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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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More from James Wong

Explore the latest news, articles and features

EXERB1 Red field poppies and blue cornflowers.

Environment

Do weeds really love poor soil? Not if you look at the science

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2D9DX65 Close up female hand touching tomato plant in soil

Life

Why stroking seedlings can help them grow big and strong

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C68WC7 Man playing cello in a field of wildflowers with blue sky and clouds in the background

Life

Is there any evidence that playing music to plants is beneficial?

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Spoonful of Homemade Berbere Spice Blend Close-up: Side view of East African spice mixture in a spoon with glass jar and mortar and pestle nearby; Shutterstock ID 2546039369; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other:

Life

Can chilli powder really stop animals from digging up your garden?

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Farmer giving granulated fertilizer to young tomato plants. Hand in glove holding shovel and fertilize seedling in organic garden. ; Shutterstock ID 1087283084; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Life

How to pick the right fertiliser for all your different plants

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Vibrant assortment of fresh bell peppers in red, orange, and yellow hues organized attractively. Highlights the natural beauty and freshness of produce, perfect for concepts involving healthy eating.; Shutterstock ID 2561714159; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Life

Do the bumps on a bell pepper reveal how sweet it will be? Er, no

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KYY2TF Low section of girl holding soil while standing on field

Health

Can a microbe in soil alter your brain chemistry to improve your mood?

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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: -

Life

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

Life

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

Life

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'.

Life

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: -

Life

Can you use banana peels to fertilise your plants?

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