The Urban Plant Doctor

09/08/2024

Where is the UK Summer again this year? Sorry folks but not much worth posting again this year, so ive changed my hobby for this year. Fingers crossed for next spring, till then, keep your filthy fingers in the soil and enjoy yourselves...

02/08/2024

SUMMER! WHAT SUMMER! Ride it all the way!

20/06/2024

Enjoy summer solstice today, 16 hours of light, we have sunshine here today too, enjoy Y'all

15/06/2024

14/06/2024

UPDATE: Due to a poo start to our summer yet again, I have put the page on hold, I have not been posting as I have jobs I have been doing at homr and work in the garden, the weather is not like it used to be thats for sure, so many people up and down the country that have been struggling with their vegies and plants, so I will try again soon, till then, take care, stay dry, and keep smiling....

14/05/2024

𝗣𝘀𝘀𝘀𝘀𝘁... 𝟮𝟭 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆!

𝟏. 𝐍𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧-𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬: Used coffee grounds can enrich your soil with nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for plant growth. Simply scatter used grounds around your plants to nourish them effectively.

𝟐. 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦-𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐠𝐠𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬: Eggshells add essential calcium to the garden, promoting healthy cellular development in plants. Crush and mix them into your soil for a cost-effective nutrient boost.

𝟑. 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐬-𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧: Cinnamon has natural antifungal properties that help protect plants from diseases. A light sprinkle on your soil can act as a protective barrier for your seedlings.

𝟒. 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞: Vinegar is a great natural alternative to chemical herbicides for tackling w**ds. Mix it with water and spray it on unwanted plants for a safe and effective w**d killer.

𝟓. 𝐎𝐱𝐲𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐝𝐞: Adding hydrogen peroxide to water can increase soil aeration and root health. Use it sparingly to prevent over-oxygenation, which can harm delicate plants.

𝟔. 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦-𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬: Banana peels are a fantastic organic source of potassium for your garden plants, especially roses. Bury them just below the soil surface near the roots for best results.

𝟕. 𝐒𝐨𝐚𝐩 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭: Fragrant soap bars can keep grazing animals at bay without harming them. Hang them from branches or place them near vulnerable plants to deter deer.

𝟖. 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Milk can help prevent the growth of unsightly mildew on plant leaves. Mix with water in a 1:9 ratio and apply to leaves for a protective coating.

𝟗. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Chamomile tea can help prevent fungal infections in seedlings, known as "damping off." Water your seedlings with cooled chamomile tea to keep them healthy.

𝟏𝟎. 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐝𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬: A sprinkle of baking soda around tomato plants can sweeten the fruit by reducing soil acidity. Apply it lightly to avoid affecting the overall soil pH too much.

𝟏𝟏. 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞: Planting garlic among your vegetables can help reduce pests naturally, thanks to its strong scent. Integrate garlic plants throughout your garden for the best effect.

𝟏𝟐. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦-𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭: Epsom salt, rich in magnesium, can green up your lawn and improve plant health. Dissolve it in water and use it as a foliar spray for an easy nutrient boost.

𝟏𝟑. 𝐁𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫: Boiling water can act as an instant, organic w**d killer for those hard-to-manage spots. Pour directly onto w**ds, taking care not to scald your garden plants.

𝟏𝟒. 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐥: Wool can retain moisture in plant pots, reducing how often you need to water. Place a layer of wool beneath the soil to keep it moist longer.

𝟏𝟓. 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬: Aspirin can help plants fight off diseases and pests. Dissolve a tablet in water and use it to mist your plants occasionally for improved immunity.

𝟏𝟔. 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐬-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥: Oatmeal is a natural source of phosphorus for garden soil. Sprinkle raw oatmeal into the soil to encourage robust root development and blooming.

𝟏𝟕. 𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐥𝐮𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬: Slugs and snails are attracted to beer, making it the perfect trap. Fill shallow containers with beer and place them in your garden overnight to catch these pests.

𝟏𝟖. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞: Adding sand to your soil can enhance drainage and is great for cacti and succulents. Mix sand into the soil to help prevent waterlogged roots.

𝟏𝟗. 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲: Sugar water can give your plants a quick energy lift, especially after transplanting. Mix one teaspoon of sugar per gallon of water and use sparingly to energize your plants.

𝟐𝟎. 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥: Layers of newspaper can suppress w**ds naturally. Lay them around your plants before adding mulch to keep your garden w**d-free.

𝟐𝟏. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: The strong aroma of mint repels rodents and certain insects. Plant mint in strategic locations for its pest-deterrent properties and enjoy its refreshing scent.

14/05/2024

I did not know this. I have local honey in my tea.

Always using a metal spoon.

Did you know that one of the world's first coins had a bee symbol?

Did you know that honey contains live enzymes?

Did you know that in contact with a metal spoon, these enzymes die?

The best way to eat honey is with a wooden spoon; if you can't find one, use a plastic spoon.

Did you know that honey contains a substance that helps the brain work better?

Did you know that honey is one of the few foods on earth that alone can sustain human life?

Did you know that bees saved people from starvation in Africa?

That a spoonful of honey is enough to keep a man alive for 24 hours?

Did you know that propolis produced by bees is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics?

Did you know that honey has no expiry date?

Did you know that the bodies of the world's greatest emperors were buried in gold coffins, then covered in honey to prevent putrefaction?

Did you know that the term "Honeymoon" (honeymoon) comes from the fact that the bride and groom consumed honey for fertility after their marriage?

Did you know that a bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey, but for her it is the work of a lifetime.

Thank you precious bees!

11/05/2024

Mason bee after some sugar water

11/05/2024

The Marvelous Mason Bees: Nature's Tiny Pollination Powerhouses

In the world of pollinators, the honeybee often takes center stage.

However, there's another, lesser-known hero in the pollination story: the mason bee. These small, solitary bees play a vital role in ecosystems around the world, contributing to the pollination of many plants and crops. Let's delve into the fascinating world of mason bees, exploring their habitat, pollinating prowess, lifecycle, and the benefits they bring to our gardens.

Habitat and Behavior

Mason bees, also known as orchard bees or blue orchard bees, are native to many regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. They typically nest in pre-existing cavities such as hollow plant stems, woodpecker holes, or man-made structures like bee hotels. Unlike honeybees, which live in colonies, mason bees are solitary creatures, each female creating her own nest.

Pollinating Power

Despite their diminutive size, mason bees are incredibly efficient pollinators. They are known as "buzz pollinators" because of their unique technique of vibrating their bodies at high frequencies while collecting pollen. This action helps dislodge pollen from flowers, making them even more effective pollinators than honeybees for certain crops like fruit trees, berries, and almonds.

Purpose in the Garden

The presence of mason bees in the garden offers numerous benefits. Their efficient pollination increases fruit and vegetable yields, leading to better harvests for gardeners and farmers alike. Additionally, since they do not produce honey or wax, mason bees have no reason to defend their nests aggressively, making them docile and safe to have around children and pets.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

In early spring, female mason bees emerge from their nests to mate and search for suitable nesting sites. After finding a nesting site, typically a narrow tube or hole, the female collects pollen and nectar to create a provision mass. She then lays an egg on top of the provision mass before sealing the chamber with mud or other materials, hence the name "mason" bee. The larva develops inside the chamber, feeding on the provision mass until it pupates and eventually emerges as an adult bee the following spring.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a mason bee varies depending on factors such as environmental conditions and predators. Generally, adult mason bees live for only a few weeks, just long enough to mate and lay eggs for the next generation. However, the eggs laid by the female will develop into new bees that will continue the cycle.

In conclusion, mason bees may be small, but they play a significant role in the pollination of many plants and crops, making them invaluable allies for gardeners and farmers. By understanding and appreciating these fascinating creatures, we can create environments that support their populations and ensure the continued health of our ecosystems. So, the next time you spot a mason bee buzzing around your garden, take a moment to appreciate nature's tiny pollination powerhouses at work.

10/05/2024

Morning coffee and plan the day in our eco garden, the sun is coming up, the forecast is for hot weather. Time to start enjoying the summer at last

What you up to today?

07/05/2024

Bbq time is here. This is a great idea 😉

07/05/2024

https://facebook.com/events/s/1-year-of-nettle-celebration/1111135590095171/

07/05/2024

David Attenborough's stark warning to avoid common garden chore until July.

Sir David Attenborough has urged Brits to 'delay mowing' their lawns - and told people that this common gardening task shouldn't occur until mid-July.

The reasoning behind this plea is not only about aesthetics but also related to the welfare of our insect populations. Bugs such as butterflies, bees, and wasps rely heavily upon daisies and other plants growing between lawn blades to pollinate and sustain their ecosystems.

Sir David corroborated these warnings on the BBC's Wild Isles nature documentary. He highlighted that trimming off the long grass can disrupt and even kill off these crucial insects, which form an integral part of the world's ecosystem.

He said: "Nowhere here is richer in wildflowers and insect pollinators than our traditional hay meadows. Sadly, in the last 60 years, we've lost 97% of this precious habitat.

Image credit: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

03/05/2024

Very sad news for our local community garden, their buildings were razed by a fire. Arson by local teenagers. If to can spare a pound, go and show them how much you care, they need all the help they can get right now, visit their page. Support our loxal community incentives

01/05/2024

I boiled 1 litre of distilled water, added 2 parts of white vinegar, 1 part of baking soda. Two cups of Coca-Cola and half a lemon.
I placed it in the pan I left the solution in the pan for 45 minutes. I then placed it in the dishwasher for 30 minutes with a pinch of caustic soda, I rinsed it and it still looked like s**t, so I went and bought a new one.

30/04/2024

"The dandelion is the only flower that represents the three celestial bodies of the sun, moon, and stars: The yellow flower resembles the sun, the puff ball resembles the moons, and the dispersing seeds resemble the stars.

The dandelion flower opens to greet the morning and closes in the evening to go to sleep.

Every part of the dandelion is useful: root, leaves, flower. It can be used for food, medicine, and dye for colouring.

Up until the 1800s, people would pull grass out of their lawns to make room for dandelions and other useful “w**ds” like chickw**d, malva and chamomile.

The name dandelion is taken from the French word “dent de lion” meaning lion’s tooth, referring to the coarsely-toothed leaves. 🦁

Dandelions have one of the longest flowering seasons of any plant.

Dandelion seeds are often transported away by a gust of wind and they travel like tiny parachutes. Seeds are often carried as many as five miles from their origin!

Birds, insects, and butterflies consume nectar or seeds of dandelion.
Honey from bees pollinating dandelions is quite delicious. 🐦 🐛 🐜 🦋 🐝.

Dandelion flowers do not need to be pollinated to form seeds.
Root of dandelion can be used as a substitute for coffee.

Dandelion is used in folk medicine to treat infections and liver disorders. Tea made of dandelion act as a diuretic.

If you know dandelions, they’ll grow shorter stalks to spite you.

Dandelions are, quite possibly, the most successful plants that exist. They are masters of survival worldwide.

30/04/2024

Follow us for some cheap gardening hacks this summer 😉🙃🙂

29/04/2024

Just a friendly reminder... World Wide Naked Gardening Day is May 1st. 😄💐

29/04/2024

Shears of Success: A Guide to Pruning Plants for a Thriving UK Garden
For many UK gardeners.

The word "pruning" can conjure up images of drastic cuts and potentially harming their beloved plants.
But fear not! Pruning, when done correctly, is a vital practice that promotes healthy growth, boosts flowering, and enhances the overall beauty of your garden.

This blog post will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to become a pruning pro, transforming your UK garden into a flourishing haven.

Why Prune? Unveiling the Benefits

Pruning offers a wealth of benefits for your UK plants, from improved health to enhanced aesthetics:

Shape and Structure: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth, creates a desired shape, and prevents plants from becoming overgrown or leggy.

Flower Power: By removing spent flowers and deadheading, you encourage new blooms to sprout, extending the flowering season and maximizing flower production.

Healthier Plants: Pruning removes diseased, damaged, or dead branches, allowing healthy parts of the plant to focus their energy on growth and flower production.
Increased Airflow and Light Pe*******on: Strategic pruning improves air circulation within the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. It also allows more sunlight to reach all parts of the plant, promoting healthy growth throughout.
Fruitful Rewards: For fruit-bearing plants, pruning can help manage fruit size and distribution, leading to better quality harvests.

The Right Tool for the Job:

Having the proper pruning tools ensures clean cuts and minimizes damage to your plants. Here's your pruning toolkit essentials:

Sharp Secateurs: For smaller stems and branches.

Lopping Shears: For thicker branches.

Pruning Saw: For larger, woody branches.

Hedge Trimmers: For shaping hedges and maintaining uniformity.

When to Prune: A Seasonal Guide for the UK Climate

The ideal pruning time depends on the type of plant you have. Here's a general guide for the UK climate:

Late Winter/Early Spring (Before New Growth): Prune deciduous trees and shrubs (e.g., roses, forsythia) that flower in spring or summer. This allows them to focus their energy on producing new growth and flowers.

Summer (After Flowering): Deadhead summer-flowering plants (e.g., lavender, fuchsias) to encourage further blooms. Prune lightly to maintain shape.

Autumn/Winter (Dormant Season): Prune fruit trees (e.g., apple, pear) and some evergreens (e.g., holly) while they are dormant. Avoid pruning evergreens in late winter or spring, as this can lead to sap loss.

Important Note: Always research the specific pruning requirements of your plants, as there can be exceptions to these general guidelines.

Making the Cut: Essential Pruning Techniques
Here are some basic pruning techniques to keep in mind:

Always use clean and sharp tools to ensure clean cuts and minimize the risk of infection.
Make your cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a bud that faces outwards. This encourages new growth in the desired direction.

For thicker branches, use a three-cut method to avoid tearing the bark. Make the first cut halfway through the branch from the underside, then a second cut just beyond the first cut, before making the final cut to remove the branch.

Remove suckers (shoots that grow from the base of the plant) and water sprouts (fast-growing, upright shoots) as they can steal energy from the main plant.
Beyond the Basics: Considerations for Specific Plants

While these are general guidelines, some plants have specific pruning requirements. Here are some additional tips:

Roses: Prune roses in late winter/early spring to remove dead, diseased, or crossed branches. Aim for an open center to improve air circulation.

Hedges: Formal hedges can be pruned throughout the growing season to maintain their shape. Informal hedges benefit from one or two prunings per year.

Fruit Trees: Fruit trees require specific pruning techniques to encourage fruit production. Research the appropriate method for your specific type of fruit tree.

The Final Snip: Reap the Rewards of Pruning

Regular pruning is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a healthy and thriving garden. By understanding the benefits of pruning, using the right tools, and following these basic techniques, you can transform your UK garden into a flourishing paradise. So, grab your shears, embrace the art of pruning, and witness the transformative power it has on your plants!

29/04/2024

I could stay here all day long 😍 Little Blue House Designs Cornwall dont be late for coffee have a fab day :)