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Get yourself trees grafted onto dwarf rootstock i.e. Apple: MM106 rootstock. these can be planted in allotments/small gardens and grow to a maximum of 10ft. Pruning will obviously reduce this height and will probably improve the yield. Google search for dwarf rootstock for all the varieties you woul...

The answer is that you can't expect them to come true to type from seed. By far the best way to obtain large numbers of one variety is the layering method. The downside is that it takes a couple of years to get enough to do anything with. You can obtain seedlings here: http://www.agroforestry.co.uk/...

Well done Marshlander! Apparantly every written complaint the BBC receive equates to an estimated 30,000 people who grumbled but didn't write. 35% of the Adult UK Population fall into this category. They actively take this demographic into account, so if you really want to make a difference, write t...

Good article on the Squash Vine Borer: http://masterofhort.com/2012/04/control ... ucurbitae/

It is a European Chafer, Loads of info here Durgan: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/chafer.htm



Both it and the Squash Vine Borer are pests and will affect your crops/pasture.

I'm not so sure the beetle is a water boatman as they live underwater and their back limbs are modified to form paddles. They look more like May bugs or cockchafers. The second one is actually a moth, it's a Squash Vine Borer, Melittia cucurbitae it mimics a wasp to deter predators.

Soak your corks in boiling water prior to inserting them, (allow about 1 inch air space under the cork). Once you've corked the bottle leave the bottle standing for a day or two to allow compressed gasses to escape through the cork, then lay them down to store. Another trick I've heard of but never ...

Mine is £25 per year 11m x11m, it's in a secure compound with running water. As for loos, I use the organic method (Small hole + sawdust).

Looks like Elder to me too!

Google map it on the satellite setting to try to find local water sources (Streams etc).

Once you have your plot, join the allotment association, you may be able to swap to one nearer home as is possible with council accommodation.

I used to live in Swindon. Where abouts are the allotments?

it does look like a Datura: http://walkingprescott.blogspot.co.uk/2 ... chive.html

Don't prune it until after the leaves have fallen off. Mark the unwanted branches now with coloured wool/string so you know what to get rid of when it's naked.

Bend the stalks over and trample them, then spray with glyphosate. the trampling damages the waxy surface and allows the weedkiller to penetrate the weed.

Alternatively, pick them and polish your pewter with them.

I concur with MMM about the first one. The second one looks like it could be a climber/vine. The primary (juvenile) leaves are really unusual aren't they! What shape are the secondary leaves?

Wild garlic (Ramsons) is really easy to grow from seed. As said before, it is VERY invasive. My father planted 2 bulbs which he picked up after a tree had blown down and exposed the underlying soil. His garden is awash with them now. They are very efficient at casting seed. There's very good advice ...