Monthly Archives: February 2018

Neem Oil

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This question was asked by
– carole jones

Have you any experience of using Neem oil diluted and sprayed on fortnightly as a preventive for lily beetle? I am led to believe it interferes with beetle feeding and reproduction. I have just ordered some for use initially with fritillaries and later with lilies but would be very interested in any observations you could make. Thanks

Yes we highly recommend Neem oil, it is a brilliant prevention for Lily Beetle. We have tried and tested it with fantastic results and, incidentally, we will be selling Neem Oil along with our lily and fritillairia bulbs at the shows this year!

Thanks for your question!
Loraine Hart

Lilies repotting and timing advice

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This question was asked by
– Derek Cross

Hi
I’m overwintering my lilies that are in large pots in an unheated garden shed. Later I will be removing some the potting compost and adding new compost plus some slow-release fertiliser.
(A) Do you agree with this method?
(B) I’d like to bring two or three pots into my heated greenhouse to start them a little earlier. Is this OK and when should I do this?
Many thanks for your advice, Derek.

Hi Derek
Yes – this sounds perfect! It’s always a good idea to add some fresh compost and slow-release fertiliser to your lily bulbs. Bringing your pots into a heated greenhouse now will be absolutely fine aswell and will encourage your lilies to flower earlier than normal.

Best wishes
Loraine Hart