David Domoney

Tag: TV Gardening

  • How to create the perfect patio

    How to create the perfect patio

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    Get the best from your garden with a patio that will look the business and make sitting outside a real joy

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    There’s nothing quite like relaxing on your own private patio – whether it’s little oasis where you can chill out with a glass of wine on your own, or a vast Mediterranean terrace where you entertain pals. And there is something truly magical about that lovely space, filled with containers and barbecues.

    The days of a boring mass of square grey slabs, butted up against the back of the house, are long gone. They now come in loads of different sizes and shapes. And in many places, paving plays both a practical and aesthetic role.

    So if you’re replacing an existing patio, starting to notice the cracks and oil stains in your drive or just fancy creating a new area, you won’t go far wrong with a nice bit of paving.

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    We have come a long way from the Seventies slabs with the texture of pink wafer biscuits

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    When it comes to choosing your slabs, there are several types to go for. For starters, you have the traditional concrete mix that has been placed in a mould, giving a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and even colours. Concrete is less expensive than natural surfaces – it’s made in the UK and is very long lasting. If laid properly, you will get years of use. The moulds used can be really creative and some of the surfaces and textures are stunning.

    This type of paving now comes in an amazing range of colours too – reds, yellows, even greens. They can look marvellous if you mix and match. You can buy them from DIY stores or landscape specialists. A lot of patios up and down the country are done in concrete.

    The natural look

    About 10 years ago, natural stone staged something of a comeback. Often it is sandstone and often quarried and cut overseas so it’s not cheap. With its lovely natural feel but it is harder and heavier to lift and lay. It can give a superb warm texture to your patio, though, especially if it’s in a sunny spot, and it will wear beautifully and should not stain.

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    Porcelain

    One of the latest arrivals in DIY stores is porcelain paving stones – many garden experts have pounced on them for their useful good looks. Fired up to temperatures of 1,400C, which gives them a huge amount of strength and durability. And they last a lifetime often tougher than concrete and stone options.

    They are also frost and algae proof and non-slip because mould can’t grow on them. Invariably, they come in slightly smaller slabs than concrete and natural stone slabs so will be that bit lighter and easier to lift. But one of the most amazing things about porcelain paving stones is that they can take prints on them, replicating all sorts of natural surfaces.

    There are dozens of effects available to suit every garden environment. I’ve seen patterns giving a marble, wood, sandstone, slate and lime look – and even more decorative options. I recently used a silver wood effect that looked like a boardwalk without the need for staining and maintenance.

    Check out British firm pavestone.com for tons of inspiration, products and advice on patios, drives and pathways.

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    Laying a patio can be a rewarding project that’s not going to break the bank – or your back – if you do it properly.

    Planning is crucial. First, think about what you want to achieve and where it is going to be. Patios don’t have to be right outside the back door. Decide if you’ll be using it mostly in the mornings or afternoons or evenings, and plan accordingly for maximum sun.

    Choose a spot with some shade and shelter – it will be no fun with a constant gale roaring across it. Mark out your space using a hosepipe then move it around until you’re happy. If you’re not sure, stick some chairs and a table and see how roomy it feels. Add another third on to the size if you can. Once you’re happy, mark it out using stakes and string and remove the top soil to around ten inches. Add a good six to eight inches of sand for the paving stones to rest on then use a long piece of wood to level it out.

    Laying Slabs

    When it comes to laying slabs, you need a spirit level to make sure they are just right. A rubber mallet will firm them down without marking or cracking them. Don’t go for the traditional rectangular block on the back of the garden. Lay paving stones away from the house, diamond-side on. It will give the illusion of size and elongate the space as the eye naturally follows the pattern.

    In general, lighter colours such as golds, silvers and light greys make your garden feel brighter and larger. Darker greys will create a more intimate space. Add interest by leaving lanes unpaved to fill with coloured gravel or herbs. Or leave out slabs to plant trees in. Include a circular pattern in the middle – why not put a tree or fountain at the centre?

    Try mixing and matching colours and think about container plants that will enhance your patio experience. Scent is a good idea. Plant honeysuckle, jasmine or a climbing rose up a trellis in a larger container. On my patio, I’m lucky enough to have a night-scented phlox. They are covered in dainty, circular flowers, each about the size of a five pence piece. And it comes to life after dark as its fragrance explodes. Sitting out after a long day’s work, with a beer or glass of wine, is even more of a treat.

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    For more garden planting ideas, check out my blog:

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    Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas:

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alignment=”center” /][fusion_button link=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/quick-guide-to-pots-planters-containers/” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”center” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”custom” button_gradient_top_color=”rgba(1,149,51,0)” button_gradient_bottom_color=”rgba(1,149,51,0)” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”#0e540f” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”#0e540f” accent_color=”#0e540f” accent_hover_color=”#ffffff” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”3″ size=”large” stretch=”yes” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” border_radius=”0″ border_color=”#0e540f” border_hover_color=”#ffffff”]Pots and planters[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_6″ layout=”1_6″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” 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  • How to manage the garden pests

    How to manage the garden pests

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ type=”2_3″ first=”true”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    At this time of year, wasps and weevils can be a pest. But a little knowledge of nature turns up tricks to help banish them from your garden.

    As gardeners, it can sometimes feel like we’re constantly at war – whether it’s the wrong kind of weather or the pests that are sent to constantly bug us. In late summer, wasps and vine weevil are especially troublesome. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to blitz them without breaking sweat.

    Wasps

    Adult wasps, like butterflies, feed using a long tube a bit like a drinking straw. This means they cannot eat solid food but instead get all their energy from liquid. Since they need massive amounts of energy to fly, they prefer high- energy, sugary fluids. In nature, this means feeding on nectar, honey and juice from fallen fruit.

    A perfect alternative, however, is a sweet fizzy drink—which is why you end up with a cloud of wasps around you when you’re trying to enjoy one in the pub garden. This is especially true of social wasps in late summer, when the food within their colony is running out. So, what can you do to keep wasps at bay?

    The most practical thing to do if you still want to enjoy a sweet drink outside is to switch to diet drinks which do not contain sugar. These are far less attractive to wasps than the real deal, so you should see a reduction in how much they bother you straight away. Another tip is to avoid wearing white or yellow when out in your garden since these colours generally attract insects.

    Fragranced perfumes, aftershaves and hair products should also be avoided. Perhaps surprisingly, these can fool wasps into thinking you’re a flower that is rich in nectar – rather than a person who just smells like one. You can also chose plants to deter wasps from entering your garden.

    Herbs such as spearmint, thyme and lemongrass will all help, as wasps can’t stand them – and they’ll double up as flavouring in your cooking. Alternatively go for flowers such as pennyroyals, geraniums and marigolds, which smell nasty to wasps at the same time as producing beautiful blooms for you to admire.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_images picture_size=”auto” hover_type=”none” autoplay=”yes” columns=”3″ column_spacing=”13″ scroll_items=”” show_nav=”no” mouse_scroll=”no” border=”no” lightbox=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Geraniums.jpg” image_id=”43355|full” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Herbs-including-Thyme.jpg” image_id=”43356|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Lemongrass.jpg” image_id=”43357|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Marigolds.jpg” image_id=”43358|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mint.jpg” image_id=”43359|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Pennyroyal.jpg” image_id=”43360|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][/fusion_images][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

    You can also make wasp traps using old plastic bottles. Simply remove the lid, cut off the top half and invert it to form a funnel, fill the base of the bottle with a sugary solution and place it somewhere prominent where the wasps can find it. They will fly in to get at the sugar and will be unable to escape. To stop bees from falling foul of the trap, add some vinegar to your liquid – which will put them off.

    If all else fails, put up a pretend wasps’ nest. Wasps are highly territorial creatures and will launch an aggressive attack on unfamiliar wasps near their nest. Since wasps know this, they will avoid another wasp colony’s territory at all costs. Buy one, or make one out of papiermâché with the kids, and then hang it beneath the eaves of your house.

    See my blog, Top Three Wasp Deterrents, for detailed instructions.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_images picture_size=”auto” hover_type=”none” autoplay=”no” columns=”3″ column_spacing=”13″ scroll_items=”” show_nav=”no” mouse_scroll=”no” border=”no” lightbox=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Vine-weevil-1-400×350.jpg” image_id=”43372|fusion-400″ link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Wasp.jpg” image_id=”43373|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Wasp-nest.jpg” image_id=”43374|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][/fusion_images][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

    Vine weevil

    The vine weevil is an insect that feeds on a range of decorative plants, especially pot-grown varieties. You’ll know you’ve got vine weevil if plant leaves look like they’ve been nibbled at the edges. At this time of year, adult bugs and grubs are both about, but it’s the grubs you need to worry about most. That’s because the adults will soon die off – while the grubs continue to feed on plant roots throughout winter.

    Inspecting pot plants regularly, and physically removing adult weevils, will help to prevent eggs from being laid on your plants. Shake plants over an upturned umbrella or a sheet of newspaper to collect and remove weevils. You can also treat plants with sprays from your local garden centre.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_images picture_size=”auto” hover_type=”none” autoplay=”yes” columns=”3″ column_spacing=”13″ scroll_items=”” show_nav=”no” mouse_scroll=”no” border=”no” lightbox=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Garden-birds-2-400×350.jpg” image_id=”43363|fusion-400″ link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hedgehogs-2.jpg” image_id=”43368|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Garden-birds-3.jpg” image_id=”43364|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Toads-1.jpg” image_id=”43366|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Garden-birds-4.jpg” image_id=”43365|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hedgehogs-3.jpg” image_id=”43369|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Toads-2.jpg” image_id=”43367|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][fusion_image image=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Garden-birds-1.jpg” image_id=”43370|large” link=”” linktarget=”_self” alt=”” /][/fusion_images][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

    You can also encourage the garden bouncers to come and do a clean-up operation for you. Birds, frogs, toads, hedgehogs and ground beetles will all eat vine weevil adults and grubs, saving you all the hassle. Attracting birds to your garden is not only easy but will also add to the look of your garden.

    Add a bird bath and a feeder containing wild bird seed and keep them topped up and you’ll soon see an increase in feathered friends. If you have a pond, leaving water untreated is more friendly to frogs and toads.

    Hedgehogs travel up to two miles per night in search of food. Make your garden available to them by making sure there’s a 12cm space at the bottom of your boundary. Attract them by being a little unkempt – leave log piles lying about, spread leaf litter through borders and let an area of the garden go wild. This untidiness is also excellent for attracting ground beetles to.

    Put these methods to good use and tell these pests to bug off this summer.

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    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container admin_label=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”0″ padding_top=”0″ padding_right=”80″ padding_bottom=”0″ padding_left=”80″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ type=”1_1″ first=”true”][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#d3d1d1″ top_margin=”20px” bottom_margin=”20px” border_size=”2″ icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”false” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ type=”1_2″ first=”true” spacing_right=””][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]

    For more garden planting ideas, check out my blog:

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ type=”1_2″ first=”false”][fusion_text]

    Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas:

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alignment=”center” /][fusion_button link=”https://new.daviddomoney.com/quick-guide-to-pots-planters-containers/” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”center” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”custom” button_gradient_top_color=”rgba(1,149,51,0)” button_gradient_bottom_color=”rgba(1,149,51,0)” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”#0e540f” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”#0e540f” accent_color=”#0e540f” accent_hover_color=”#ffffff” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”3″ size=”large” stretch=”yes” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” border_radius=”0″ border_color=”#0e540f” border_hover_color=”#ffffff”]Pots and planters[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_6″ layout=”1_6″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” 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  • How to plant a tree in 3 easy steps: The no-nonsense guide

    How to plant a tree in 3 easy steps: The no-nonsense guide

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    There is an old saying: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.

    Planting a tree is symbolic, a statement of permanence and longevity. It can even be a legacy to leave behind. And if you have little ones, plant a tree now and watch them grow together.

    Perhaps that is sentimental. But there are other, more practical reasons to plant a tree. Trees are great for the environment, taking in pollutants and carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. Their roots support soil structure and take up plenty of rainwater.

    And trees are fantastic for garden design. They give height and act as an anchor in the planting scheme.  The canopy provides shade, privacy and leafy green colour, plus autumn interest as the leaves change colour. Plus trees are great habitats for wildlife and birds.

    So here are my top gardening tips on how to plant a tree in your garden.

    Choosing the tree

    Acer (Japanese maple)
    Acer (Japanese maple)

    Before you buy your tree, it makes sense to do some research. The most important factor is space. There is no point planting a small young tree if, in five years’ time, it dwarfs and smothers everything in the garden.

    Look for the eventual or fully grown size and check that fits with your garden and space. Also bear in mind that large trees have very large root systems, which are no good if you have poor, shallow soil.

    You also need to check soil and sunlight levels. Most soil types should be fine, and a sheltered but sunny spot is usually best.

    I would also advise choosing something that looks great for long periods of time, especially if you have a small garden. Magnolias look beautiful in spring but boring the rest of the year. Look for spring blossom, vivid autumn colour or winter berries and pretty bark.

    You can also grow a fruit tree – apple trees have blossom in spring, leaves all summer and masses of fresh fruit in the autumn. Perfect!

    How to plant a tree

    Step 1 Prepare the ground

    Choose a dry day when the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Bare-root trees should be planted during dormant season from late autumn to early spring – get more bare root advice here. Container-grown trees can be planted all year round. Water the tree well on the day of planting.

    Dig a hole as deep as the rootball and two to three times as wide. If you garden on heavy or clay soil, dig a square hole rather than a round one to help roots spread more easily as they grow.

    Contrary to common advice, you should not add fertiliser or organic material to the planting hole. There is no evidence to suggest that they boost the tree, and they may even hinder new root growth. Extra nutrients are better applied as a mulch after planting.

    However if you garden on poor soil, add a sprinkling of mycorrhizal fungi (often sold as Rootgrow) which is known to boost root growth.

    Step 2 Plant the tree

    Planting a tree
    Planting a tree

    Remove the tree from its pot or wrapping and place it in the hole. Spread the roots out and settle the tree so that the first flare (top layer) of roots sit level with the soil surface.

    This is important because planting a tree too deeply prevents air from getting to the roots and may rot the stem, damaging or even killing the tree.

    For container-grown trees, you may need to scrape the soil off the top of the rootball to find the first flare. Lay a garden cane across the hole to find ground level and settle the tree, adding or removing soil so it sits at the right depth.

    Carefully backfill the hole with soil in layers, firming in gently until the soil is level. Avoid pressing down too hard and compacting the soil – it should not feel solid.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hue=”” saturation=”” lightness=”” alpha=”” user_select=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_transform=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_offset=”” logics=””]

    Step 3 Stake and water

    Staking a tree
    Staking a tree

    Any stem or trunk that is thicker than your thumb will need staking. A newly planted tree does not have a deep enough root system to protect it from being pulled out by strong winds.

    You should push a stout wooden stake into the soil just outside of the rootball, leaning backwards at a 45 degree angle to meet the trunk. Make sure the stake is deep and firmly fixed in the soil – use a wooden mallet to drive it in.

    Then gently tie the tree to the stake using soft tree ties. Make sure the ties do not cut into the stem as it grows – keep loosening them.

    Water the tree

    Water in the tree really well. One of the most common problems with newly planted trees is drought. Water every few days during dry spells for the first growing season.

    You should also water deeply rather than little and often. This pushes the water deeper in the soil, encouraging the tree to grow deep roots and making it more drought-resistant.

    Warm, dry and windy weather is the worst for drying out trees. So watch out for drying and water the tree as much as possible. Current guidelines suggest you need to pour on four to six watering cans’ worth per square metre every week on normal soil.

    For heavy or poor-draining soil, you may not need to water as much in case you cause waterlogging. The symptoms for drought and waterlogging are often the same, so if you’re not sure, dig next to the rootball with a trowel to check the soil is draining.

    Aftercare

    Willow tree
    Weeping williow

    Aside from watering, it is important to keep the soil around the tree clear of weeds. They grow roots near the surface, taking up vital water before it gets to the tree.

    You can put down a layer of mulch (compost, well-rotted manure or rotted bark chips). This helps retain moisture and smother weeds. Just make sure to leave a 10cm ring around the stem clear, to avoid rotting the wood.

    If rabbits or deer are a problem in your area, buy tree guards and spirals to protect the bark.

    Don’t feed the tree during the first season, but you can use general fertiliser to give it a boost during the second year. However, this should not be done if you have applied mycorrhizal fungi, as the phosphorous levels inhibit fungal growth.

    Check the tree ties every spring and autumn and loosen as needed. After two growing seasons the stake can be removed.

    Plus here is a guide to planting roses!

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    For more garden planting ideas, check out my blog:

    [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”false”][fusion_text]

    Or check out my Pinterest board for more ideas:

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