Spring Gardening

Hardening off is the process of gradually acclimatising indoor-grown plants to outdoor conditions over 7 to 14 days before planting them in the garden. Start by placing plants outside in a sheltered spot for 3 to 4 hours daily, gradually increasing exposure to sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations. This prevents transplant shock and strengthens plants […]

Confused about when to plant what in your UK garden? You’re not alone. After fifteen years of designing gardens across Britain and answering countless questions from bewildered gardeners on BBC1’s Garden Rescue, I’ve learned that timing truly is everything. This comprehensive monthly planting calendar will become your go-to reference, taking the guesswork out of UK […]

If you have heavy clay soil and shade, then your go-to plants will be Hostas, ferns, astilbes, hellebores, hydrangeas, and hardy geraniums, all of which thrive in heavy clay soil and shade. These plants have adapted to moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich clay conditions whilst tolerating low light levels common in UK gardens. Right, let’s tackle probably the […]

Slugs and snails can be controlled effectively without chemicals by using physical barriers, setting traps, encouraging natural predators, and creating less hospitable conditions. Beer traps, copper tape, and wool pellets work brilliantly when used correctly. But it’s up to you to decide the ethics of beer traps! If you’ve ever woken up to find your […]

Over 5,400 people search “what is mulch” every month in the UK, which tells me there’s massive confusion about these two essential garden materials. I’ve been designing gardens for over fifteen years and presenting on BBC1’s Garden Rescue, and honestly, I still meet experienced gardeners who use these terms interchangeably. Let me clear this up […]

After years of designing gardens and helping clients troubleshoot plant problems, I can tell you that watering confusion kills more plants than pests, diseases and poor soil combined. People either drown their plants with love or let them shrivel from neglect, and neither works particularly well. The answer: Push your finger one inch (2.5cm) into […]

Today, let’s dig deep into the fascinating world of allotment crop rotation. If you’re an avid gardener or someone just starting to get their hands dirty, you’ll quickly learn that successful gardening is not just about what you plant but also where you plant it each year. Enter the magic of crop rotation. The practice […]

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting a vegetable garden from scratch, based on my years of experience as an award-winning garden designer and what I’ve learned from growing my own veg. I’ll share the mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to repeat them!), the techniques that […]

Staring at your modest garden, wondering if there’s room for those magnificent trailing vines you see sprawling across allotments? Perhaps you’ve been put off by tales of pumpkins requiring acres of space, which only the hugest of pumpkins actually need. You might be concerned about whether the British weather will provide enough warmth for these […]

Maintaining a well-manicured lawn requires regular upkeep, and a lawn mower is crucial for achieving that clean-cut finish on your grass. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing lawn mower or purchase one for the first time, selecting the right mower for your needs is crucial. With so many available options, deciding which one to […]