Your gardening year...the latest advice from top experts

[@susanmckenna3882]

It's good to see you Alexandra, I hope you have completely recovered from your bout of covid. Great information as always! Looking forward to seeing more beautiful English gardens in 2022. 🥰

[@mt2766]

Indeed. It’s good to see you, Alexandra. And thank you for another inspiring video. Be well.

[@johnwaterman8884]

So sorry that you had covid and hope you are not only able to get fully vaccinated but also get a booster. Take care and enjoy your videos here in the c.f. USA.Margie waterman

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much! I wasn't too ill, because I was fully vaccinated, but it still wasn't pleasant! And I think mine was definitely omicron, because I didn't have a cough, so I hate to think what the earlier, more powerful ones must have been like.

[@jimbailey3705]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden glad you’re recovered. I dodged getting Covid all this time, but caught omicron, too. It really is hard not to catch it!

[@ourlifeedited6441]

Glad to see you’re feeling better. Thank you for the video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! Still a bit tired, but very glad to be back here.

[@deew412]

The slug and snail advice was most helpful

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@giennefarcais6834]

As much as I love your gardening advice, I admit I really look forward to seeing your beautiful dog enjoying him/herself, living the good life in the garden!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Me, too. She does love the garden.

[@christinawall1000]

Thank you for the practical advice on early control.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@dianeasberry7928]

I have missed your videos so happy for the recap. Always so much good advice.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I'm glad to be back.

[@irairod5160]

Yes to planting for pollinators! I'm starting my winter sowing (in milk jugs, outdoor) in the next couple of weeks: 3 kinds of Asclepia, 2 of Joe Pye, Mountain Mint, Asters, Phlox, and Rudbeckia, all native to my area. Last year, I only had 3 milkweed plants and yet was able to raise and release 50 Monarch butterflies. This year, I'm ready. I hope to have a drift of 10-15 plants tucked in a corner of my tiny townhouse garden for the caterpillars to feast on. Happy New Year, and Happy Gardening, everyone!

[@p.h.c.1113]

I added some native plants last year. Would like to add mountain mints as well. Where do you get your seeds, assuming you live in the U.S.?

[@irairod5160]

@@p.h.c.1113 I had written a reply earlier this morning, and I don't see it...I buy from Wood Thrush Natives in VA, but I recommend you join a Facebook group that caters to native plant aficionados. Most of my seeds, I get through swapping with gardeners who live close by.

[@p.h.c.1113]

@@irairod5160 Thanks, that is a good idea! I bought a number of native plugs from a local grower last year to get things started.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

This is the second comment mentioning growing seeds in milk jugs, which I don't think we do here. I was quite surprised until I googled it and discovered that we call them milk cartons - for us a 'milk jug' is a small china jug with a lip - quite difficult to sow seeds in! So I've learned something.

[@irairod5160]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden This comment made me smile, thank you! I've learned something too! A carton, for me, is the paper-covered-in-plastic container in which smaller quantities of milk, half & half, eggs substitute are sold. Chicken broth, soups, tomato sauce, and other shelf-stable liquids are also packaged this way some times. In contrast, a jug is made of glass, earthenware, or hard plastic, has an small opening and a big "belly", usually holds a larger amount of liquid, and has a handle or finger hole to help balance the vessel as one pours. :-) :-) :-) Isn't language interesting?

[@FelixElliottHe]

So glad to see a Gardening KZbinr whose actually informed enough to know that as our science and knowledge improves, so too must our approach to gardening. Really gives me faith that all these mass disinformation and misinformation campaigns that are popping up all over the place can be tackled by people connecting/sharing/and caring for eachother through social media whilst we’re unable to see eachother.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you.

[@Veronica-je9qj]

Thank you for the uplifting video. I appreciate the much needed stimulation of my mind as I anticipate Spring.

[@MichaelAyden]

Agreed. This time of year is quite dull. At least we know the nights are getting shorter 🙂

[@Veronica-je9qj]

@@MichaelAyden :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@folee_edge]

My goodness, did I need a winter review of the outside world in spring and summer!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! It's almost impossible to believe that in a few months time, we'll see all those flowers and greenery again.

[@folee_edge]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Truly!

[@irairod5160]

Thank you for including the little bit with your doggie being so playful and doing the zoomies around you. It put a smile on my face! I lost my dog, a Rottweiler, a few years ago, and oh-how-I-miss-him! He loved lying down on the garden pavers when the day was warm, and would move his body to align it with the sun as it moved across the sky. I used to call him "mi girasol", my sunflower. (Video idea: "dogscaping"/planning for dog needs in the design of a garden. When I started creating my beds, I made sure to leave space between the fence and the plants so my dogs could patrol the perimeter. Otherwise, even the best behaved of them would've cut their own path across or behind my plantings. I knew better than fight their instinct to see who was moving behind the property line! A little compromise allowed me to continue to love my garden AND my furry creatures.)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Ah, I'm so sorry to hear about your Rottweiler, they are such a big presence in our lives. Lottie loves finding a sunny spot too.

[@folee_edge]

I am so sorry for your loss, and LOVE your idea of dogscaping ♡ Even for those of us without pets, it is wonderful to see. Alexandra and her dog, Monte Don and Nigel (RIP) - these are the dynamic duos I want in my life :) Here's to the doggos!

[@janereel1903]

Until I read comments here, I had no idea you'd been sick with covid. Continue to take care and glad to see you again.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I'm better now, though a bit flattened.

[@deniseegginton4649]

Lovely to see you back, hope you are fully recovered

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, still a bit tired, but so relieved it's over.

[@mikesmith2315]

This has been a great channel much better content than MSM. Well done and thankyou for the very interesting approach.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@orchidgarden3124]

I love all of your gardening advice, so spot on! Early weeding and re-mulching will be my #1 priorities this spring!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

mine too. Thank you!

[@felicityperkins1872]

Hey im new to. gardening ! can i ask what the benefits are for re mulching or just mulching . Is it to stop light getting to the weeds that will then ?

[@alexk3352]

@@felicityperkins1872 Weed suppression, moisture retention, and as it decays it will provide nutrients.

[@theswissgardenvlog3189]

Happy new year Alexandra, You‘ve touched on a very important point which is that of concerns about the overwhelming number of plants that are being transported around the world each year to satisfy the wants and needs of gardeners and plant lovers across the globe. This is something we should all give a thought to…and I think your advice for everyone to try and grow flowers from seeds is very well received. Thank you for another very informative video💚

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@dondale68]

'Newbie' here, from Ohio USA, I must say Alexandra you do have a very relaxing voice and you do visit some beautiful gardens! I used a chemical weed control on my lawn years ago, dandelions. Should've just used asphalt and just paved my yard, I killed EVERYTHING!!

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Sorry to hear you have had Covid and hope you are feeling up to par very soon. Thank you for another very interesting video. May I wish you and your family a Happy New Year 💐

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and we are all feeling better (we all got it!). Happy new year to you, too.

[@jackieengland3312]

Hope you've recovered from Covid. Thank you for awakening my imagination to start planning my gardening and tidying up in the garden

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! Yes, finally tested negative, although feeling a bit post viral.

[@jackieengland3312]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Plenty of rest and vitamins I believe helps

[@missprettyplants7217]

Loved watching this video and the recap of amazing tips! love your videos and content! Happy New Year ❤️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@pennywilkendorf2925]

Lovely as always. You have the best advice and speak out the best gardeners to help! My favorite blog!!! Sorry to hear you were Ill. Hope you get well soon.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, I'm fully recovered now except for a bit of a cough, so that's a relief.

[@donaldauguston9740]

LOVED this episode. Thank you, Alexandra, and have a Wonderful New Year. DA - Vancouver, WA

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and happy new year!

[@verawallace9055]

I was thinking about the first one this morning, i will probably try the beer method, Thanks

[@emilydryden5023]

I'm in the US, but when I think about early Spring flowers, hellebores are important. Like some others, I am planting for pollinators. And I am focused on planting primarily native plants to support the local insects and provide food for the birds.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Lovely! I'm hoping to do some more on wildlife friendly gardening soon.

[@Nat3ski]

Cracking tip to put the pellets under a roof tile. Brilliant!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dianefields6056]

Love a dog having a mad fit!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Some people call it 'Saluki Zoomies' and it only lasts for a few moments, but I'm always amazed she doesn't pull a muscle or injure herself!

[@annablume7931]

What a lovely way to start the new gardening year. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@helenachase5627]

Your dog was being so cute ! I lost my little guy recently. He is dearly missed. Rest in peace Willie !

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm so sorry to hear that, it is very hard when they go.

[@sunitashastry253]

I loved the review. I have watched all your videos. We are right now in the thick of winter with snow and wind chills so it was uplifting to see all the beautiful gardens featured in this video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it.

[@timetosparklewithrowenabry7526]

👏👏👏👏👏❤this video! Thank you for putting it together!!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yvonnehall544]

So refreshing to have u back...great video we always forget to do things on time ..thanks for reminders...The weeds and an excellent tip on not starting seeds in ground too early. Have lots zillions of seeds that way.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@e.l.freeman5649]

Excellent! Really helpful (a viewer from across the pond).

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lizzybudden6791]

Thank you Alexandra. I'm feeling inspired now to get out in the garden and do some weeding!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lulajohns1883]

Thank you for the new video. Sorry to hear you had Covid. Hope you feel better

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! Feeling loads better now.

[@solvejrgenson3563]

Happy new years! Thank you for this lovely video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and Happy new year!

[@FaithJRB]

Thank you for this video. I have watched some through the year but great to get a summary especially as time is limited. Love the channel.🌱🌷

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@janhultstrom]

Thank you Alexandra! you're a real inspiration ❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@slashingbison2503]

Why was I not Subscribed! I always watch! some really useful tips here, i didnt know turning over soil activated weed seeds!

[@kimjapinga6550]

Happy New Year! I am so sorry to hear that you had Covid. Best wishes for a full recovery. You look great in this video so I hope that means you are feeling better.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, feeling much better now although still a bit tired. Not pleasant at all!

[@FIFII]

This didn't show in my subscriptions feed!! Glad I checked your page! x

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you for checking. KZbin is supposed to tell you a new video is uploaded if you've tapped the 'notifications' bell, but I'm not sure how well it always works.

[@MichaelAyden]

Fantastic video for the start of the year. Inspired 🙂

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@monikabarry6509]

Thank you. So informative.

[@nct948]

I am new to gardening so look forward to seeing the weekly advices to prompt me into action. Thanks for these useful videos.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, I hope you enjoy your gardening journey.

[@sarahlyon6187]

I always look forward to what you have in store for us each week or so! I would be interested in putting together a garden that is suited to wildlife and insects (native plants mainly) but that looks relatively civilized.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm interested in that, too, and hope to have an interviewee lined up in the next few weeks.

[@evedutton3583]

Hi, thank you for the tips. I just wanted to say, i haven't used any chemicals or weed killer in my garden for 30 years, i only ever put blood, fish and bone on my lawn in the spring and i never water the lawn. Each year i have a beautiful lush green lawn and i don't need to worry about birds pecking insects and worms from the lawn as there are no chemicals to harm the birds. Best wishes.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm sure your garden is full of birdsong as a result, it's such a wonderful sound, isn't it?

[@germannlindastellarsisk3716]

Good video (and nice scarf!). Thanks

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! A Christmas present from my son and his fiancee.

[@bettinaschmid1158]

Happy New Year! Thank you for a very helpful video!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Happy new year!

[@suedavies6475]

Thank you for your talks. I find you are the most encouraging expert I've ever known and have learnt such a lot from you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that.

[@enatp6448]

Really nice well rounded source of information. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@belwynne1386]

So glad you are on the mend!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you - it really has been surprisingly unpleasant!

[@alexandros1973]

Happy new year Alexandra! Thank you for this video, it’s exactly what is needed this time of the year.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@andreasaho8259]

Happy New Year to all gardeners. Thank you for the useful information about what I should be doing at this time in the garden. Looking forward to my plants to wake up from their winter slumber. The garden is my place to relax and be creative. Me and my 5 year old daughter can hardly wait to fill our little greenhouse with seed trays. And I must say that you have the most beautiful eyes, Alexandra:)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much. I hope you and your daughter have a good seed planting season.

[@louisetetreault6119]

Thank you for all the great information you share! Very helpful! From Quebec, Canada

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gardensenglishanddance]

I am looking forward to the time when I can start gardening again. I will probably have to wait for another two months or so. Right now my garden is covered in snow, the temperature is 10 degrees below zero (Celsius) and all the plants are "asleep". What I am not looking forward to is dealing with and getting rid of slugs. There seem to be more and more of them every year, unfortunately.

[@kbechtel33]

Great information 👍

[@monawolfe]

Great video! Just realized I am wintering over too many things & maybe that’s why I’m not as motivated this year for seeds.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@paigeturner165]

I’ve missed you! I hope you had a restorative break. I’m looking forward to the months ahead with your support ☺️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! Sadly most of my break was taken up with having Covid, but I'm glad to be back and over it.

[@sagebrush22]

Alexandra, your shows Rock! Lance in Idaho, USA

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@a.l1249]

Your lawn looks lovely, and it seemed like the little longer "not perfect" look actually complimented or set off the structured parts of your garden nicely. At least to my eyes 😉 Thank you for a nice reminder/ recap video. Have a wonderful growing season for the new year!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and you!

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Happy New Year Alexandra! Great to see you after the bout with covid. You do look well and bright!🤗 Thanks for another comprehensive and informative video! Take care😀

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! It was surprisingly unpleasant, but feeling much better now.

[@jonathancorreagomez4720]

AMAZING BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@folee_edge]

Thanks!

[@MichaelAyden]

That was very kind 🙂

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. Your support is much appreciated and Happy New year.

[@maryanna6302]

💕great overview, and so happy to see your first video of the new year. I'm ready to try sowing salad seeds at the proper time after a miserable failure planting too early last year ☺️ thanks for the timely advice! I hope you are feeling better too

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, yes, finally tested negative although feel a bit tired. It's nice to be back, though.

[@tanyastephens3187]

Thanks, more good tips !

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@melgal8647]

It is nice to see u! I am so excited for the upcoming year. I have bought many seeds from a local business and can’t wait to sow them. I used milk jugs to start seeds last year and I had overall good results. I plant to start some this way again, but mostly direct sow. I am stratifying seeds in my trunk this year as opposed to my fridge as weather here in 7a us is below freezing.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

How interesting, thank you!

[@IPC0101]

I leave slug and snail maintenance to blackbirds and hedgehogs

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

There is nothing better than hearing a blackbird crack open a snail shell.

[@jetterasmussen6577]

Hi Alexandra. Do you know the plant in the top left corner at 0:10. It looks kind of like a thistle 😊.

[@cheriedodd9358]

Great timely advice, as we are in middle of our new Zealand summer. I need to mulch more today! Sound quality of video is a bit muffled, compared to the interviews in videos.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I thought it might be, am a bit puzzled about that as it's the same equipment. Better give it another look, thank you!

[@carolinaop5641]

Thank you, Alexandra. I missed the fact that you got Covid and I just read it here. You are looking well, which is good to see. I have a question for you or for other members. The other side of our hedge on the drive, there are wild plants (not for pollinators) mainly thorns. I would like to get rid of them and plant perennial plants or herbs, good for pollinators, that don't grow higher than half a meter, so it is just good for wildlife and it doesn't spoit our beautiful Portuguese laurel hedge. Do you have any advice on how to kill those huge weeds and thorns etc and what plants we could select for having all or most year interest? Many thanks

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

You can often get rid of weeds by covering them in cardboard or a weed suppressant membrane, but if there are thorns they may be brambles, which need to be dug out. In terms of plants that are good for pollinators, that very much depends on where you live. If the plants are close to the laurel hedge, they'll also need to be quite resilient and able to deal with some drought as the laurel will take up water, so I'd suggest you ask a local nursery for resilient, easy going perennial plants that will just get on with it. Provided the plants have flowers (and that the flowers are single with an open centre), they should be good for pollinators. If I was looking for such plants here, I'd look at the currant family, smaller buddleias, perennial wallflowers, possibly some of the hydrangeas (not mop heads as they're not wildlife friendly) and some of the euphorbias. I hope that helps!

[@mslauriebelle1]

Wonderful information and inspiration! Also, I HAVE to ask about your gorgeous scarf? Details please!!! ❤️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! It was given to me by my son and his girlfriend for Christmas, and it's from a shop called Bimbo y Lola, although I've never been there so don't know much about it.

[@francesca4966]

Your videos are very very interesting, but we don’t have very often the translation in french. You speak very quicly and I sometimes I don’t understand some words or names of flowers. Thank you for your job, it’s nice to share.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! If you click the 'cc' below the videos on the right hand side, there are edited captions. I appreciate that they're in English, but it may make what I'm saying a little clearer.

[@jimbailey3705]

That’s how I look after my lawn too: no fertiliser, no water, mow every 2 weeks, let’s the daisies etc flower. It’s definitely less work, I don’t have time for anything else. I also leave the clippings on my lawn as natural fertiliser. Great for the worms! I really do need to mow it soon. It’s so long! :/ I need to get better at staking... that’s one goal I need to set myself.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Me too. Every year I promise myself to stake more and earlier and somehow by July, something is always flopping over.

[@jimbailey3705]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I planted some gladioli two years ago. I always start staking them when some have already been knocked over by the wind.

[@CR-di1lg]

In Denmark its not allowed to use vinegar in the garden as a weed killer basically you are only allowed to use products approved as weed killers in your garden.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Very sensible!

[@jaimeiam]

Your scarf is beautiful. But I think it was covering your microphone 🎤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and I think you might be right. There was something not quite right about the audio.

[@lindas.martin2806]

Am having problems with the sound on this video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sorry about that, I thought there might be a problem and asked someone to check it. He thought it was OK, but I think a few people have found it not ideal. I'll look into it.

[@zonabrown9241]

I agree that no dig gardening really works

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's great.

[@christineribone9351]

Do you have grasshoppers in the UK? Here in the desert we have lots of grasshoppers. What organic pet friendly secrets can you share for ridding the garden of grasshoppers? USA 🇺🇸

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

We do have grasshoppers, but I haven't seen one for ages. And I don't think I have much grasshopper damage, so I haven't done anything about them, except have a bird-friendly garden. But I thought this post from BHG seemed helpful (you may already have seen it): www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/stop-grasshoppers/

[@christineribone9351]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thank you. I'm going to plant dill, marigold, and alyssium all around my garden. Dill has an interesting flower. Unfortunately the company that sells Nolo insecticide had a fire and they've cut production temporarily. At least that's what I've read. I'm also dusting my holly hock plants with flour. I recently read that that the flour gums up in their mouths and they stop eating then eventually die. Out of all these ideas somethings got to work! Thanks again!

[@michaelflaherty5777]

Is it me or is the audio a tad muffled?

[@pertelote4526]

Mine isn't.

[@MichaelAyden]

Mine was too. Perhaps because its still processing.

[@donaldauguston9740]

So was mine.

[@paulinecrispin121]

I had no problem with the sound

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

There is something not quite right about the audio, it's more in comparison with the other clips. I asked someone to check it and he said it was fine, but I'm inclined to agree with you. So I'll have a look at the equipment for next time, thank you.

[@ivettesantana4319]

my goal is a loan that is not dead or eroded. I have lots of clover and weeds and that is fine with me.

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

👌👌✨✨

[@maurakennedy5952]

You poor woman what a terrible thing to get take it easy for a while love the garden myself keep well

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, it wasn't at all pleasant, but am back to normal now.

[@ev1677]

Perfect lawns are boring as hell and typical human selfishness

[@lesliekendall5668]

Thanks!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! - I've only just seen this because comments sometimes get lost, so the badges system is working!

[@lesliekendall5668]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Look for one I gave before this, too. I just hope you get the donations even if you don't see them. 💕