The Arrival of Spring!

Meteorological Spring started on the 1st and the vernal equinox marking the start of Astronomical Spring is on the 20th and then British Summer Time starting on the 30th -  The garden is already bursting with Spring flowers and the signs of new growth - plenty to enjoy with a cup of tea and a copy of the new March Newsletter!

How do you get rid of Fungus Gnats in houseplant compost?

• Fungus gnats are not usually a problem to plants themselves although can hard the roots of small seedlings, but are a nuisance when they infest the compost of houseplants.  They love damp soil, so reducing watering and if possible, allowing the soil to completely dry will decrease their numbers.  Repotting the plants with new compost and discarding as much of the old compost can also help.  Adult flies can be reduced by using a sticky card 'fly trap'.  There are biological methods too that seem to work very well in combination with the sticky traps.  These methods use the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (BTI).  This is a different strain of the same bacteria used to treat Box Tree Caterpillar.

How to get rid of ants in the lawn?

• Ants in the lawn are a sign of a good ecosystem and healthy grass.  However, their hills can get quite large quite quickly and make mowing more difficult and the lawn uneven.  Eradication can be difficult, but they can be deterred with vinegar diluted 1:3 with water.  

Is it a good idea to use fallen leaves (e.g. Oak and Beech) on the flower beds as a mulch?

• Freshly-fallen leaves can be used as a mulch, but whole leaves can be blown by the wind.  Shredding the leaves will help speed up decomposition of release of nutrients and will decrease the likelihood of leaves blowing around.  The easiest way to shred is to 'mow' fallen leaves with a rotary mower.  Alternatively, all leaves, but especially Oak and Beech, make the most excellent leaf mould.  Gather the leaves into black bin bags or similar, packing them as tightly as possible.  Pearce a few holes with a garden fork and leave in an inconspicuous part of the garden for 12 months.

Why won't Japanese Anemones grow in some gardens?

• Japanese anemones thrive best in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist, but not waterlogged.  They can also struggle in very wet winters or if planted in a spot with too much competition from other plants.  

I have a double white Camellia which seems prone to frost damage even when covered with fleece.  Any suggestions?

• Camellias do best in dappled shade or full shade.  If possible, choose an area that gets morning shade as direct sun in the morning can dry out the developing flower buds too quickly. Choose a sheltered spot, as an exposed, windy position is likely to cause leaf and flower damage.  White flowered forms of Camellia are particularly susceptible to damage and can be better in full shade.

If you have any other garden related problems or questions, please send them to info@worplesdongardenclub.co.uk and they will be answered in next month's Potting Shed