John is here to answer your gardening questions
How do I care for my bonsai?
Q I have grown these bonsai from seeds. They are 4in (10cm) tall. Could you advise me which compost to use and what size pot to transplant them into? When should I transplant them and when should I feed them? Also, how much watering do they require?
A Well done! Your seedlings appear to be those of European larch (Larix decidua). Ideally, in April, transfer them to specially fired shallow bonsai pots, 6in/15cm in diameter, setting them in a compost mix, by volume, of 3 parts Akadama (hard-baked Japanese clay granules), 3 parts pumice and 3 parts lava rock. Porous compost and good drainage are vital for strong growth.
Initially, when your plants are 6in/15cm tall, behead them to encourage bushy growth. Water only when the potting compost feels dry. Annually, in spring, when your charges are maturing, ease them from their containers and shorten roots by half their length to encourage a mat of fibrous ‘feeders’. Then repot your plants in fresh compost. Additionally, feed them with half-strength liquid fertiliser every three weeks from April to September.
Finally, entwine shoots with florist’s wire and bend it artistically to create the illusion of an ancient tree.
Will my plants survive the flood?
Q My onions, garlic and broad beans were all growing well. Now they are under 3in/7cm of flood water and likely to be for another week. What are their chances of survival, the same with my dahlias which I didn’t lift?
A Pleasingly, most plants are remarkably resilient to adverse conditions and yours, provided the soil drains reasonably freely, should come to no harm. If, hopefully, the flood water recedes within a week and plants are once more fully exposed, they should recover well and you should not have any fatalities.
In future, if the patch in question is liable to flooding, dig a herringbone system of sloping drainage channels around 9in/23cm deep leading to a generous soakaway filled with waterabsorbing bricks. Half-fill trenches with shingle or pebbles topped with flat tiles before filling in with soil.
Potting cuttings
Q What is the best compost to pot rooted cuttings into?
A The important thing when potting-on very young plants with immature roots is to introduce them gradually to greater levels of nutrition. In this instance, we suggest that you transfer them to small pots, one container per plant, filled with John Innes No. 1.
Perfect for seeds, seedlings, plug plants and rooted cuttings, it consists of a mix of sterilised loam, grit and peat-free ingredients. Feeding plants for up to six weeks, it will boost your charges into robust growth.
