As the days turn crisp and autumn colours settle in, many of us are tidying the garden, planting for spring, and looking after houseplants indoors. On my latest radio Q&A, I answered some brilliant listener questions covering everything from reviving Christmas cactus to tackling fungal leaf spot on plums.
Listen back her - click the Play Arrow for a clip or click on the link to here the full episode.
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Here’s a round-up of the key advice.
Christmas Cactus Looking Sad?
If your plant hasn’t been repotted in years, that’s likely the problem. Move it into a slightly larger pot (just 2 inches bigger) using a good multi-purpose compost mixed with grit for drainage. A liquid feed, even tomato food, will also help boost flowers.
Will an Over-Pruned Laurel Recover?
Yes. If it’s the common evergreen laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), don’t panic, it will rejuvenate and send out new growth, even after a heavy-handed prune.
Why Are My Apples So Small?
This year’s dry summer reduced fruit size. Thinning apples earlier would have helped, but you can still improve things by:
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Adding organic matter (compost or manure) to improve soil moisture retention.
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Pruning from November to reduce the number of branches, fewer fruits + the same root system = bigger apples next year.
Black Spots on Plum Tree Leaves
This is fungal leaf spot, common in our damp climate. To manage it:
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Collect and remove fallen leaves (don’t compost them).
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Prune in summer to open up the centre of the tree for airflow.
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In early spring at bud burst, treat with a copper sulphate drench.
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Feed the tree with organic matter or biochar to strengthen immunity.
When to Plant Daffodils
Wait until October when the temperatures have dropped. Too early and the bulbs may sprout prematurely.
Colour for Winter Pots
For cheerful displays, try:
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Bedding: cyclamen, polyanthus, and winter pansies (pretty, but not pollinator-friendly).
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Pollinator-friendly: winter heathers.
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Evergreen interest: ornamental grasses like Carex.
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Shrubs & berries: skimmia, pernettya, and callicarpa (purple berries), which also feed birds.
Final Thought
Autumn is the season of preparation: tidying, cutting back, adding organic matter, and planting for the months ahead. Small steps now ensure a healthier, more colourful garden come spring.
👉 For more seasonal gardening tips, visit my Garden Design page or see my latest blog posts