Your gardening questions answered: Is there a quick way to germinate parsnip seed?
It will need a fine, friable, stone-free, weed-free, moist but free-draining soil in full sun or very light shade if it’s to germinate well
Gardening
Articles on gardening
Shrubs and trees perfect for small gardens that don’t compromise on colour or impact
Ultra-compact outdoor spaces require a disciplined approach when it comes to planting
My tulip flowers are dying off before opening - what’s wrong?
Do these withered, dirty grey-brown patches mean my plants have the dreaded tulip fire disease?
Put in the hard work this month and your garden will flourish come summer
New growth is everywhere in April – here’s what to do in the garden for a glorious summer reward
Backyard battle to save hedgehogs is critical as numbers decline
Gardens offer refuge from habitat loss, pesticides and cars – but strimmers and dogs can be deadly
Is cardboard safe to use as a weed suppressant in my garden?
Cardboard offers a far more planet-friendly alternative to the use of environmentally harmful weedkillers
The revolting habits of one of the most common Irish garden pests, and how to get rid of them
Maggot-like vine weevils feed voraciously on the roots and crowns of plants, especially those in pots of peat-based compost
How flowers revolutionised the world through a riot of colour and scent
David George Haskell has a new book on the flowers that put the rain in rainforests and that challenge the teachings of Darwin
I tell my eyes not to search out daffodils, but the Irish seasons still live inside me
‘Was that an earthquake?’ In Ireland, buildings have the decency to stay put
Why are flowers not reappearing in my wildflower meadow?
I’ve planted a lot of snake’s head fritillaries around our family home, but they are not thriving
How to successfully divide plants in spring
The process couldn’t be more straightforward, but timing is crucial and it does require a bit of muscle
How can I help my magnolia tree to flourish?
As magnolias dislike being pruned, the risk is one of cutting out branches on which flower buds have been slowly developing since the previous spring
How to grow your own plants from seed this spring
Avoid these common pitfalls when sowing seeds and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is
My garden is still waterlogged, should I wait before tackling spring tasks?
Digging when soil still very wet or waterlogged risks causing compaction and reduced fertility
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Stardust
Inquests into the nightclub fire that led to the deaths of 48 people
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
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Weddings, Births, Deaths and other family notices