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James Wong

Bio

James Wong is a botanist and science writer, with a particular interest in food crops, conservation and the environment. Trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, he shares his tiny London flat with more than 500 houseplants.

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Lovely small cherry tomato plant together with basil herbs with ripe and tasty tomatoes on it.; Shutterstock ID 2340020523; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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Does the old concept of companion planting have any science behind it?

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Orchids in the garden. Blooming orchids in a winter diy glass garden

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Should you water your orchid with ice cubes?

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Potting on tomato seedlings, male gardener transplanting healthy plant from 3 inch pot to final position in 10 inch pot, Norfolk, England, April

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Why you don't need to worry about 'over-potting' your plants

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An autumn display of freshly cut Chrysanthemums 'Mavis', 'Bretforton Road', 'Ruby Mound' and 'Early Yellow'.

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The science behind the gardening hack of adding aspirin to plant water

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Banana peel against lush healthy plants in garden in background. Good source of organic fertilizer.; Shutterstock ID 2004741083; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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Can you use banana peels to fertilise your plants?

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2D7HDN2 Broken eggshells around salads to prevent slugs in summer, Pas de Calais, France

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Why surrounding your plants with crushed eggshells won't deter slugs

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Why a potted plant isn't the easiest option for would-be gardeners

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picking fresh herbs grown on a raised bed on a balcony; Shutterstock ID 1675958317; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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Is it really cheaper to cultivate your own fruit and vegetables?

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DWYFYR A small glass terrarium with plants inside

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A cheaper alternative to activated charcoal for your terrarium

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partial view of gardener in apron cutting rose with pruning shears; Shutterstock ID 692944225; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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Why you shouldn't believe claims you can grow a rose in a potato

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Fresh milk in jug on green nature background

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Why I won't be fertilising plants with milk, despite what Tiktok says

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Jurassic Park to The Martian: 5 movies that get botany (mostly) wrong

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