Gardening Jobs for November
Jobs to do in the Garden in November Cold evenings and potentially frosty mornings mean you need to get your plants properly protected for winter. Check out our list of essential autumn jobs to ensure your plants remain healthy as well as disease and pest-free this November… -November is the perfect month to plant tulip […]
Storing Produce Over Winter
Storing Produce Over Winter I have learnt over the many years I have been gardening to expect good harvests and somewhat poorer harvests, 2024 however for me has really been a year of extremes. Exceptionally good quality soft fruits over a long period with no wasp damage! Contrasted against a non-existent crop of runner beans […]
Gardening Jobs for October
Jobs to do in the Garden in October With shorter days and colder temperatures fully kicking in now is the time to properly prepare plants, lawns and crops for the harsher conditions of autumn and winter. Think about wrapping plants with fleece, insulating your greenhouse and topping up lawns with a winter feed to keep […]
Gardening Jobs for September
Jobs to do in the Garden in September September signals the end of summer, bringing shorter days along with cooler and typically wetter weather. Despite this, there’s still plenty of work to be done in your garden. Think about prepping your garden for possible frost conditions in the evenings as well as sowing hardy, winter […]
Summer Pruning Established Apples & Pears
Summer Pruning Established Apples & Pears Chris demonstrates how to keep on top of established apple and pear trees through careful pruning and maintenance during August, ensuring excellent yields of fruit for the future Growing Apples and Pears on a system of horizontal wires in the form known as the Espalier is a really great […]
Top Dressing Brassicas
Top Dressing Brassicas Chris takes us through properly caring for your brassica plants during the hot summer months, dealing with common pests, tricky weather conditions and applying top feed to keep them well fed before harvesting This season has been without doubt a difficult one, a wet late start, very cold nights in May and […]
Gardening Jobs for August
Jobs to do in the Garden in August The long days and warm temperatures continue throughout August and there’s plenty of important jobs to be done in the garden. Make sure to take time to keep on top of deadheading, weeding and topping up crops with liquid feeds – Deter slugs and snails by using […]
Gardening Jobs for July
Jobs to do in the Garden in July July is prime gardening season for everyone. With high summer in full swing, plants are blooming abundantly, and there’s plenty of activity in your fruit and vegetable patches! Give your plants, fruits, and veggies extra care now to prevent them from drying out, and you’ll be rewarded […]
Gardening Jobs for June
Jobs to do in the Garden in June June signals another seasonal shift and includes the year’s longest day on the 21st. With summer’s arrival, they’ll be warmer temperatures and more daylight, leading to a flourishing garden! From planting tips to maintenance advice, we have everything you need to ensure a vibrant and healthy garden […]
Tackling Fruit Pests
Tackling Fruit Pests Protecting Strawberries The start of summer is a busy time in the horticultural calendar with planting out of the tender vegetables such as sweetcorn and courgettes and the first of the harvests. This year I purchased some new strawberry plants which were planted up into troughs in late February into a mix […]
The New Vegetable Garden Takes Shape
The New Vegetable Garden Takes Shape Measuring out the plot It’s finally stopped raining and long overdue construction works to the new vegetable garden can at last take place, and just in time as the plants waiting to go out from the greenhouse were getting very large indeed. Despite my best intentions of getting this […]
Gardening Jobs for May
Jobs to do in the Garden in May As May draws to a close, the threat of frost should be behind us across the UK, and the first hints of summer become increasingly apparent. As spring enters its final stretch, the garden comes alive with tasks awaiting our attention. With the anticipation of spending more […]
Gardening Jobs for April
Jobs to do in the Garden in April Now April is here – spring is finally in full swing! This is the month gardeners dream of – your garden is starting to come into its own with blooming flowers and blossom covered trees, the chill of winter is long behind us and the days are […]
Minimizing Transplant Shock in Plants
Minimizing Transplant Shock in Plants As is often the way with gardening, you’ll plant a bush or a plant then decide you don’t like where it is placed, or think it would yield better results elsewhere. Whilst there are some plants that transplant and adapt really well, such as tomatoes, strawberries, and most succulents, many […]
Making a Living Table Centrepiece
Making a Living Table Centrepiece Ever wondered what to do with those old moss – covered bricks at the end of the garden? With a bit of imagination and some very common garden plants they can be turned into a living table centrepiece that is very low maintenance, hardy and will certainly be a talking […]
Gardening Jobs for March
Gardening Jobs for March Now the winter months have well and truly passed, brighter days are here and the soil is starting to warm up. Although officially the start of spring, there can still be the chance of cold spells in March so keep an eye on the weather. Read on to find out what […]
Propagate Plants from Cuttings
Propagate Plants from Cuttings Propagating cuttings from plants is a great way to increase the number of plants you have in your garden and can be used on many types of plants, trees and shrubs. There are three different types of cuttings you can take. Softwood, semi-ripe and hardwood. Below you will find some examples […]
Vertical Strawberry Growing
Vertical Strawberry Growing Chris shares some expert knowledge & different methods of growing this popular summer fruit: “Strawberry plants typically have a lifespan of around three years after which they become quite woody and lose vigour with a corresponding drop in fruit size, hardly surprising that at six years old mine needed to be replaced!” […]
A New Vegetable Garden
A New Vegetable Garden With the worst of the winter weather and cold conditions behind us, Chris takes us through his planning for the upcoming growing season. He rotates a variety of vegetables on his ‘Oddball’ plot, and shows us how to get the best out of a small, but well placed patch of land. […]
Gardening Jobs for February
JOBS FOR FEBRUARY February is a month of contrasts. Although days start getting longer and spring bulbs start showing signs of growth, frosts are still common, as is heavy rain or even snow. Get prepared for the seasons ahead by giving your shed, greenhouse and equipment a good clean and tidy up. Here are some […]
Gardening Trends for 2024
Gardening Trends for 2024 With the New Year nearly upon us, a new gardening year is also on the horizon and with it a whole host of fresh trends. From adapting to a changing world to the re-emergence of a vintage favourite, read on for our take on the biggest gardening trends for 2024. Growing […]
Gardening Jobs for January
JOBS FOR JANUARY January might be the middle of winter and one of the coldest and windiest months (often with a dash of snow thrown in), but it is also the start of the gardening calendar. A time for a fresh start, the promise of new growth to come, and planning and preparing for the […]
Cleaning Up Your Hard Surfaces
Cleaning Your Hard Surfaces Chris takes through using our own Patio Perfect concentrated cleaner for sprucing up hard surfaces around the garden… Keeping On Top of Moss I really can’t believe how the moss on my tarmac surfaces has just exploded into growth in the last month or so. It seems to have gone unnoticed […]
Gardening Jobs for December
JOBS FOR DECEMBER Whilst one of the quieter months in terms of jobs to do in the garden, it can be busier in the home with preparations for Christmas. With daylight hours limited and risks of icy weather, it is tempting to avoid the garden full stop but now is not the time to rest […]
Sweetcorn…Not Just for Cobs
Sweetcorn…Not Just for Cobs This year I’ve had a bumper harvest of sweetcorn, the large well filled cobs have not only supplied the freezer but kept the chickens very happy for a couple of weeks during harvest too. Making Use of Big Crops Once the kernels have been cut away and bagged up the chickens […]
Make Your Own Bath Bombs
Make Your Own Bath Bombs Homemade bath bombs are really simple to create and with Christmas on the horizon, they can make a lovely treat for a friend or family member who enjoys a good soak at a fraction of the price of a spa day! Equipment Rubber gloves A mould of your choice (this […]
Maximising the Yield of Brussels Sprouts
Maximising the Yield of Brussels Sprouts I grow many different types of brassicas but regard Brussels Sprouts as a must have for the winter table – although many will disagree with this and never have the plant anywhere near their gardens! Understanding Nitrogen I grow many different types of brassicas but regard Brussels Sprouts as […]
Gardening Jobs for November
JOBS FOR NOVEMBER As we head closer to winter, the weather starts to get colder and wetter but November can offer us some beautiful sunny autumn days too. Take advantage of these dry days by getting out in your garden and preparing for winter with our tips below. JOBS FOR NOVEMBER As we head closer […]
Preventing Winter Damage in Your Garden
Preventing Winter Damage in Your Garden Winter is always a challenging time for gardeners in the UK as the weather is less than ideal and one big storm can damage even the hardiest of plants or trees. As well as this, there are a couple of diseases and pests to look out for in your […]
Gardening Jobs for October
JOBS FOR OCTOBER Autumn is a beautiful season for colour in the garden, despite the cooler weather. October is another busy month with fruits and vegetables to harvest as well as a good tidy up to prepare for the cooler darker days of winter. Read on for this month’s jobs in the garden. JOBS FOR […]
The Challenges of September
The Challenges of September September brings the onset of Autumn the, ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. Our gardens are hopefully bursting with plentiful harvests of fresh fruit and vegetables, but unfortunately for us gardeners, there are plenty of fungal diseases waiting for a suitable opportunity to attack our cherished crops. Early Blight Summer 2023 […]
Love Your Lawn
Love Your Lawn Early Autumn is the ideal time of year to carry out essential lawn maintenance. Soil temperature is still warm enough to encourage grass to grow but the external temperatures have dropped significantly and the weather tends to be wetter. Carry out the tasks below to allow your lawn to recover before winter […]
Gardening Jobs for September
JOBS FOR SEPTEMBER September usually marks the departure of summer and leads to shorter days and cooler, wetter weather. After an unsettled few months, let’s hope for somewhat of an Indian summer so we do get some time to enjoy the last of any warm and dry days before the deepest darkest depths of winter […]
Bulking-Up Spuds with Seaweed
Bulking Up Spuds with Seaweed August is a time when the veg garden is at its best and most productive, the early crops have been harvested and the rewards for all the hard work of springtime are beginning to show. Knowing Potato Nutritional Needs Back in June, though I was beginning to wonder if I […]
Tomato Time Again
Tomato Time Again August is the perfect time for tomato cultivation. Chris demonstrates how to expertly care for growing Tomato plants and make the most your Summer crop! Trialling Mixes July & August sees the eager anticipation of the first ripe tomato, a fruit bursting full of flavour is certainly to be cherished after months […]
Harvesting Lavender
Harvesting Lavender With lavender plants in full bloom at this time of year, make the most of these fragrant flowers with help from our horticultural expert Chris, and his tips for harvesting lavender! Cutting the flowers Lavender is a bit like marmite, some people love it, and some people loathe it. It has richly fragrant […]
Allotments for Beginners
Allotments for Beginners In honour of National Allotments Week from 7th August – 13th August, this month we look at where to start if you have been allocated or are waiting for an allotment. Clear, Clear & Clear Some More Once you have been allocated your plot, it is best to start clearing it as […]
Gardening Jobs for August
JOBS FOR AUGUST The last official month of summer & often the hottest, but what a treat it is in the garden. Take some time to appreciate your own hard work, but don’t rest on your laurels as there is plenty of summer maintenance jobs like deadheading, weeding, pest control & watering to be done. […]
Common Summer Gardening Problems Solved
Common Summer Gardening Problems Solved Sarah shows us how to deal with tricky problems the long days & higher temperatures can throw at typical UK gardens. From treating pesky weeds to coping with dehydrated plants and lawns these common issues have a variety of easy solutions. Pest Attacks With the warmer weather comes many unwanted […]
Gardening Jobs for July
JOBS FOR JULY July is peak gardening time for all of us. High summer means plants are in full bloom and there’s lots going on in your fruit and veg patches too! Offer all of your plants, fruits and veggies a lot of TLC at this time of year to prevent anything drying out and […]
Gardening Jobs for June
JOBS FOR JUNE June sees the change in seasons once again and has the longest day on the 21st of the month. The beginning of summer means warmer temperatures and extra light which will in cause your garden to burst with growth! Here is your definitive guide to getting your garden summer ready. JOBS FOR […]
Potting on Succulents
Potting on Succulents Our gardening sponsor Chris shows how to expertly care for an array of succulents. Check out his guide for easily taking cuttings, potting on overgrown plants, and ensuring the best possible conditions. Pruning & Cuttings Aeonium ‘Schwarzkopf’ seems to be the plant of the moment in the show gardens at Chelsea Flower […]
Quickly Tackling Common Weeds
Quickly Tackling Common Weeds Our gardening sponsor Chris demonstrates how to effectively clear outdoor areas of common garden weeds such as chickweed and nettles using Elixir Garden’s Fast-Acting Weedkiller. Annuals & Perennials My favourite approach to weed control is a push pull hoe. When used on a sunny day with a little wind it is […]
How to Attract Pollinators to the Garden
How to Attract Pollinators to the Garden Sarah runs us through how to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for insects & wildlife in your garden or outdoor space. They’ll benefit your flowers and crops as well maintaining a balanced and harmonious eco-system. Examples of Pollinators If you are finding your vegetable and fruit plants […]
Get your Children Involved in Gardening
Get your Children Involved in Gardening As it’s National Children’s Gardening Week at the end of the month (28th May – 5th June), this month’s article is all about getting your children or grandchildren involved in your garden. Even if you don’t have much space, there are still ways to encourage your children using different […]
Rejuvenating Compost
Rejuvenating Compost Our gardening sponsor Chris demonstrates how to make the most of old, tired compost and reuse it for the new growing season, essential knowledge for the eco-conscious (and thrifty) gardener! Fertilisers & Soil Conditioners Many garden composts can be reinvigorated and used again for the next season with just a few simple steps. […]
Gardening Jobs for May
JOBS FOR MAY By the end of May, the risk of frost for all of us in the UK should have passed and real signs of summer are starting to show. The last month of spring gives us plenty of jobs to be getting on with in a garden bursting full of life. With a […]
Potting Up Gooseberries
Potting Up Gooseberries Chris takes us through how to expertly transplant and pot-on Gooseberry plants. A hardy and resilient plant that can be grown in almost any soil type, gooseberries are perfect for growing in Spring & Summer. Preserving Crops through Cuttings After nearly 20 years I took the decision last season to remove my […]
A Guide to Vertical Planting
A Guide to Vertical Planting Are you looking for an alternative form of planting? Short on space or have an area that is unusable for any typical potted plants? Fancy sprucing up a doorway or entrance? Vertical planting may be the solution! You may be wondering what vertical planting actually is. Well, quite simply, it […]
Gardening Jobs for April
JOBS FOR APRIL After the dreadful March we have all had, here’s hoping for a better April! Usually the month famed for showers brings us longer days and milder, sunny weather along with flowering trees, cheerful daffodils in bloom and other parts of the garden starting to show more signs of life. Read on for […]
