Gardeners' Question Time Postbag Edition: Sefton Park Palm House
Jan 2, 2026
In this lively discussion, botanist James Wong shares tips on houseplant care, revealing the secrets behind orchid bud drop and banana propagation. Marcus Chilton Jones offers insights on hot composting techniques and the best plants for different home environments. Bethan Collerton dives into the art of growing pineapple from tops and gives advice on soil improvement for successful planting. Colin Hughes provides fascinating facts about the historic Sefton Park Palm House and the challenges of maintaining giant palms.
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Hands-On Restoration And Community Role
- Colin Hughes planted almost every plant inside Sefton Park Palm House after its renovation and personally tended the collection.
- The Palm House is a community hub used by schoolchildren, nursing homes and visitors from around the world.
Light, Not Time, Defines Indoor Growth
- Indoor plants' growing season is driven more by light levels than temperature.
- Light falls rapidly with distance from a window so keep plants within ~2 meters or supplement with grow lights.
Use Grow Lights To Extend Growth
- Use daylight-type bulbs or grow lights to extend the growing season and place plants close to light.
- Grow lights let you cultivate plants year-round even with low natural light.