Q A tree surgeon friend has given us a huge pile of wood and bark chippings to use in the garden. What can I do with them and how thick should they be spread?
Gemma Winkley, Kidlington, Oxfordshire
A Wood chippings are a great resource for the garden and best used as a mulch. Make sure the areas are free of perennial weeds. Should you need to move any plants or add new ones, get this done beforehand. Ideally, apply the chippings before March while the soil is still moist and before the seeds of annual weeds begin to germinate. I spread the mulch 2-3in (5-8cm) thick where planting is dense, but up to 4in (10cm) for larger expanses of soil.
This story is from the February 04, 2023 edition of Amateur Gardening.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 04, 2023 edition of Amateur Gardening.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
