Collins Practical Gardener – serie

Whether it's a small citrus plant or a large vine, conservatory plants are more popular than ever. Collins Practical Gardener Conservatory & Greenhouse Gardening is bursting with practical advice and step-by-step instructions covering everything from choosing and planning a structure to filling it full of plants and keeping them thriving.Covers all the technical know-how you'll need including planning permission, different types of structure available and how to keep your greenhouse clean.The book is a complete guide to how to maintain different types of growing conditions using heaters, ventilation, water systems, light and shade, and tips on what plants grow best in which environment. it contains all the information you will need on feeding, watering, repotting, pruning and support – even advice on keeping your plants healthy while you're on holiday!A comprehensive A–Z directory of all commonly available conservatory and greenhouse plants provides an at-a-glance reference for care needs and individual varieties. Another invaluable feature is the diagnostic troubleshooting chart, enabling you to identify plant problems from the symptoms.Bursting with information, advice and practical tips this informative guide to conservatory and greenhouse gardening is the most attractive and down-to-earth reference of its kind.Contents:• INTRODUCTION.• BUYING AND BUILDING A GREENHOUSE/ CONSERVATORY–Choosing a greenhouse–Siting and erecting a greenhouse./conservatory• PLANNING YOUR GREENHOUSE–Planning the space–Temperature–Water–Light• CARING FOR THE PLANTS–Soil–Watering–Humidity–Feeding–Cleaning–Support–Pruning• PROPAGATION• SEASON BY SEASON GUIDE.–Maintaining the greenhouse–A–Z directory–Troubleshooting Chart–Pests and diseases

Pruning is the number one anxiety of aspiring gardeners who want to train and stimulate their plants but fear they might kill them. Pruning now joins the hugely successful Collins Practical Gardener series to give you the best tips and techniques for pruning your entire garden, from roses and fruit trees to hedges and topiary plants.Pruning retains a plant's shape, improves flowering and fruiting, and keeps foliage and stems healthy. This books guides you through the vast range of tools and equipment that can be used for different pruning tasks and gives you the full understanding of plants necessary for proper pruning.General techniques are followed by a comprehensive A–Z directory of ornamental plants, plus hardy fruit trees, exotic and tender fruits and nuts, and soft fruits. Since the pruning methods required by different plants vary, the specific guidelines are invaluable.A pruner's glossary enables quick reference and, since pruning is more than a once-or-twice-a-year job, the pruner's calendar is an essential reminder of your year-round schedule for keeping your plants at their best.Packed with information, advice and practical tips this informative guide to pruning is the most attractive and down-to-earth reference of its kind.Contents include:• Assessing your garden• Reasons for pruning• Tools and equipment• Understanding plants• Pruning techniques• Pruning roses• Hedges and topiary• Ornamental plant A–Z directory• Pruning hardy fruit trees• Pruning exotic and tender fruits and nuts• Pruning soft fruits• A pruner's glossary• The pruner's year