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Peat moss and plants that like lime - Peat moss can be safely used and it will improve the structure of the soil, increase its water holding capacity and make it easier to work. But, as peat moss has an acid reaction, lime must be used to counter the acidity. A dressing of lime, say a good... more

Fixing shallow hard loamy clay soil - 1 Add soil to the surface to increase the depth. 2 Double-dig the whole area. To do this, open up a 60 cm wide trench at one end of the area and remove the top soil down to the clay base. Barrow this soil to the other end of the area where digging will... more

Caring for Newly Sown Lawn - Don't make the mistake of sprinkling it daily; but if the upper inch or so of soil becomes obviously dry, then water it freely with a fine sprinkler adjusted so that it will not wash the surface soil away. Once the seed has started to germinate, the young... more

Sowing Seeds in Patches - Seeds can be sown directly on the permanent site by broadcasting or scattering them over a prepared patch of soil, where informal groups of flowering plants such as annuals are grown in a border, or where seeds of biennials or perennials are sown in frame... more

When to Plant Roses - All types of dormant rose-bushes can be planted. The season selected depends upon factors such as soil and climate. In heavy soils which hold much moisture, planting in early spring is often more successful. A planting in late August or during September i... more

Lawn Plugs - Plugging - Plugs are pieces of sod, one and a half or two inches or so in diameter, of creeping grasses. When planted, they quickly grow together and cover the ground. They differ from sprigs in that each consists of many rather than a few shoots and includes the so... more

Cactus and Soil - Cacti need food, therefore amongst the soil ingredients the most important are: Loam—organic matter (leaf mould or old manure) and sharp sand. Compost should be left to mature for at least a month before using. It should be turned weekly and kept just m... more