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Growing Cut Flowers from Seed

By Lisa Smith | 31st January 2018

With a small amount of forward planning it is easy to grow a supply of beautiful fresh flowers to cut for your home. Even if you don’t have a dedicated area it can be just as good to mix flowers into your existing borders or vegetable patch. In Patrick’s Patch, the rows of flowers are…

Forcing Bulbs

By Lisa Smith | 9th February 2013

Paperwhite narcissi: Takes 5-6 weeks to flower. Does not require a period in the dark. Plant the bulb just below the surface in deep pots or bowls filled with bulb fibre. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet. Keep pots at a temperature below 10°C until shoots appear. Hyacinths: Take 10-15 weeks to…

Begonia Tubers

By Lisa Smith | 9th February 2013

Begonia tubers are available in many colours, flowers and shapes. They are also very versatile and can be planted in balconies, hanging baskets, patio containers and flower beds, (once established they also require minimum maintenance). The double begonias are very suitable for flower beds and containers, whilst the pendula begonias are ideal in hanging baskets…

Growing Lilies

By Lisa Smith | 9th February 2013

Planting bulbs in the ground: Plant the bulbs as soon as purchased, weather permitting. If this is not possible keep the bulbs in the coolest place which must be frost free. Lilies like a rich soil and require good drainage. Work the soil to a depth of about 20cm and incorporate a generous amount of…

Seeds and Plugs

By Lisa Smith | 9th February 2013

SEED: F1 Hybrid: cross of two selectively breed parents, chosen for their desirable characteristics (Filial 1). Uniform plants with maturity reached at the same time, having Hybrid vigour, they are expensive, due to controlled breeding conditions. Less seeds per packet. Seed cannot be saved. F2 Hybrid: cross between two F1 Hybrids. Does not produce consistent…