Iain’s Top Gardening Tips

WEEDING

Create a barrier for weeds around the edge of where you are growing. You can make a barrier using a raised bed or, on the ground, use cardboard or woodchips – anything that blocks out light. Never let a weed go to seed is a golden rule to follow, and weed when it is dry because when you tear the roots when it is wet they can survive.

WATERING

People over-complicate watering, but if the soil is dry, water it. By looking and feeling you will know. Outside you generally don’t have to worry unless there is a drought of two weeks or so. But remember, that is only for outdoor plants, not seed trays.

FEEDING

Give everything a really good start with good quality compost. You can also use dried manure pellets or fish bone and blood powder. Veg that fruits can be fed with seaweed when they are fruiting – tomato plant food can work for everything.

PESTS

Individual pest control can be complicated but one thing that will solve a lot of problems is fine enviro-mesh netting over your plants which can keep out rabbits, pigeons and insects.