Ask the RHS EXPERTS
Autumn clear-outs
Q I give my garden a good clear-out every year around this time. However, with new information coming to light about helping wildlife I’m now wondering if this is causing harm to the more hidden residents of my garden?
A Tidiness in gardens is not appreciated by wildlife but the garden does not have to be a tip either to support wildlife. Where plants have to be cut back, consider arranging them as small temporary piles where they won’t be a nuisance and finally compost them in spring. Seeding weeds must be pulled up but can be left in parts of the garden where they won’t cause problems and with luck many seeds will be eaten by birds and insects.
Bare soil is of little use to wildlife so plant up or at least mulch with organic materials such as leaves and bark chips. Planting containers with winter flowering pansies and primula can add to insect resources over winter into spring.
Peat repeat
Q I always use bags of compost from the shop for my pots and for growing seedlings, but does this need replacing each year or can I reuse it?
A Potting compost is expensive so it is a pity to discard it. As long as the plants were healthy potting media can be reused – for autumn bulb containers, for example, but perhaps not for raising young plants. The most important part of potting media decline as it breaks down so adding fresh compost 50:50 with the old is wise. Alternatively add fine bark chips at the rate to 25% by volume to the old compost
