Advice
Gardening in the west of Scotland has its own unique set of challenges, which often aren't catered for on standard gardening websites or reference books. Below are some frequently asked questions from our members and their answers - provided by a variety of event speakers and horticultural experts.
Sow it. Grow it. Love it!
If you are looking to grow a particular veg, fruit or flower - take a look at our new gardening series: Sow it. Grow it. Love it! With advice from Horti society members, read practical tips and find out when and how to grow to get the best produce. And hopefully like us, you will Sow it. Grow it. Love it!
View Sow it. Grow it. Love it! >
The Horti's Gardening Calendar
Hints and tips on what you could be doing in the garden by month, tailored specifically for the West coast of Scotland
Pests and Disease
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Deer, rabbits and Phytophthora. Download a list of deer resistant plants (.PDF) from Mike Thornley
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Slugs and New Zealand Flatworm - More information about and how to control in this presentation from Melissa Simpson (.PDF)
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Vine Weevil, Rosemary Beetle and Scarlet Lily Beetle Beetles - what they are and how to control in this presentation from Joanna Gough (.PDF)
Fruit and Veg
For a selection of suitable fruit trees for your garden – see Joanna Gough’s talk on Fruit trees
Pruning
When pruning any plant always start with removing the three D’s – the Dead, Dying or Diseased branches, and then move on to consider the amount of old versus new branches and the shape of the plant.
Propagation
Q. How do I propagate Dahlias from cuttings?
A. Dahlias can be propagated each year to maintain healthy vigorous plants. After lifting tubers, on a dry day and after a good frost has knocked them back, remove all soil and store in a dry, frost free place, ideally in a glasshouse or cold frame. These can then be potted up in a light and open compost, we use fish boxes (polystyrene boxes with drainage holes). Depending on the temperature plants will begin to grow towards the middle of March (if in a heated /cold frame (min temp of 10 degrees), once they have 2 fully expanded true leaves, soft wood cuttings can be taken, roughly 3-4 in long shoots. These are placed in a propagator and placed in a warm but shaded spot, ideally under your glass house bench or in a covered heated cold-frame until roots begin to grow. Pot up once roots begin to show at the bottom of the propagator.
Soil and Compost
Q. What’s the best use of the rotted down organic matter from my compost heap?
A. The best way to use your home made compost is as a soil improver at the bottom of a trench or in a planting pit, rather than as a mulch on top of the soil's surface. This will reduce the number of weed seeds that sprout from it. Very few home grown compost heaps generate sufficient heat to kill all the weed seeds within.
For more information read about our evening talk on composting, and composting at Glenarn
Also visit carryoncomposting for lots of great information.