Gardeners' Question Time Postbag Edition: RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden
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Oct 17, 2025 Join experienced horticulturist Matthew Pottage, plantsman Matthew Biggs, and pest expert Pippa Greenwood as they explore the innovative RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden. They discuss the garden's role in training future horticulturists while tackling listener queries, from troubleshooting droopy courgettes to managing pesky woolly aphids. Discover ecological insights on mast years and practical tips for composting and caring for plants in this engaging conversation packed with expertise.
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Care For Dried-Out Ferns
- Check the fern crown and feel for a solid, firm growing tip before deciding to remove it.
- Mulch in autumn with garden compost or shredded manure to feed the soil and boost spring recovery.
Understanding Mast Years
- Mast years occur when multiple factors align: flowering, pollination and environmental stress lead to bumper crops.
- Expect ecological boom-and-bust cycles and plan storage or wildlife support accordingly.
Prevent Courgette Blossom Rot
- Keep courgettes moist at the roots but avoid wetting the flowers to prevent blossom rot.
- Remove older flowers once fruits reach ~5 cm in damp seasons to stop rot spreading and save developing fruit.