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Dig It - Discussions on Gardening Topics
December '24 in the Garden
In this month’s DIG IT Peter Brown discusses the latest news in the world of gardening, what’s on’s and as the winter kicks in, Chris and Peter look at those gardening tasks to keep your garden looking its best this month and beyond.
Places to visit:
Winter Flowers Week at the Garden Museum, London
National Memorial Arboretum mile long light trail
Alnwick Castle lights show
Cambridge University Botanic Garden Light show
Kew Gardens Lights Show
Plants Mentioned:
The Welsh Bramley - Gabalfa Apple, Rose
Perfumy Silueta Rose bred by Kordes Rosen wins several categories in Rochfords International Rose Trials
The Woodland Trust Highlights the plight of our Native trees and encourages planting more.
Collections of Hamamelis, Amelanchier and Eucalyptus held at the National Memorial Arboretum and Ventnor Botanic Gardens gain National Plant Collection status.
Skippinish Oak wins the Woodland Trusts tree of the year competition
Lace Bug pest spotted in London
Garden Organic searches for comfrey
A new Palm Tahina Spectablis arrives at the Eden project
60 000 snowdrops planted at the National Trust property Montacute House in Somerset
Jane Steward champions the medlar and tries to raise its profile
In the news:
Cruser SB Neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam has been licensed for use on Sugar Beet in the UK despite being banned in the EU.
British Horticulture will have to bear increased costs on imports due to the Common User Charge
Inverary Castle wins Prestigious Gardens Award
Haig Hall in Wigan undergoes restoration
Bath wins prestigious RHS Britian in Bloom award for the second time, Wrexham won a Gold award for the City and Forres in Scotland also won the town award.
Defra’s latest Data indicates a fall in Bird species
Green Allotments offer a chance to win an Allotment site to try and help increase the number of allotments in the UK
The National Gardens Scheme announce gardens to visit in the New Year
Greenfingers charity has a new president who takes over from Sue Allen
Allett mowers announce the 2024 winner for the Creative Stripes competition
We announce our support of Ripple Africa again this festive period.
Our special thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for supplying the music.
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18:13||Season 5, Ep. 20In this Episode Peter and David discuss the upcoming RHS Glow Gardens, and Blenheim and Waddesdon winter lit gardens. We discuss some jobs for the week and what you can plant.19. End of October '25 in the Garden
23:44||Season 5, Ep. 19In this episode David tells uu about cropping his Christmas potatoes, Peter discovers what his compost heap has been up to and we go through a few jobs.The Garden Museum in London has a new exhibition on showing works by Rory McEwan one of the 20th century’s most celebrated botanical artists. We discuss the National Memorial Arboretum in StaffordshireWe discuss compost heaps and how long they take to turn garden matter into compost, David reminds us to collect leaves we suggest cleaning patio slabs to get rid of slippy algae build ups and if you are thinking of planting a hedge or some bare root plants we suggest to get the ground prepared now ready for winter planting.18. 21st October '25 in the Garden
24:32||Season 5, Ep. 18This week, join us for a deep dive into all things autumn, from the vibrant colours of the season in the Forest of Dean and Winkworth Arboretum to historic harvests and innovative allotments. Discover the origin of the Bramley apple at Nottingham’s Workhouse and Infirmary, where children's yoga adds a modern twist to the Apple Day celebrations. We'll explore the story of Buckland Abbey's reported bumper crop, see how allotments are becoming more accessible and biodiverse, and hear about the distinctive Fly Agaric mushrooms. Plus, we've got your essential gardening jobs for October, from mulching your beds to clearing leaves for leaf mould.
17. The benefits of fertlizer with David Gale
01:09:42||Season 5, Ep. 17In this episode of Dig It Peter chats with David Gale about fertilisers. David is an industry expert and has had a long, varied and successful career. From organising fertiliser trials to moving on to reformulating some of the most popular fertilisers on the market, for example Phostrogen, to teaching many, many workers in Garden Centres and Big Sheds the benefits and advantages of feeding your plants.We learn where fertilisers come from, the different types and whether organic fertilisers are better than regular and if plants can tell the difference. We discuss the difference between Bio-Stimulants like Maxicrop and fertilisers. There are many different types of plant food on the market and David gives us some great tips on when and where and how often we should feed our plants.16. Week 2, October '25 in the Garden
26:06||Season 5, Ep. 16In the new weekly format David and Peter chat about the fact its rained, splitting Rhubarb, then suggest shows to Visit – The National Garden Alpine show in Harlow Carr, Yorkshire The Apple and Harvest Show, Ely Plants Discussed: Alpines, Cyclamen, learn more with the RHS Alpine Master class series - www.youtube.com/watch?v=REWSjG5LRNk&t=36s Growing Hops- The Guardian an article by Claire RatinonProducts and suppliers mentioned:Hornes Brewery Silverstone BreweryChafor WineEnriching your plot with Green Manures, David is trying Beans this Autumn.David discusses PomPom Dahlias and how great they are.Jobs to do:Fleece tender plants, start collecting leaves for creating leaf mould in bin liners. Net your pond to help prevent leaves from building up and drain your hoses to save damage from freezing. Plant Spring bulbs and create new winter flowering pots with Cyclamen, Pansies and Ivy. Check your Bird feeders are clean and refill, and make sure bird baths have water to help wild birds. Take care of Hedgehogs making sure you don’t disturb them if they are hibernating and watch out for them in Bonfire piles.15. Week 1, October '25 in the Garden
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14. Apples with Gerry Edwards
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