Wednesday, 8 February 2017

PLANTS FOR SEASIDE AREAS


Click here for the 'Seeds of Eaden' seed shop

Some plants are better adapted at thriving in seaside conditions, coping with high salt levels, strong drying winds and poor soils.

The plants that thrive in coastal areas have adapted to conserving water, often by succulence of leaf or stem. Alternatively they can also protect against water loss by tough waxy or hairy leaves.

All coastal plants are tolerant of high levels of salt in both the soil and in salt spray. They often have large tap roots to help anchor them in strong winds.

When planning a garden near coastal areas there are some great plant species that will thrive in this environment.  Shrubs and trees can be used to act as protection for other plants, creating microclimates where other non-coastal plants can thrive.





Ammophila arenaria
Arbutus unedo
Armeria maritima
Calystegia soldanella
Chamaerops humilis
Choisya
Crataegus
Colutea
Cordyline australis
Cotoneaster
Crambe maritima
Cytisus
Eryngium maritimum
Escallonia
Euonymus fortunei
Garrya elliptica
Griselinia littoralis
Hebe
Helianthemum
Helichrysum
Honkenya peploides
Hydrangea macrophylla
Ilex aquifolium
Laurus noblis
Lavatera arborea
Lavendula
Olearia
Ononis repens
Phormium
Pittosporum
Pyracantha
Quercus ilex
Rosa
Rosmarinus officinalis
Salix
Santolina
Senecio
Spiraea
Tamarix
Ulex
Viburnum
Yucca

Plants for seaside areas
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Friday, 3 February 2017

HOW TO GROW A LEMON FROM SEED


Click here for the 'Seeds of Eaden' seed shop

 Inspired by Georges' recently grown apple tree, I have decided to try my luck at growing an lemon tree from seed.  I will keep it indoors until the really warm weather, and bring it back indoors during the winter.

 Lemon trees grown from seed will take nearly 10 years to bear fruit. Similar to apples, commercial lemon trees are grown on a rootstock which means they fruit much earlier. When growing lemon fro seed remember that the seed will not be true to the parent.  It is best to align this germination period with winter so that the seedlings can emerge into their first spring and make the most of the growing season.

 Firstly, to grow an lemon tree from seed I need to get the pips from lemon.  Easy peasy (Lemon squeezy lol) with lemons used for pancakes. Use a knife to cut your lemon in half and remove the seeds.  Rinse them in water to remove any sugar and pulp.  Place in a bowl filled with water and leave overnight. If you are not planting them straight away you can air dry them overnight then place in a sealed plastic bag and leave in the fridge.

Lemons like a well drained soil. Fill a 9 cm pot with John Innes seed & potting compost and vermiculite. Water well.  Spread the seeds over the surface of the pot whilst they are still moist and sprinkle a 1 cm layer of the potting compost over the top of them.  Mist with water and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.

 Place in a sunny and warm position (around 70 degrees).  After 3-6 weeks the seeds will germinate.  Remove the plastic cover and move to a sunny windowsill. Mist regularly to ensure the compost does not dry out.

 When the seedling is large enough to transport, around 10 cm high, place it outside or in a cold frame to harden off for several weeks. Plant your lemon seedling into a large pot and place in a sunny, sheltered site well away from any frost pockets.  Water regularly.

 Lemons are tender so protect from frost and bring indoors during the winter.

How to propagate from root cuttings
How to overwinter banana plants
How to grow hardy bananas
How to grow an apple from seed
How to grow a lemon tree
Recipe for cider roast pork
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