Gardeners' Question Time Chirk: Pickled Onions, Tall Perennials and Picky Pests
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Nov 21, 2025 In this lively discussion, gardening experts Marcus Chilton-Jones, Bethan Collerton, and James Wong tackle pressing green-fingered queries. They explore why perennials can grow too tall, with clever tips like the Chelsea chop. The panel shares insights on the best onions for pickling, emphasizing flavor and sulfur boosts. They also dive into why burgundy flowers attract pests and offer solutions for mushroom identification. Plus, Bethan highlights the Wrexham community's gardening success, showcasing enthusiasm and adaptability.
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Restore Aging Topiary Gently
- Do avoid over-clipping old topiary and let bare patches regrow before trimming again.
- Do inspect and improve airflow around the base to reduce fungal and bacterial problems, says Marcus Chilton Jones.
Stop Perennials From Flopping
- Try pre-emptive supports and nets early in the season to stop herbaceous perennials flopping.
- Do perform a Chelsea chop (cut back ~50% in late May) and follow with reactive staking where needed, advises Bethan Collerton and Marcus Chilton Jones.
Onion Heat Comes From Soil Sulfur
- Onions' pungency depends more on soil sulfur than variety; UK soils are often sulfur-deficient.
- Add magnesium sulfate or flowers of sulfur to boost pungency and pest resistance, suggests James Wong and Marcus Chilton Jones.