Plants. Please read through the useful hints, tips and how to guides below.

Do not plant tomatoes near an apricot tree - they do not flourish together.

Scatter crushed egg shells onto your garden round lime-loving Plants. Do not
place near azaleas or other acid-loving plants.

Ferns grown near a door or window will repel flies.

epsom salts

Sprinkle around the roots of maidenhair ferns after watering to encourage growth.

bananas

Skins help keep leaves of plants glossy, and can be used to feed staghorn ferns. Poke them in behind the plant.

epsom salts

To prevent flowers falling off vines, water round roots, then sprinkle on 500g epsom salts and water again.

bananas

Gardenias and hoyas will benefit from cut-up bananas dug into the soil.

To divide

Divide violets at the end of summer when flowering is finished. Allow a few weeks before feeding.

Leaves

To clean

soap (not detergent) | water

Wash glossy or leathery leaves with soapy water to remove dust and insect pests. Do not wash plants with downy leaves.

Leaf polish

1 teaspoon milk | 1 cup water

Use this to polish leaves instead of oil.

For good glossy growth
olive oil

Add a drop to plants and bulbs once a week.

Holiday security
old towel

Soak a towel with water, lay it in the sink or bath, and stand well-watered plants on it.

bowl | bandage

Fill bowl with water and drape one end of each strip of bandage into the water and the other end on a plant's pot.

plastic bag | rubber band or string or tie

Water plants thoroughly, place in a plastic bag and seal. Stand plants away from direct sun in a light position.

sphagnum moss

Water plants well, then cover soil with sodden sphagnum moss. It will slowly give up its moisture to the soil.

How to water

Water cyclamen, African violets and plants with fragile flowers by standing pots in 5 cm of water for a time. Remove when soil looks moist, otherwise roots may begin to rot. Water all other plants from the top. Always allow the surface soil to dry out before giving the plants a good soak. Ferns and flowering plants may need more regular attention unless they are in good damp peaty soil. Do not water with cold water. Leave watering can stand till water reaches room temperature, or add a little hot water.

Reduced watering
foam rubber

Add a handful of chopped foam rubber to potting mix when potting indoor
plants and watering can be cut back.

When to water?

Water only when plants are dry. Test by poking a finger into the soil, or insert
a knitting needle or pencil; if it comes out clean, the plants needs wa