Tracys Initial Garden Report
Report Overview
This report follows a garden visit to Tracy’s garden at 26 Convent Road, Broadstairs. The visit covered feeding and compost, lawn care and topdressing, pest and disease management, mulching and soil improvement, and a detailed planting scheme for both borders. Full notes and additional product links are available at your online section at gardenadvice.co.uk/tracy/
Your Gardening Tasks Overview
The following notes and tasks are set out in sections from the garden visit. Further information and product links will be added to your online section at
gardenadvice.co.uk/tracy/ as they become available. For any questions in the meantime ask Helene.
1. Feeding Your Plants
A list of plants requiring additional feeding with Miracle-Gro has been published on your online section. These plants should be fed once a week from now until the end of July using Miracle-Gro, which contains approximately 24% nitrogen to encourage strong leafy growth. After July, switch these plants back to a liquid tomato feed. All remaining plants can be fed once every three weeks with liquid tomato feed throughout the growing season to encourage flowering, particularly on plants such as the wisteria. Once a year during the winter period, feed the whole garden with Growmore granular fertiliser at one handful per square metre. For further feeding advice ask Helene.
2. Compost and Potting
The best compost to use throughout the garden is John Innes soil-based compost. No. 1 is suitable for seedlings and young plants, No. 2 for most general potting and houseplants, and No. 3 for mature plants and long-term container growing. Terracotta pots are generally
preferable to plastic as they improve airflow and help regulate moisture. For houseplants, repot into John Innes No. 2 in terracotta pots and then place these inside decorative ceramic pots — this increases humidity around the plant and generally improves health. The same principle applies to outdoor container plants. For further advice ask Helene.
3. Acer Planting Suggestion
Around the base of the acer, plant hostas or other fleshy-leaved plants to help create a more humid microclimate. Acers perform best when their roots are kept cool and moist, and a low planting of hostas or similar shade-tolerant plants helps achieve this naturally while also filling the space attractively. For plant suggestions ask Helene.
4. Lawn Care and Topdressing
The lawn has already been overseeded. Any future overseeding should use a fine grass seed mixture. Once seed is applied, keep the lawn moist for approximately two weeks while it germinates. It is fine to walk lightly on the lawn after seeding and topdressing — this helps press the seed into contact with the soil and gently damages young grass blades, encouraging tillering which thickens the sward. For topdressing, use the lute to apply dressing little and often, rubbing it well into the surface to fill hollow areas. Avoid smothering the grass with heavy applications. After three or four light applications the lawn should begin to level out noticeably. For further lawn advice ask Helene or ask Helene.
5. Ants in Paving
Ant activity is likely to become more noticeable later in the year as ants mine the sand beneath the paving. A biological ant treatment can help manage populations — we recommend Nemasys No Ant nematodes, available here:
greengardener.co.uk/product/nemasys-no-ant-50-sqm-pack/. We also recommend a paving sand sealant, which binds the sand particles together and prevents ants from tunnelling through it — a product link will be added to your online section at gardenadvice.co.uk/tracy/ For further advice ask Helene.
6. Pests and Diseases
The main pest to watch for is slugs. Beer traps are useful for monitoring slug activity levels and the most effective long-term control is nematodes, applied as a soil drench when the ground is warm enough. Leather jackets (lawn grubs) are becoming more common as the climate changes and can cause bare patches in the lawn — treat by applying nematodes directly to the lawn. For advice on natural slug control see gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening how-to/garden-pests/ or ask Helene.
7. Mulching and Soil Improvement
The right-hand border (looking out from the house) will be kept acidic — use well-rotted horse manure or cow manure as mulch on this side. The area affected by ground elder will be covered with landscape sheeting and then bark mulch to suppress and weaken the weed before it becomes fully re-established. On the left-hand side, use spent mushroom compost as mulch. Worms will also be introduced to improve soil structure, and a fencing pin can be used to break up any soil pan and improve drainage and root penetration. Additional notes on this process will be added to your online section. By adding mulch and encouraging worm activity across both sides, the soil structure should gradually improve and help reduce any perched water table. For further advice ask Helene.
Suggested Planting Scheme – Right-Hand Border
This side of the garden is naturally more acidic and slightly woodland in character. The
planting focuses on acid-loving plants, soft woodland-style perennials, ferns, and moisture loving species, creating a layered scheme with long seasonal interest and foliage texture throughout the year.
Early Spring Flowering
Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrops), Cyclamen coum, Eranthis hyemalis (Winter aconite), Helleborus orientalis, Anemone blanda, Iris reticulata.
Spring to Early Summer
Primula denticulata, Brunnera macrophylla, Pulmonaria officinalis, Dodecatheon meadia, Trillium grandiflorum, Epimedium x perralchicum, Dicentra spectabilis, Polygonatum odoratum (Solomon’s Seal), Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove), Tiarella cordifolia.
Summer Flowering
Astrantia major, Astilbe chinensis, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, Hydrangea serrata.
Late Summer to Autumn
Aster x frikartii ‘Mönch’, Anemone hupehensis, Cyclamen hederifolium, Colchicum autumnale.
Evergreen Structure and Foliage
Skimmia japonica, Heuchera varieties, Polystichum setiferum (Soft shield fern), Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’, Bergenia cordifolia.
Suggested Climber
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris — a compact white-flowered climbing hydrangea suitable for the fence or wall area on this side of the garden.
Suggested Planting Scheme – Left-Hand Border
The left-hand border is intended to become a richer, more fertile border using spent mushroom compost and soil improvement. The planting is slightly sunnier and more mixed, with compact herbaceous perennials, bulbs, and longer-flowering plants designed to give colour over a long period. The overall aim is for this border to become softer, more colourful, and longer flowering while the right-hand side remains cooler, greener, and more woodland in character.
Early Spring Flowering
Crocus tommasinianus, Cyclamen coum, Iris reticulata.
Spring Flowering
Primula vulgaris, Bergenia cordifolia, Brunnera macrophylla, Pulmonaria officinalis.
Late Spring to Summer
Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’, Alchemilla mollis, Astrantia major, Heuchera varieties, Dodecatheon meadia.
Summer Flowering
Salvia nemorosa, Verbena bonariensis, Achillea millefolium, Echinacea purpurea, Coreopsis verticillata.
Late Summer to Autumn
Japanese anemones, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Aster varieties.
Evergreen and Structural Plants
Compact grasses, Heucheras, Bergenias, small evergreen ferns.
General Notes
Feeding Your Plants
For general feeding, we recommend applying Growmore fertiliser once a year, in either spring or autumn, at approximately one handful per square metre of soil or container surface. Growmore is a granular fertiliser that can be watered in or left to be absorbed by rain. Since it is granular, it will bounce off leaves but be washed through weed sheeting or mulch layers to reach the soil.
Growmore is a low-nitrate fertiliser that promotes flower and fruit production without causing excessive green growth. For stimulating green growth, especially after pruning overgrown plants, we recommend an additional spring feed using Miracle-Gro fertiliser, which is high in nitrates.
After the initial Growmore feed, continue feeding your plants every 2 to 6 weeks from March to October using a liquid tomato feed high in potash.
Feeder link:
https://www.bloomling.uk/multikraft/aquamix-fertiliser-mixer-sprayer
Using a hose-end feeder like the one above is easier than mixing fertiliser in a watering can. Your GardenAdvice gardener can help with the correct settings. Miracle-Gro can also be used in this feeder, though it may cause slight leakage.
For acid-loving plants, use ericaceous fertiliser available at most garden centres. Acid Soil-Loving Plants
Plants such as camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias typically grow in forest floor conditions, with fleshy leaves adapted for shady environments. These plants often have upward-growing roots that seek fresh leaf litter rather than growing deep into the soil.
To mimic this environment in your garden, mulch the base with acidic mulch such as well rotted farmyard or horse manure. Well-rotted leaf mould is also ideal.
Caution: Check for weed contamination (e.g. bindweed) in manure or leaf mould before applying.
Weeding Annual Weeds
Annual weeds like chickweed and hairy bittercress grow from seed each year. Control them
by applying a clean mulch, such as spent mushroom compost or bark chips, which blocks sunlight and prevents germination. Always cut down annual surface weeds before applying mulch one other option is to apply a layer of used cardboard before applying the mulch to help stop annual weeds.
Weeding Perennial Weeds
For most weeds, mulching and ground sheeting are effective. However, for the top five UK perennial weeds, chemical control or smothering may be needed:
● Couch Grass
● Mares Tail
● Brambles
● Bindweed
● Japanese Knotweed
We recommend spot-treating with Roundup weed killer using a hand sprayer or weed wipe.
More info: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-plants/difficult-garden weeds/
Roundup weed killer: https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/roundup
Landscape sheeting: https://www.toolstation.com/heavy-duty-landscape-fabric/p45800 Weed Killer Spot Treatments
Apply Roundup weed killer (gel or liquid via hand sprayer) to weeds like brambles and bindweed. It penetrates through green leaves and travels internally to kill the plant. Be careful not to get it on other garden plants.
Apply on dry days, allowing 4 hours for drying. Safe for pets once dry. Results appear in 4 weeks. Persistent weeds may need 2–3 applications over 6 weeks.
Roundup weed killer: https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/roundup
Weed stick: https://www.progreen.co.uk/weedstick-spot-treat-weeds/
Mulching and Earthworms
Mulching controls annual weeds and improves soil structure. Traditional digging can damage roots and surface more weed seeds (which can remain viable for 20 years). A clean mulch like spent mushroom compost blocks light from seeds.
Earthworms incorporate the mulch into the soil, improving texture and moisture retention without encouraging weeds.
Lawn Care
The GardenAdvice MyGardenTeam service includes a soil test. Your results indicate slightly acidic soil; therefore, we recommend Bio Lime fertiliser to adjust pH and improve grass growth while reducing moss and weeds.
Bio Lime: https://www.amenity.co.uk/shop/viano-green-comfort-bio-lime-organic-fertiliser-20-
kg.html
Moss remover: https://www.amenity.co.uk/shop/mo-bacter-organic-lawn-fertiliser-moss remover-20kg.html
Lawn Weeds
Treat lawn weeds using Verdone weed killer with a watering can (fine rose attachment). It targets broadleaf weeds without harming grass.
Verdone (now Weedol for Lawns): https://www.lawnsmith.co.uk/weedol-verdone-lawn-weed killer?
Note: Do not use Weedol for paths (a total weed killer).
Over seeding with Clover on Lawns
With the climate changing another option with the lawn is to use clover which will create a lawn which holds the colour and is useable in both summer and winter months https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/lawns/benefits-of-a-micro-clover-lawn/
Patios
To restore patios, apply Doff patio cleaner with a watering can, let it soak for a few days, then scrub with a stiff broom or pressure wash.
Doff Cleaner: https://www.doff.co.uk/product/super-concentrate-path-patio-decking-cleaner/ General Pruning Notes
Pruning helps maintain shape and regenerate plants. Rather than trimming, remove full stems. See you online section
Supporting Your Plants
Wires for walls and fences:
● Wire rope: https://www.toolstation.com/galvanised-wire-rope/p89647 ● Turnbuckle: https://www.toolstation.com/turnbuckle/p71374
● Thimble: https://www.toolstation.com/wire-rope-thimble/p70990
● Clamp: https://www.toolstation.com/wire-rope-clamp/p63506
Alternatively Amazon sell some suitable kits online search for – TooTaci 30M Garden Wire for Climbing Plants, 2mm PVC Coated Stainless Steel Cable with M5 Turnbuckles, Fence Wire, Vine Eyes for Climbing Plants, Perfect for Trellis, Outdoor String Light
Frames for Perennials:
● Support tall plants like Phlox with frames. Let plants grow through the frame for a natural look.
● Frames: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/blog/support-your-plants-this-summer/ Garden Irrigation
Borders: Use a leaky hose over mulch/ground sheeting.
● Leaky hose: https://www.hozelock.com/product/porous-soaker-hose/
Pots and Veg Gardens: Use a micro irrigation system (e.g., Gardena drip kit). It increases yield by up to 30% and conserves water.
● Starter Kit: https://www.gardena.com/uk/products/watering/micro-drip/starter-set flower-pots-m-automatic/967039501/
Watering Container Plants
Top tips:
1. Use John Innes soil-based compost.
2. Use clay pots for natural humidity.
3. Tap the pot to gauge moisture.
4. Rinse dust off plants in the shower or outdoors.
More tips: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/houseplants/watering-your houseplants/
Composts
We recommend John Innes soil-based composts (1, 2, 3). Higher numbers mean more fertiliser. For acid-loving plants, use John Innes Ericaceous.
Seedlings: Start with No. 1, then re-pot into No. 2.
Be cautious: Avoid “multi-purpose compost with added John Innes” – not the same. John Innes compost: https://www.gardenhealth.com/products/john-innes-compost Seedling Compost
Best for sowing seeds indoors: Coco Coir compost
Coco Coir Compost: https://www.diy.com/departments/bigbudz-5-pack-coco-bricks-9l-each organic-coconut-fibre/3333714182715_BQ.prd
Composting
Use old builders’ pallets to build a simple compost heap:
Guide: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/tomsgarden/creating-a-simple-compost-heap/ Tips:
● Compost should be moist (squeeze to get 2–3 drops of water)
● Add Growmore every two months
● Cover in winter (e.g., with old carpet)
Pest Control
Companion Planting:
● Nasturtium: Attracts pests away from key plants
● Calendula: Repels pests with scent/colour
● Pyrethrum: Natural insecticide
Biological Control:
● Vine Weevil: https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/vine-weevil-killer-nematodes/12- nemasys-vine-weevil-killer-nematodes-small
● Slugs: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-pests/controlling-slugs/ ● https://www.agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/Products/Product-Search/Biological/Nemaslug 2.0.html
● Ants: https://gardenadvice.co.uk/gardening-how-to/garden-pests/ant-problems-in the-garden/
● https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/no-ants-nematodes/16-nemasys-no-ants-16-ant nest-treatment
● Leatherjackets:
https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/leatherjacket-killer-nematodes/17-nemasys leatherjacket-killer-single-pack-50sqm
● Chafer Grubs: https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/chafer-grub-killer-nematodes/21- nemasys-chafer-grub-killer-100-sq-m
Hedges
Feed your hedges once a year with Growmore fertiliser to maintain health and density. Mulching Borders
Mulch helps reduce weeding and improves soil health. Use weed sheeting plus bark for trees/shrubs or spent mushroom compost/well-rotted manure for perennials. Ensure compost is weed-free.
Always fertilise (e.g., Growmore) before applying mulch, as decomposing mulch can deplete soil nutrients.
Important:
● Spent mushroom compost is alkaline (not suitable for acid-loving plants) ● Annual top-up needed
● Spot treat persistent weeds with Roundup
