Can I grow a Christmas tree?
Q We’re into sustainability and have bought Christmas trees in pots to re-use. Can we plant them out, and how can I start them from seed? Marcia Knotts, Macclesfield
A It’s been estimated that you’d have to re-use a synthetic tree over 20 times to beat the green credentials of buying a live tree annually. One can’t help feeling sorry for the sawn-off Christmas tree, but remember it takes around seven years to grow to a decent size, in which time the plantations are acting as carbon sinks and usually sited on poor land not great for growing edible crops. You have saved even more resources by re-using pot-grown trees, but the ultimate could be carrying a pack of seeds into your garden and growing your own.
Yes, you can plant potted trees out into good well-drained soil and maintain a compact shape by trimming branches. You could fix outdoor lights in them, saw the trunk for a final festive stint or lift, pot, display and replant.
Denne historien er fra December 07, 2019-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 07, 2019-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters