The Beechgrove Garden episode 13 2018

The Beechgrove Garden episode 13 2018

In the Beechgrove Garden episode 13 2018, Jim and Carole take the fortieth anniversary celebrations to a whole new level as they unearth the harvest of ruby-coloured potatoes planted 13 weeks ago.


 

 



George and Carole revamp the rhododendron border at Beechgrove, and they show how to ‘air-layer’ a big shrub, and how to lift the crown of a small tree to ease congestion in the border. Jim meets Dundee’s community allotment officer Kate Treharne. Kate takes Jim to visit two vibrant community gardens which prove that gardening is good for us on every level.

The flowers on ‘Ruby Road’ are looking stunning. The plants have really enjoyed the great weather this summer. We mustn’t forget to water the containers and hanging baskets, even sometimes on a rainy day. Jim highlighted Verbena Texas Appleblossom which was grown at Beechrove last year and cuttings were taken, rooted and grown on for this year.

 

The Beechgrove Garden episode 13 2018

 

Rhododendron border revamp

George and Carole continued the revamp of the Rhododendron border last visited 8 weeks ago. Carole demonstrated propagation by layering on the ground. George demonstrated air layering on the upper branches using an air layering cutting globe.

They lifted the canopy of the Sorbus and planted several new ericaceous plants to add colour and interest to the area. George advised against planting rhodendrons too deep as they are surface rooting plants. A mulch would be added after watering. They considered the possibility of soaking the plants overnight using a sprinkler to ensure the plants get off to a good start in these extremely dry conditions.

The Beechgrove Garden episode 13 2018
Beechgrove Garden episode 13 2018

Pests and Diseases

Lots of pests and diseases on the go at the moment. Carole and George looked at problems at Beechgrove as well as problems sent in from viewers’ gardens. George recommended a simple way to get rid of aphids on the soft growing tips of plants: simply run your finger and thumb along the stem to squish them. Carole suggested an organic contact insecticide.

Onion root fly maggots feed on the onion bulbs and cause the plant to collapse. The onions are ruined and George recommended laying them out on the ground for the blackbirds to feed on the maggots or feed them to the hens before putting the remains on the compost heap.

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