Acer trees (Japanese maples) are slow growing trees, though some varieties will eventually grow high and wide. As such, they’re ideal for planting in containers. But as they grow, you do need to repot an acer tree occasionally to allow enough room for its roots to spread. If this is your first acer and your planting it on a pot for the first time, check out my guide on growing acers in pots here. If you are reporting into a…
Scorched leaves on a Japanese maple (acer) tree are usually the result of environmental stresses. Japanese maples are the maple trees most commonly affected by this problem. Here’s what causes maple leaf scorch and also how to avoid it. Symptoms Acer tree leaf scorch shows up as foliage turning brown, especially around the edges and at the tips. Often the leaves then curl up, shrivel and die. Sometimes branches also die back. Leaf scorch isn’t a problem that causes long-term…
It’s quite straightforward to plant an acer tree in the ground. I give you instructions for how to do this plus advice on when and where to plant these Japanese maple trees. When to plant an acer tree The best time to plant an acer tree (Japanese maple) is in the early autumn through the winter time. This translates generally from October to March, at least a month before the ground freezes. You can also plant these trees in spring…
There aren’t too many acer plant problems. The acer tree (known also as the Japanese maple) is a relatively easy plant to look after. However, it can be susceptible to a few harmful conditions. The environment, insects, fungus, disease and even you can cause these acer plant issues, sometimes causing the Japanese maple to die. Environmental problems Environment problems such as too much sun result in scorched leaves on the acer tree. This is where the leaves turn brown at…
Acer trees (aka Japanese maples) are hardy trees and easy to look after. However, protecting an acer tree over winter helps them to survive to yet another growing season. I cover advice for both acer trees planted in the ground and those grown in pots. For all acer trees, wherever they are planted Overall Health The healthier your acer tree is, the stronger it is to survive the winter weather. Look after it well all year long, attending to its…
Gooseberries have been a popular British fruit for centuries dating as far back as the Elizabethan era. The fruits are in their season between May and August, with their peak being in July. Early in their season, gooseberries are bright green in colour and usually have veined effects on their skin. They are also somewhat hard and tart. This variety is perfect for making the classic English pudding, jams, tarts, and sauces. Later on, the fully ripe, sweeter fruits available…
Gooseberries are known for making jams, desserts and wines thanks to their sweet-tart taste when ripe. The fruits have just one season through the year and when it’s time to harvest, you will much likely end up with a lot of them. Under-ripe berries are perfect for jam preparation whilst the fully ripe fruits are ideal for use in beverages and desserts. The gooseberries, however, will not last too long after the harvest and this is were freezing them comes…
The major reason people grow gooseberries is to indulge in the delicious fruit. If you have gooseberry plants around, you expect them to bear fruit at a certain point, and if this doesn’t happen; there is a problem. If you are facing this challenge, below are factors affecting your plant’s ability to fruit and what you can do about it: The two most common reasons for gooseberries not fruiting are either they are simply too young, they need a good…
Gooseberries are a doddle to grow and can flourish in nearly any kind of soil provided that they have lots of sunshine. They can be grown in pots or containers, as bushes or even trained against a fence or wall to save space. Today we’ll delve into growing gooseberries in pots and the various aspects surrounding their growth; watering, harvesting, common problems, and more. Planting the gooseberry in pots Gooseberries are hardy, deciduous, perennial shrubs that grow up to 5ft…
Growing gooseberries from cuttings is an easy and inexpensive process that can be done by following a few simple steps. When to take gooseberry cuttings Ideally, you want to take hardwood cuttings which should be done between September and October while the ground is still warm to encourage rooting. Still, the most ideal time is just after the plants have dropped their leaves or just before. How to take gooseberry cuttings Cuttings from gooseberry bushes must be made from hardwood…