Did you know... about your garden

1. Root-bound plant

A pot-grown plant can become root-bound when roots circle densely inside the container, replacing soil and restricting water uptake. Roots may emerge from drainage holes or above the surface. The plant suffers stress and may die if untreated. Trees planted out while root-bound can become unstable as roots fail to spread. Remedy by removing the plant from its pot, gently teasing apart the root ball, trimming circling or tangled roots with clean secateurs, repotting into fresh mix and watering with a seaweed solution to encourage healthy regrowth.

2. Spade vs shovel vs garden fork

A spade digs holes and trenches with a narrow blade. A shovel moves loose materials with a wider blade. A garden fork aerates soil and incorporates organic matter with long, strong tines.

3. A sport on your plants

A ‘sport’ occurs when a flowering stem produces flowers of a different colour to its parent or when leaves develop new markings. This happens when the genes in a leaf or flower bud mutate. Nursery men and plant breeders watch closely for these new sports, as they can lead to exciting new cultivars, such as this variegated monstera.

4. Crown lifting trees

This term refers to the selective removal of a tree’s lower branches. The practical benefit is the removal improves airflow, visibility and light penetration through the canopy. Crown lifting is often do neon street trees and in public spaces to support tree health and improve safety for pedestrians and vehicles.

5. Water crystals and wetting agents

Water crystals absorb water and swell into a gel, storing moisture for plant roots. Once the gel is used, it needs rehydrating, and some products can break down into salts over time. Wetting agents, on the other hand, help water soak into dry soil or potting mix. Granules work slowly and are easy to apply, while liquid forms act instantly but can froth in watering cans, making them harder to measure