Did you know this?

If you 'collect' pussy willow twigs - when they have catkins on - for cut-flower. Use the old water to water plants. The willow (Salix) contains a chemical -  indolebutyric acid - which is used in many 'rooting hormone agents'. It helps promote growth, so is in many ways as good as a feed!

An easy way to find out what type of soil you have, is to pick up a small damp handful and rub it between your fingers. If you cannot get it to stay in a 'ball' then you probably have a sandy soil. If it feels gritty, but still forms a ball, then it will probably be a loam soil, and if you can make it shine by rubbing across it with your thumb, then it will most certainly be clay!

To find out if your soil is acid or alkaline, collect a small portion of soil from the area to test. Pour a little household vinegar on it. If it bubbles, then it is will contain lime; if it doesn't bubble, then it is usually acid!

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