds)

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Anne –

Moth orchid

Phalaenopsis
Miltonia, Pansy orchid

OdontoglossumÌý

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Q – I recently qualified as a gardener and would like to invest in some decent tools. I’m 5’3 (160cm) and weight less than 50kg (7.8 stone). What material should my tools be made from, to give me light but strong tools that will last. Tools aimed at women tend to be flimsy and floral.

(35 minutes 45 seconds)

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Q – I have been informed that Saturday 6th May 2023 is International Naked Gardening Day. At the bottom of my garden is a railway line. Can the panel suggest any large foliage plants, for modesty purposes?

(39 minutes 12 seconds)

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Alan –

TetrapanaxÌýpapyriferÌý'Rex'

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Bob –

Ricinus, Castor oil plant

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Anne –

Thyme

Jasmine

Thornless roses

Rosa ‘Ghislaine de Feligonde’

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Matthew –

Gunnera manicata