主播大秀

Peter Gibbs chairs the horticultural panel programme from Norwich. Matt Biggs, Bob Flowerdew and Matthew Wilson join him to answer questions from the audience. Peter delves into the John Innes archives and learns all about the man behind the compost. We hear Bob's topical tips and take a tour of his garden.

Produced by Darby Dorras
Assistant Producer: Hannah Newton

A Somethin' Else production for 主播大秀 Radio 4

This week's questions and answers:

Q. How do we maximize our yield of squashes? We have dry, sandy soil and get lots of male flowers and two or three squashes on each plant if we're lucky.

A. The soil isn't right for growing squashes, so dig a hole and fill it with all the compost and manure you can get your hands on. Then cover it with a black plastic sheet over the top to keep the moisture in. Water it heavily. Alternatively, get an old builders' bag and fill it with compost and grow the plants in there. This will be easier than digging the dry soil. Try the 'Crown Prince' variety as it stores very well. Butternut Squash is also a good variety. Keep the male flowers on.

Q. Does the panel advise keeping heads on Hydrangeas in the winter or not?

A. Leave some of them on and cut some of them off. This will provide some protection for the buds below and it also looks attractive. However, if you leave them on too long they can break; so cut them in the spring.

Q. What is likely to look best in spring for an open garden? I have a sunny garden with soil that is a mix of clay and loam.

A. Think about reliable plants with long flowering periods. Try Lavender, Flocks, shrub Roses and make sure your lawn is mown to perfection and your edges are cut. Brush the paths down and rake the soil.

Q. Can I make my own bulb fibre?

A. It would be difficult to make your own as Sphagnum moss is hard to come by. Leaf mould would be a good substitute - you could sterilize it in the oven first. Don't use multi-purpose compost as the fertilizer can damage the roots; if anything, use a mix of seed compost, peat-free potting compost and charcoal. If you're only going to use the bulbs once, you can grow them in any inert, moisture-retaining substance such as gels or old clothes.

Q. What variety of fruit bushes would the panel suggest for an east-facing fence and a west-facing wall? The soil is poor.

A. You'll need to get loads of organic matter in, even grow in containers or a raised bed. In the east-facing spot, Red Currents, Culinary Cherries and Gooseberries would grow well. On the west-facing wall have a go at Apricots or Peaches. Grow the plants up against the wall. You could also try figs on the west-facing wall, as they don't need good soil. Also try a grapevine - the newer varieties such as Boskoop Glory and Siegerrebe would grow well.

Q. What would the panel suggest I plant for a light, spreading canopy that will provide shade in the summer? I'd prefer a deciduous tree that wasn't too imposing. The proposed planting area is small.

A. Try a Sorbus cashmiriana but be wary about putting in a tree where another tree has just been removed. Try growing climbing Roses, a Jasmine or a Honey Suckle over a trellis and until these get going put in Sweet Peas or Nasturtiums for shade in the summer.

Q. The leaves of my Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose) are growing to a size that is out of proportion with the plant. What is happening?

A. The plant is in too shady a position and is being fed too much.

Q. If you were to have your first allotment, what would be your first big purchase?

A. Bob suggests a greenhouse, cold frame or polytunnel. Matt Biggs suggests a steel fork and Matthew Wilson suggests luxury spa weekends booked throughout the year to recover from all the hard work!

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