Gardeners’ World 2023 – Compilations episode 4

Gardeners’ World 2023 - Compilations episode 4

Gardeners’ World 2023 – Compilations episode 4: Monty Don shows us how almost anything that holds soil and drains water can be used to grow seasonal veg, salad crops and herbs. Frances Tophill visits some hardy gardeners on the Isle of Man whose beachfront plots are at the constant mercy of the sea. Arit Anderson meets a woman on a mission to ‘green up’ neglected urban spaces.


 

 



Kate Bradbury shares her tips for attracting wildlife into our gardens, and Toby Buckland helps Sue Kent tackle some tricky jobs in the garden. There’s also a tech-savvy grower in Bristol who loves to experiment on his allotment, and a gardener in Manchester who grows an interest array of plants on his 18th-floor balcony. Plus another look at viewers’ films from their own gardens.

 

 

Gardeners’ World is a long-running British gardening programme that started on 5 January 1968. It was described as “a weekly series for gardeners, advanced and beginners, throughout the British Isles”. It picked up where its forerunner – Gardening Club – left off, and also featured that programme’s much loved presenter, the knowledgeable and down-to-earth Percy Thrower. The programme covers various aspects of gardening, such as plants, wildlife, design, techniques, tips and advice. It also features visits to gardens around the country and interviews with experts and enthusiasts.

 

 

The current main presenter is Monty Don, who hosts the show from his own garden in Herefordshire. He is joined by other regular presenters such as Carol Klein, Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, Frances Tophill and Nick Bailey. Gardeners’ World is a popular and influential programme that celebrates the joy of gardening and inspires people to create beautiful and productive gardens of their own.

 

Gardeners’ World 2023 – Compilations episode 4

 

Plants for coastal areas

Strong, often salt-laden winds present a challenge for planting in coastal gardens. Providing windbreaks in the form of hedges or netting will widen the range of plants that can be grown. To establish plants successfully in exposed situations it is essential to form a windbreak or shelter belt against the prevailing coastal wind. It is best to develop a wind-filtering screen of trees or shrubs, but polypropylene webbing or woven hurdles of willow or hazel are alternatives.

It is not advisable to use solid structures such as walls or fences, as these can create turbulence and add to the problems. A windbreak can reduce wind on its leeward side for a distance of ten times its height. Once a barrier has been established, it may be possible to grow quite a wide range of coastal-tolerant plants. Mulching with shingle, flint, grit or gravel will provide sharp drainage while conserving moisture at the roots and aid the cultivation of an even wider range of plants.

Coastal areas can present a unique set of challenges for plants, including salt spray, strong winds, and sandy soil. However, there are many plants that are well-suited to these conditions. Here are some options:

  • Beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata) – This grass is native to coastal areas and is an important stabilizer of sand dunes.
  • Sea oats (Uniola paniculata) – Another native grass that can help stabilize sand dunes. It has attractive seed heads that sway in the wind.
  • Beach plum (Prunus maritima) – This small tree or shrub is tolerant of salt spray and sandy soil, and produces edible fruit.
  • Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) – This shrub has fragrant leaves and berries that are a favorite food of many coastal birds.
  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – This aromatic herb can thrive in coastal areas, and its foliage can add a nice contrast to other plants in the landscape.
  • Juniper (Juniperus spp.) – Many varieties of juniper can tolerate salty air and sandy soil, and have attractive foliage and berries.
  • Beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus) – This plant is native to coastal areas and produces pretty purple flowers.
  • Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – This fragrant herb can do well in sandy soil and can add a splash of color to a coastal garden.
  • Cordgrass (Spartina spp.) – This grass is native to many coastal areas and can help prevent erosion.
  • Salvia (Salvia spp.) – Many varieties of salvia can do well in coastal areas, and their colorful flowers can attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

It’s important to note that not all plants will thrive in every coastal environment, so it’s a good idea to do some research on what will work best for your specific location. Additionally, it’s important to choose plants that are not invasive to the area, as they can cause damage to the local ecosystem.

Vegetables in containers

Planting vegetables in containers is a versatile way of growing edible crops in the garden, particularly where space is limited. Growing vegetables in containers has become increasingly popular among urban gardeners who may not have access to a traditional outdoor garden. Container gardening is a great way to grow fresh, organic vegetables right on your balcony, patio, or windowsill.

To start your own vegetable container garden, the first step is to choose the right container. You can use almost any container that has good drainage, such as a planter box, a bucket, or a large pot. Make sure to fill the container with a high-quality potting mix that is rich in nutrients and has good water retention.

Next, select the vegetables you want to grow. Many vegetables can thrive in containers, including tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, carrots, and herbs. It’s important to consider the amount of space your chosen vegetables will need to grow and ensure they are compatible with each other. To help your container garden flourish, make sure to give your plants the right amount of sunlight, water, and fertilizer. Regular pruning and pest control will also help keep your plants healthy and productive.

Growing vegetables in containers can be a fun and rewarding way to produce your own fresh produce. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, with a little bit of planning and care, you can create a thriving vegetable container garden right in your own home.

Gardening With Herbs – Gardeners’ World 2023 – Compilations episode 4

Gardening with herbs is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals while also adding beauty to your outdoor space. Whether you have a large garden or just a few containers on your patio, herbs are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions.

When starting your herb garden, it’s important to choose the right herbs for your location and climate. Some popular herbs for beginners include basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint, which are all relatively easy to grow and maintain. You can start your herbs from seed or purchase seedlings from your local garden center. When planting your herbs, make sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Herbs are generally low maintenance, but they do require regular watering and occasional fertilization to keep them healthy and productive.

One of the benefits of gardening with herbs is that they are not only delicious but also have many health benefits. For example, basil is high in antioxidants, while rosemary has been shown to improve memory and concentration. Whether you use your herbs to cook with, make tea, or simply enjoy their fragrant aromas, gardening with herbs is a great way to connect with nature and improve your health and wellbeing. With a little bit of care and attention, your herb garden can flourish and provide you with a fresh supply of herbs all season long.

How to grow lavender

Lavender is prized for its richly fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. This easy-to-grow shrub thrives in a sunny spot, in free-draining soil or a container. Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant herb that is easy to grow and perfect for any garden or container. Known for its calming properties, lavender is a popular choice for aromatherapy and is often used in soaps, candles, and other scented products.

If you’re interested in growing lavender, the first step is to choose the right variety for your location and climate. There are many types of lavender, each with its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Lavender prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, so it’s important to choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. You can grow lavender from seed or purchase seedlings from your local garden center.

When planting your lavender, make sure to space the plants at least 12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation. Water your lavender regularly but be careful not to overwater, as lavender does not like wet feet. To promote healthy growth and flowering, prune your lavender in the early spring or late fall. This will help keep the plant compact and prevent it from getting too woody.

With a little bit of care and attention, your lavender can thrive and provide you with a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden or home. Whether you use it for its calming properties or simply enjoy its beauty, growing lavender is a wonderful way to connect with nature and improve your wellbeing.

 

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