Gardeners World episode 3 2017

Gardeners World episode 3 2017

In Gardeners World episode 3 2017, Monty Don starts his plans for his revamped courtyard garden when he plants bare root trees and gives advice on climbers which will thrive on east-facing walls. In the third installment of the 2017 series of “Gardeners World”, our beloved gardening expert, Monty Don, embarks on a brand new adventure as he initiates his ambitious plans for rejuvenating his quaint courtyard garden. As he steps into this green sanctuary, he sets about planting bare root trees, those magnificent, life-bringing elements of nature, shedding light on the entire process so viewers can share in his knowledge and experience.


But that’s not all. Monty Don doesn’t stop there. He extends his gardening wisdom further, focusing on those elusive climbers, the plants that add an extra dimension to any garden with their vertical growth. Specifically, he shares invaluable advice on the types of climbers that are most likely to flourish on walls that face eastwards. If you’ve ever been curious about how to capitalize on the orientation of your garden, this episode offers a treasure trove of practical insights. This episode is a testament to the blend of art and science that gardening truly is.

Nick Bailey explores the strange world of lichens and finds out how these plants grow and thrive on trees, wood and stone, and Frances Tophill meets the enthusiastic gardeners of Barbados who fill their gardens, however small, with colour, foliage and world-class flowers.And as part of the programme’s 50th anniversary, Rachel de Thame reveals the plant she thinks has had the most impact on British gardens over the last half century.



 

Gardeners World episode 3 2017

Pleached walks, tunnels and arbours

Pleaching is a method of training trees to produce a narrow screen or hedge by tying in and interlacing flexible young shoots along a supporting framework. Use this technique to make walks, arbours, tunnels and arches. Pleached walks, tunnels, and arbours are an excellent way to add structure, interest, and privacy to your garden. These living structures are created by training trees or shrubs into a flat, horizontal plane, creating a canopy that can be used as a walkway, tunnel, or arbour.

Choosing the Right Plants

When selecting plants for pleaching, it is important to choose species that are naturally upright and have a dense branching habit. Popular choices include hornbeam, lime, and beech trees, which have a natural tendency to grow straight and tall and respond well to pruning and training.

Training the Trees

Training trees for pleaching can be a time-consuming process, but it is well worth the effort. Start by selecting young trees with straight trunks and a good branching structure. Plant them in a straight line, spaced about 6-8 feet apart, and use stakes and ties to keep them straight as they grow.

As the trees grow, prune the side branches and encourage new growth along the trunk. Use wire or bamboo frames to train the branches into a horizontal plane, taking care not to damage the bark or branches. Once the trees have reached the desired height and width, maintain them with regular pruning and training.

Pleached Walks

Pleached walks are created by training trees into a canopy that forms a natural arbour or tunnel. They are perfect for adding structure and interest to long, straight paths or creating a sense of enclosure in open spaces. 

Pleached Tunnels

Pleached tunnels are similar to pleached walks but are typically shorter and more enclosed. They are perfect for creating a sense of mystery and discovery in a garden and can be used to frame a view or highlight a focal point. Pleached tunnels can also be used to create a natural transition between different garden spaces, such as a vegetable garden and a rose garden.

Pleached Arbours

They are created by training trees into a canopy that forms a shaded seating area. They are perfect for creating a secluded, intimate space in a garden and can be used to frame a view or provide a sense of enclosure. Pleached arbours can also be used to create a focal point in a garden, such as a statue or water feature.

Pleached walks, tunnels, and arbours are a beautiful and natural way to add structure, interest, and privacy to your garden. By choosing the right plants, training them carefully, and maintaining them with regular pruning and training, you can create living structures that will enhance your garden for years to come. So, why not give pleaching a try and see the beauty it can bring to your garden?

Planting: Trees and shrubs – Gardeners World episode 3 2017

Planting new trees and shrubs is not a difficult job, but one to get right, if you want your new plants to have the best start in life. The most important considerations are root health, weather, soil conditions and aftercare. Planting trees and shrubs is an excellent way to add beauty, value, and environmental benefits to your garden. Trees and shrubs provide shade, privacy, and a habitat for wildlife, and they can also help prevent soil erosion and reduce noise and air pollution. Here are some tips for planting trees and shrubs in your garden:

Choosing the Right Location

When selecting a location for your trees or shrubs, it is important to consider several factors, such as soil quality, drainage, sunlight, and space. Some trees and shrubs require specific soil types or drainage conditions, while others may need full or partial sunlight to thrive. Additionally, it is important to consider the mature size of the tree or shrub and ensure that it has enough space to grow without interfering with other plants, structures, or utilities.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting your tree or shrub, it is important to prepare the soil to ensure optimal growth and health. Start by digging a hole that is wider and deeper than the root ball of the plant. Loosen the soil in the hole and mix in some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil quality and drainage. Be sure to remove any rocks, weeds, or debris from the soil, as these can interfere with root growth.

Planting the Tree or Shrub

When planting your tree or shrub, be sure to handle it gently to avoid damaging the roots or branches. Carefully remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled or circling roots. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to remove air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage root growth.

Mulching and Watering

After planting your tree or shrub, it is important to mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or shredded leaves, and spread it evenly around the base of the plant, taking care not to cover the trunk or stems. Water the plant regularly, especially during the first year after planting, to ensure that the soil stays moist and the roots have time to establish.

Planting trees and shrubs is an excellent way to enhance your garden and provide numerous benefits for the environment and wildlife. By choosing the right location, preparing the soil, planting the plant carefully, and providing regular mulching and watering, you can ensure that your trees and shrubs will grow strong and healthy for many years to come. So, why not add a tree or shrub to your garden today and enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come?

Grow Your Own Tomatoes – Gardeners World episode 3 2017

Growing your own tomatoes is simple and just a couple of plants will reward you with plenty of delicious tomatoes in the summer. There are all kinds of tomatoes to try, from the tiniest cherry types, favourites with children, through to full-flavoured giant beefsteak tomatoes. Tomatoes come in all kinds of colours too. Growing your own tomatoes is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy fresh, home-grown produce. Tomatoes are easy to grow, and with a few basic tips, you can produce a bountiful crop of juicy, ripe tomatoes in your own backyard. Here’s how to get started:

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting tomato varieties, it’s important to consider your growing conditions and preferences. Tomatoes come in many sizes, colors, and flavors, from cherry tomatoes to beefsteak varieties. Some are better suited for container gardening, while others require staking or trellising to support their growth. Consider factors such as the amount of sunlight and space available, as well as your desired harvest time and flavor profile, when choosing tomato varieties.

Preparing the Soil

Tomatoes prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Prepare your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to the planting area. Tomatoes also benefit from the addition of calcium, which can help prevent blossom end rot. You can add crushed eggshells or a commercial calcium supplement to the planting hole to provide this essential nutrient.

Planting the Tomatoes

Tomatoes should be planted after the last frost date in your area. Dig a hole that is deep enough to cover the root ball of the plant and wide enough to allow room for the roots to spread. Place the plant in the hole and fill in with soil, gently tamping it down to remove any air pockets. Water the plant well after planting to help settle the soil and encourage root growth.

Staking and Pruning

Tomatoes require support as they grow to prevent the weight of the fruit from bending or breaking the stems. You can use stakes, cages, or trellises to support your plants. It’s also important to prune your tomato plants regularly to remove any suckers, which are shoots that grow in the joint between the stem and the branch. Pruning helps promote air circulation and can lead to larger, healthier fruit.

Watering and Fertilizing

Tomatoes require regular watering to maintain healthy growth and fruit production. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Tomatoes also benefit from regular fertilization, particularly with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excess foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.

Growing your own tomatoes is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, home-grown produce. With the right variety, soil preparation, planting techniques, support, and care, you can produce a bountiful harvest of delicious, juicy tomatoes in your own backyard. So, why not start your own tomato garden today and enjoy the fruits of your labor all season long?

Sowing indoors

Sowing seeds indoors allows tender plants to be started off earlier in the season. When they have grown into young plants, they can be planted outside in the garden or vegetable plot once the weather is warm enough. Sowing seeds indoors is an excellent way to get a head start on your gardening season and ensure healthy, robust plants. By starting your seeds indoors, you can control the environment and provide optimal growing conditions for your plants. Here’s how to get started:

Choosing the Right Seeds

When selecting seeds for indoor sowing, it’s important to choose varieties that are well-suited for indoor growing conditions. Consider factors such as the length of the growing season, the amount of light and space available, and your desired harvest time and flavor profile. Some common seeds for indoor sowing include tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and annual flowers.

Preparing the Soil

Seeds require a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil to grow successfully. Use a high-quality potting mix that is designed for seed starting, or create your own by mixing equal parts of compost, vermiculite, and peat moss. Fill your seed trays or containers with the soil, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.

Sowing the Seeds

Sow the seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet, which will typically include information on the appropriate depth, spacing, and germination temperature. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Place the seed trays or containers in a warm, bright location, such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.

Maintaining the Environment

To ensure successful germination and healthy growth, it’s important to maintain the proper environment for your seeds. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and use a misting spray bottle or a bottom-watering tray to avoid disturbing the delicate seeds. Provide ample light, either by placing the trays near a sunny window or by using artificial grow lights. Keep the temperature warm, ideally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, to promote germination.

Transplanting the Seedlings

Once your seedlings have grown to a size where they have outgrown their seedling trays, or have developed their first set of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or into the ground. Be sure to harden off the seedlings gradually by gradually exposing them to outdoor temperatures and sunlight before planting them outdoors.

Sowing seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on your gardening season and ensure healthy, robust plants. With the right seeds, soil preparation, sowing techniques, and environment, you can grow a bountiful crop of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in your own home. So, why not try your hand at indoor seed sowing and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own plants from seed?

How to grow parsnips

A roast dinner isn’t complete without roast parsnips – and they add a whole new dimension to stews and casseroles too. The good news is parsnips are easy to grow, need little maintenance and can be left in the garden until you’re ready to use them. Sow in spring and you’ll have parsnips in the autumn. Parsnips are a sweet and delicious root vegetable that are easy to grow in your own garden. With a few basic tips, you can grow a bountiful crop of parsnips that will provide a tasty addition to your meals throughout the winter months. Here’s how to get started:

Preparing the Soil

Parsnips prefer a well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by digging it deeply and adding compost or well-rotted manure. Remove any rocks, weeds, or debris from the soil to ensure that the parsnips have room to grow.

Sowing the Seeds

Parsnip seeds are best sown directly in the garden bed in early spring, about 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart, in rows that are spaced 12-18 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Thinning and Weeding

Once the parsnips have sprouted, thin them to about 3-4 inches apart to allow them enough room to grow. Weeds should also be removed regularly to ensure that the parsnips have access to water and nutrients. Be careful not to disturb the roots of the parsnips when weeding.

Watering and Fertilizing

Parsnips require consistent moisture to grow successfully. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot. Parsnips do not require heavy fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied at the time of planting or during the growing season if necessary.

Harvesting

Parsnips are ready to harvest when they reach maturity, which is usually about 120-180 days after planting. They can be left in the ground until after the first frost, which can enhance their flavor. To harvest, loosen the soil around the parsnip with a fork or trowel, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently pull the parsnip out of the ground by the foliage, and brush off any excess soil.

Storing – Gardeners’ World episode 3 2017

Parsnips can be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a root cellar or refrigerator, for several months. Remove any green shoots or foliage before storing, as these can cause the parsnips to become bitter. Alternatively, parsnips can be blanched and frozen for later use.

Growing parsnips is a rewarding and delicious way to add a sweet and tasty root vegetable to your meals. With the right soil preparation, seed sowing, watering and fertilizing, harvesting, and storing techniques, you can grow a bountiful crop of parsnips in your own garden. So, why not try your hand at growing parsnips and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own delicious and nutritious produce?

In Gardeners World episode 3 2017 you will find answers to this questions:

  1. How to plant bare root trees?
  2. What are the best plants for east-facing walls?
  3. How to create pleached walks, tunnels, and arbours?
  4. How to grow your own tomatoes?
  5. How to sow seeds indoors?
  6. How to grow parsnips in the garden?
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