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April | Gardening advice and tips

Gardening at the end of April: Privet hedge | Buttercups | Setting Red Robin

 

Q. Caitlín in Donnybrook

"I set a Privet hedge around two years ago. Now, some of it has started to grow well, while other sections don't seem to be doing well at all. Any advice?"

This is the time where the hedge is in the process of establishing itself and getting its roots into the ground. Even if you get a short dry spell, this can be enough to dehydrate it. So make sure that you water it very regularly in the fine weather. It would also be a good idea to put organic mulch around the base.
The idea is is avoid it getting too wet - or too dry. It needs to be kept just so until its roots get well set.


Q. Anna in Sandycove

"How do I get rid of buttercups? They are covering over half the garden?"

Anna - Embrace the buttercups!! They can be a wonderful flower, and gives a garden that lovely meadow look :) But, if this is not for you, your best option is to mow the lawn tight, do this regularly, and then set a more grass seed. The grass will eventually overwhelm the buttercups, but it will take time.

 

Q. Alan in Ranelagh

"I have some young apple trees. They are producing fruit, but its out of shaped and deformed, like crab apples. Can I or should I spray them? If so, with what?"

No, there is no need to spray them. Always use chemicals as a last resort. If they are producing crab apples, there is a reason for that. It could have to do with nutrients.

Give it a feed which has a high potassium content, something like tomato feed. This will help no end. It should then produce fruit for you just the way nature intended!

 

Q. Louise in Wilson Road

"What is the best thing to do with Daffodils now they they have faded?

If you enjoy daffodils, take away the dead flower heads, and leave the leaf's! Its the leaf's that are producing the flowering energy for next year. Let them die back and then take the heads away.

 

Q. Sarah in Rathfarmham.

"About a year we trimmed a Red Robin too early and it never grew back. But this Spring part of it produced new leaves. What should I do with it now? Should I take out the section with no growth?"

Yes, the section not producing new growth should be taken out for sure. It sounds like it may be dead. If you take it out, it should encourage growth of the remaining plant. Also, there is a very good organic feed spray called 'SB Plant Invigorator'. Spray it on (but not while in direct sunlight) and it will give the plant a boost.


Q. Conor in Pembroke Dublin

"I live in a housing estate, part of the garden is slightly waterlogged, not on the surface but around two feet under ground. What is the best type of tree to have here? I don't want one too dense or too tall. Any suggestions?"

Willows love those type of conditions. You have to cut them back once they reach the height you prefer them at, as they tend to keep on growing! There is a lovely one called Golden Stemmed Willow, which is very nice indeed. It might not suit a small garden though. If the garden is small, there are other trees you could consider that are more manageable in the long run, like Birch for example.

 

Q. Grace in Cowper, Rathmines

"What would I do to take out roots?"

It depends on the roots. If its Bamboo, well, you can pretty much forget about it! A mini digger would have to be brought in. The absolute best way is to dig well below ground level and cut them out. Its time consuming, backbreaking work, but it is by far and away the best job.

Alternatively you could use weedkiller. At the trees base where it was cut, you would need to drill down vertically into the tree (so you are drilling on the actual face). The longer the drill bit the better (a 18 inch bit is ideal). Drill approx 3 holes, then pour weedkiller into the holes. Its advisable to then cover the base of the tree, and let the weedkiller go to work.

This is NOT an option that I would recommend, and for two reasons: it involves weedkiller, and, is a painfully SLOW PROCESS. It can take literally years before the root dies, and you may still have to deal with parts of the roots / tree anyway.

Whatever route you decide to go, when filling in the hole where the root once was, use very well conditioned soil for doing so. Keep in mind soil is a living thing, and you want to encourage life within. Mulch up organic compost (this is where your home compost heap could come into play) and dig it back into the soil.

 

Q. Anne in Marlborough Dublin 4

"My daughter has recently moved into her new apartment. What would you recommend for a garden on a balcony?"

The first thing you need to figure out is 'aspect'. Will the garden be getting lots of sun, or lots of shade? Once you can answer that question you begin from there.  There are lots of beautiful bedding plants available, so you really can go to town (so to speak!). Just make sure to pick the appropriate plants, flowers or shrubs that will suit your aspect (ones that like light, one that like shade?).
Don't forget that herbs can suit a balcony garden perfectly. Not alone are they practical, but can introduce lovely smells to the area. One more tip is to set some lavender - its worth it for the scent and colour alone.

 

Gardening tips and advice. Mid AprilGardening tips and advice month by month

Gardening in mid April: Poly tunnels | Tree care | Briars and Garden Clearance

 

Q. Luke in Herbert park

"I planted "money maker" tomato seeds in around the 10th of March - but nothing has appeared or germinated yet. So I was wondering is it too late for them to germinate at this rate? And can I still plant more?"

They should have come up by now for sure. But feel free to plant some more, its still not too late.

 

Q. Anonymous in Dublin

"Can I grow apricot in a poly tunnel?"

Yes you could. Be careful, as apricots can suffer from a range of problems. A poly tunnel works as you want to avoid rain when the are starting to come into growth and the new flowers are starting to appear.

 

Q. David in Lambscross

"Where can I get a golden false acacia tree? Mine died a few years ago"

Also called a "robinia"  acacia tree. Its a very beautiful tree. It will not tolerate the cold wind and is somewhat fragile, so you need an airy bright warm spot in your garden which is sheltered from the wind.

 

Q. Martha in Rathfarnham

"I'm looking for a self clinging every green plant to plant against a bare wall. Any suggestions?"

Ivy goldheart would be a good choice. you can keep them at the height you want and can mange them well once they have established themselves. Is fast growing and looks very well in winter.

 

Q. Mary in Louth.

"Could you suggest a remedy for a plague of tiger slugs? the garden heaves with them at night. Help!"

Best to use the traditional method of a beer trap. Slugs love it! Take a beer can with approx one third beer left in the can and bury it level in your garden. The slugs can smell it and will end up drowning themselves in beer. Not a bad way to go!

 

Q. Anonymous in Dublin South.

"I have a peach tree that I have been growing for the last number of years. It got eaten / damaged by livestock from the neighbours field. It has recovered somewhat, but there are now a lot of suckers coming off the root stalk. I've put down seaweed mulch, but it still not back to what it once was. Any advice?

It looks like the suckers are now absorbing the energy of the tree and surrounding soil etc. You should remove them, below ground if possible. Then continue with your feed. Hopefully this will direct the energy back into the tree itself and your peaches will grow back to their former glory!

 

Q. Adam in Stillorgan

"I have sprouted a lot celery that I have in seed trays at the min. I want to grow them outside. What will I do?"

Pick a good spot in the garden for them. The idea is to slowly acclimatise them to the outside world. So take them out to where they will eventually be set in the garden and leaving them out there in their trays during the day and into late evening. Then leave them in a shed etc that has a higher temperature that the outside (but not as warm as a pollytunnel) at night. Repeat this process for a few days, slowly acclimatising them to the outside. Then check the long term weather forecast for the coming week (pick a good week with no night frost) and set outside. They should do well.

 

Q. Amelia in Galway

"We are returning our old walled garden back into lawn after along time of neglect. Is there anyway to avoid using chemicals in preparation for the grass seed?"

Yes - With a lot of good old fashioned hard work! If you start using chemicals, you start to destroy your soil. The key is looking after your soil. Make sure it is well dug and well raked / aerated. Top tip: you can buy earthworms and introduce them into your garden. They will naturally aerate the soil for you.

In summary, the absence of chemicals usually equates to a bit of hard work. Just like nature intended. It is always a better route to take if possible. Also, when you set your grass seed, lay in on thicker than normal. This will help to keep out weeds as well.


Q. Sinead in County Dublin

"I have lavender plants. Do I cut off the old stems or do I just let them fall off?"

If the plant is old, I would cut them. Be careful tho. Cutting stimulates growth, and if we get a cold spell it could damage the new growth.


Q. Charlie in Nutgrove

"I have a camellia plant in a big pot. It used to always flower, but over the last few years the bubs come out but it never flowers?"

Reply: Hey Charlie, thank you for getting in touch. Can you tell me what the leaves on the plant are like? Colour / condition etc?

Reply: I have looked at other camellia plants, and yes, the leaves on mine are a different colour. Mine have a light green colour.

That's the indication of your problem right there. It sounds like its not getting the nutrients it needs. As new growth develops its very important to give it an annual iron tonic. Go to your garden centre and pick up a sachet of sequestered iron. It just needs this tonic once you see new buds developing. You don't need to do it after that. Thereafter, use a good tomato feed.

 

Q. James in anonymous

"I have a lot of briar's growing over into my garden from my neighbours. What can I do?"

Its good to keep in mind that briar's do serve a very good purpose in nature. The blackberries act as a food source for birds, and can also be made into a delicious jam! So they are not all bad! If you could leave a few 'well managed' briar's in the garden, that would e ideal.

Anyway - back to your question!

Briar's are difficult to get rid of. They "sucker", as in they grow along the ground. The absolute best way is to get a very good pair of thick gloves and pull them out from the ground, roots and all. You could use a trimmer to cut them down to about a foot high before you start this process, as this may make them more manageable. Once out, you have to destroy them.

Alternatively, you could use a systemic weed killer in GEL form (NOT spray). You basically paint in on to the tip of the briar (if it was cut and exposed, this would also speed up the process), and the gel is then drawn back to the root. See can you talk to your neighbour regarding these options, and hopefully ye will be able to reach some compromise.

 

Back to Early April advice part 1Next. Tips for the end of April

Gardening in early April: Setting Magnolia | Cutting back Apple trees | Wild flower meadows

 

Common Question: Top soil or compost for beginning plants?

If you have good top soil, go with that. And if you have a combination, use both mixed together. In general, good quality top soil is best.

 

Q. from David in mount merrion avenue blackrock.

"I have it in mind to purchase a few different varieties of Magnolia and I would love to set them permanently in the garden.

My question is, is it now too late? Any tips or insights would be appreciated."

Hi David. You'll be pleased to know that now is a great time to plant.

A bit about Magnolia: They are large shrubs or tress that come in many different varieties and colours. The flower can be white / pink / mauve or two toned. Many have a beautiful tulip shaped flower which enhances any garden once in bloom. The most popular variety here in Ireland is 'magnolia soulangeana'. It can grow to approx 14 feet high and quite wide. It becomes covered in flowers when its season beckons!

Originally was first flowered in Paris in 1826, and it is suspected that it originates from the Orient or the Americas.

There is a beautiful one called 'magnolia leonard messel'. It grows about one meter wide by two meters high, so is good on space. Has a lovely pink flower which buds deeper and opens paler.

Other varieties to look for:

Magnolia stellata; a favourite of many gardeners. Often called 'Star Magnolia'. This is the best one to go for if space is an issue.  Has a lovely star shaped white flower. It can grow quite wide, but not very tall.

And lastly I would like to mention 'Magnolia sunrise': This type has a 'standard' magnolia look, but with a red colour at the tip of its flower. Magnolias in general lasts around 6 or 8 weeks (with good weather) once in bloom. So set them and enjoy for many years to come. Hope this helps.

 

Q. from Mary in Stillorgan.

"Can I cut back apple trees that are shapeless and now budding (early April)?"

Hi Mary. Yes - its important to do it, and can help the plant to a large degree. It doesn't harm them just because the sap is rising.

Ideally, it would be done already. In general, once it begins to bud, then flower (and the flower has started to open) it is pretty much too late at that stage. So just keep in mind, once the flowers have appeared and have started to open, this means NO cutting and you should Leave them! But, if the flowers are not yet out and opening, you should be OK.

 

Q: from Kelly in Sandyford Dublin. 

"I haven't pruned my roses! Is it too late to do so?"

Kelly, you can still do it. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be as fussy about rose pruning. It can be done now, and you don't have to go exactly to the bud at a slope etc. Also remember to take out the dead wood / tidy it up. It will thrive and look great.

 

Q. Tony in Deansgrange.

"I have new Laurel hedging. What is the fasted way to grow them and get it up to speed?"

Hey Tony. Like all foliage type shrubs, they need good nutrients. Laurel relys on nitrogen in the soil in order to get that lovely dark green leaf. Better to put in a slow release feed (link). You can get them in pellet form, and some can last for up to 6 months, so you can do it two to three times a year and get the gains you're looking for.

 

Q. James in Dalkey

"Hi, is it too late to prune a beech hedge?"

No worries James, you can still do it. Beech isn't fully out just yet, so its a good time to do so.

 

Q. Sinead in Stepaside

"How do I grow a lot of blueberries?"

Hi. Ye, blueberries need 'ericaceous' or lime free soil. Onceyou can supply that, they are easy to grow. When you have a few established, they pollinate each other so you get a gift that keeps on giving! Hope this helps.

 

Q. Anne in Wicklow

"We have a field at the back of our house with fertilised grass. How do we return it to a wild flower meadow?"

Hey Anne. So you don't require fertiliser for this. Make sure the soil is well drained and that there is not too much competition with the grass etc. Just scatter out your flower seeds and they should establish themselves in no time. For inspiration, a visit to Kilmacurragh Arboretum - National Botanic will get your imagination stoked. Talk to the curator Seamus O'Brien for advice on creating native wild flower meadows.

 

Q. Aine in Ballsbridge

"Have two Hellebore plants. They are around 10 meters apart. One is deep purple, the other is a faded pink / white colour. It used to have a purple flower. Is there something missing in the soil?"

Hey Aine. There are many types of colours that they producer. 'Hellebore picotee' for example have a beautiful edge to the flower - so it depends on the different varieties. But there is no reason as to what the dark colour flower would change. It could be that a seedling has dropped and sprouted, and that is why you have a pink / white colour. It may be a different plant altogether! U could have a cook-coo in the nest (so to speak!).

 

Q: Kaitlyn in Stillorgan

"Any advice on lifting and dividing Crocus and Snowdrops that have finished flowering? Also moving Agapanthus and Lillie's that have about 4 inches of green shoots?"

Hi Kaitlyn. Agapanthus has a very strong root, so you will have to take a lot of the root out with it. You can pot it on, or move it to a new spot. It loves sunshine and good drainage. Crocus are different. You can lift and move AFTER they flower,  but never before. So it sounds like you are good to go!

 

Q: Colin in The Coppins Foxrock

"Whats the best time to put tomatoes into the garden? I have them in the house at the moment?"

Its all about heat for tomatoes! Heat and the absence of frost. April can be too early for moving tomatoes outside as we can still get ground frost. So timing is everything.

 

  Next page. More tips fpr April

 

More gardening questions for April

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