PLANTS
Search

The Newspaper For Gardeners

Email us

Looking Out for Hedgehogs...

Hedgehogs are some of the most endearing creatures in our gardens, but winter...

Prune Apple Trees

Pruning is an essential task for maintaining healthy, productive apple trees. Proper pruning...

Dividing Snowdrops: A Step-by-Step...

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) are a cherished sight in late winter, heralding the arrival...

Force Rhubarb: A Gardener’s...

Forcing rhubarb is a traditional gardening technique that produces tender, sweet stalks, perfect...
A
A-Z
Acid soil
Alkaline soil
Annuals and biennials
B
Books
Bulbs and corms
Business
Cacti and succulents
Carnivorous
Chalk soil
Charities
Clay soil
Climbers
Dealers and machinery
Discover
Dry position
Edibles
Environment
Epiphyte
Events
F
Ferns
Flowering in April
Flowering in August
Flowering in December
Flowering in February
Flowering in January
Flowering in July
Flowering in June
Flowering in March
Flowering in May
Flowering in November
Flowering in October
Flowering in September
Foliage plants
Full Sun
Fun Facts
Garden
Garden retail
Gardening jobs for April
Gardening jobs for August
Gardening jobs for December
Gardening jobs for February
Gardening jobs for January
Gardening jobs for July
Gardening jobs for June
Gardening jobs for March
Gardening jobs for May
Gardening jobs for November
Gardening jobs for October
Gardening jobs for September
Grow your own
Half hardy
hardy cold winter
Hardy mild winter
Hardy very cold winter
Headlines
Indirect sunlight
John Innes No 1
John Innes No 2
John Innes No 3
John Innes Seed Compost
Lawncare
Loam soil
Multipurpose compost
Music
Neutral soil
News
Opinion
P
Partial shade
People
Perennials
Pests and diseases
Plant History
Ponds
Products
Propagate by division
Propagate by hardwood cuttings
Propagate by root or stem cuttings
Propagate by seed
Propagate by semi ripe cuttings
Propagate by softwood cuttings
Propagation
Propogate by layering
Questions
Sandy soil
Shade
Shrubs
Sow in August
Specialist soil mix
Sports turf
Suppliers
Tender plants
Trees
Uncategorised
Understanding Gardening
Very hardy
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Plants
HomeDiscover

Discover

Delve into the fascinating world of plants with articles that explore botany, plant science, and the rich history of greenery across the ages. From the intricacies of photosynthesis and plant anatomy to the stories of historic botanical discoveries, this category is your gateway to understanding the science and heritage of the natural world. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a science lover, or simply curious about the plants around you, there’s always something new to learn here!

Why harden off plants?

0
Harden off plants might sound like a perplexing gardening term, but it’s a crucial step for the health and resilience of your green companions....

What is The Difference Between RHS Hardiness Ratings and USDA Zones

0
Understanding the suitability of plants for different climates is essential for successful gardening and landscaping. Two widely used systems for determining climate suitability are...

What are the temperature ranges for the USDA zones applicable to the UK

0
USDA zones applicable to the UK along with their corresponding temperature ranges: USDA Zone 5a: -15°F to -20°F (-26.1°C to -28.9°C) USDA Zone 5b: -10°F to...

What uk counties are in what usda zones?

0
Mapping what uk counties are in what usda zones is challenging due to the differing climate patterns and microclimates within each county. However, we...

Understanding USDA Zones: A Guide for Gardeners in the UK

0
For gardening enthusiasts, understanding the climate zones is essential for choosing the right plants that will thrive in their local environment. While the United...

Rediscovering the Wild: The Light Between Apple Trees by Priyanka Kumar

0
Priyanka Kumar’s The Light Between Apple Trees invites readers on a journey that is poetic, educational, and deeply personal. Exploring wild apple forests in...

NOURISHED KITCHEN

0
NOURISHING VEGETARIAN RECIPES TO ENJOY EVERY DAY Erica Rodriguez 29th January 2026 | Carnival £27.00 | Hardback | ISBN 978-1-805701460 Inspirational, nutrient-dense meals for a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In her debut...

The History of Garden Mazes and Labyrinths – And How to Create One in Your Own Garden

0
Garden mazes and labyrinths have a long and fascinating history, appearing in ancient myths, religious sites, and grand estates across Europe. While they were...

Aphids—tiny but mighty

0
🌿 Amazing Aphid Facts You Might Not Know! 🐜✨ Aphids—tiny but mighty! These little sap-suckers might be a gardener’s headache, but they have some fascinating...

Winter Grafting: A Traditional Gardener’s Guide

0
Grafting is an ancient horticultural technique that allows gardeners to combine the best traits of different plants, creating stronger, more productive specimens. While most...

Improving Drainage in Clay Soil: What Really Works?

0
Clay soil can be both a blessing and a curse in the garden. It’s rich in nutrients and holds moisture well, but poor drainage...

Why Do Peppers Feel Hot? The Science Behind Chilli Heat

0
Have you ever bitten into a chilli pepper and felt like your mouth was on fire? That burning sensation isn’t actual heat—your brain is...

The Tomato Scandal: How a Beloved Fruit Was Once Feared as Poison

0
Tomatoes are a staple in kitchens worldwide, starring in everything from pasta sauces to fresh salads. But did you know that for nearly 200...

The Future of Fruit: What Could Replace the Banana?

0
As Panama disease threatens to decimate the Cavendish banana, the world is left wondering what fruit might rise to replace the iconic banana in...

Apples have more genes than humans!

0
When you bite into a crisp, juicy apple, it might surprise you to know that you share a lot more with that fruit than...

Understanding F1 Hybrids in Gardening

0
In the world of gardening and horticulture, the term F1 hybrid often comes up when discussing seeds and plants, but what does it actually...

Marianne North : The Painter and Plant Collector

0
Today, we’re exploring the remarkable journey of Marianne North, a Victorian-era artist and plant collector who traveled the world to document exotic plants in...

The Legacy of David Douglas: A Pioneer in Plant Hunting

0
Today, we dive into the adventurous life of one of the most renowned plant hunters in history: David Douglas. You may not know his...

The crazy world of bananas

0
The history of bananas traces back thousands of years to Southeast Asia, where the banana plant (Musa species) is believed to have been first...

Earth’s Oldest Forest : The Gilboa Forest

0
The Gilboa forest, nestled in the hills of upstate New York, holds an extraordinary claim to fame: it is home to the remnants of...

Welwitschia mirabilis – The Immortal Desert Wonder

0
Imagine a plant that has been alive for over a thousand years, growing in one of the harshest deserts on Earth. It doesn’t look...

Rafflesia arnoldii – The Stinking Giant

0
Deep in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, a strange and spectacular flower blooms. It’s massive, it’s beautiful, and… it smells like a decaying carcass....

The Permian Period and Beyond

0
The Evolution of Plants After the Carboniferous: The Permian Period and Beyond The Carboniferous Period, spanning from approximately 359 to 299 million years ago, was...

The Carboniferous Period: A Golden Age for Plants

0
The Carboniferous Period (359 to 299 million years ago) was a transformative time in Earth’s history, particularly for plant life. During this era, plants...

The Age of Plants – The Devonian Period

0
We’re going back in time to one of the most transformative chapters in plant history—the Devonian Period, also known as the ‘Age of Plants.’...

Plants That Listen: How Plants Detect and Respond to Sound

0
It’s easy to think of plants as silent, passive life forms. But recent research is challenging this view, revealing that plants have their own...

The Surprising Truth Behind the Smell of Freshly Cut Grass

0
The scent of freshly cut grass is one of the most recognizable and nostalgic smells of summer. For many, it brings memories of sunny...

When Mushrooms Ruled the Earth

0
We’re stepping back in time, way back, to a period in Earth’s history when fungi ruled the land. Yes, you heard that right—there was...

The Ginkgo Tree: Living Fossils and Symbols of Resilience

0
The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba), often called a "living fossil," is one of the most remarkable plants in the world. With its unique fan-shaped...

Strangler Figs – The Trees That Take Over the World

0
Have you ever wondered what those incredible, otherworldly trees are that seem to grow right out of the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat or...

The Amazing Properties of Sunflowers

0
Welcome back to Local Gardener, where we dig into the world of plants and gardening! Today, we’re shining a light on one of the...

Sunflowers: Nature’s Cleanup Crew for Toxic Soil

0
When you think of sunflowers, you probably picture golden fields, cheerful blooms, and seeds for snacking. But these sunny plants are more than just...

Where Did the Word ‘Orange’ Come From?

0
Orange: The History, Language, and Legacy in the UK Orange, the fruit that dazzles with its vibrant hue, has a rich history that weaves through...

How Leaves Work: The Green Powerhouses of Nature

0
Leaves are essential organs of plants, acting as nature's solar panels. They are responsible for photosynthesis—the process by which plants produce energy—while also regulating...

Understanding Plant Cell Structure and Functions

0
Plant cells are the basic building blocks of plant life, playing a crucial role in the growth, development, and survival of plants. These cells...

Why is wet cold so bad for plants?

0
When the temperature drops, plants face significant challenges. While cold alone is harmful, the combination of cold and wet conditions is especially destructive, creating...

The plants that can grow without soil!

0
The Fascinating World of Hydroponics: Growing Plants Without Soil For centuries, humans have relied on soil as the primary medium to grow crops. But what...

The “Wood Wide Web”: How Plants Talk Beneath the Surface

0
While plants may not have mouths or voices, they possess an extraordinary ability to communicate with one another through an underground network known as...

Where Do Tropical Plants Come From?

0
Here’s the list of where tropical plants come from for UK gardens, along with the specific Asian countries they originate from: Banana (Musa basjoo) –...

Boosting Seed Germination with Hydrogen Peroxide

0
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has earned a reputation as a versatile tool in gardening. Beyond promoting seed germination, it can be used to treat diseases,...

Understanding Worm Casts: Nature’s Soil Builders

0
Worm casts are one of nature’s most fascinating contributions to soil health and plant growth. But what exactly are they? Are they the same...

Cook’s Pine: Nature’s Leaning Marvel

0
Cook’s pine (Araucaria columnaris) is a fascinating tree native to New Caledonia, but its distinctive appearance has earned it worldwide attention. Known for its...

Understanding Plant Photosynthesis and Respiration

0
Plants are the backbone of life on Earth, not only providing food and oxygen but also playing a crucial role in maintaining the planet's...

The Carbon Cycle: A Journey Between Earth’s Systems

0
The carbon cycle is a continuous process that describes the movement of carbon through Earth's major systems: the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. These...

Traditional Gardening Techniques

0
Double Digging What It Is: Double digging is a soil preparation technique where you dig two spades deep into the soil, loosening the soil structure...

Sea Otters Combat Climate Change!

0
Sea Otters: Nature’s Adorable Climate Warriors When thinking about climate change solutions, most of us imagine technologies like solar panels or vast wind farms. But...

What is so special about John Innes Compost?

0
John Innes compost is a trusted name in gardening, renowned for its consistency and effectiveness. This soil-based compost range has been a staple for...

Plants in the Future

0
Plants and Scientific Innovations: Plants in the Future In the modern era, plants are no longer seen as passive providers of food and oxygen. They...

Plants in the Modern World

0
Chapter 5: Plants in the Modern World As the 21st century unfolds, plants continue to play a central role in the survival and evolution of...

Plants and People

0
Chapter 4: Plants and People As the flowering plants flourished, Earth’s ecosystems became more diverse and abundant, laying the foundation for the emergence of...

The Dawn of Flowers

0
Chapter 3: The Dawn of Flowers By the time flowering plants arrived on Earth, the stage was already teeming with life. Towering forests of gymnosperms,...

The Rise of the Forests

0
Chapter 2: The Rise of the Forests As plants continued their conquest of land, they began to reshape Earth's landscapes on a grand scale. From...

The Origin of Plants

0
Chapter 1: The Origins of Plants In the beginning, there was no green. For billions of years, Earth was a barren, rocky sphere, its surface...

Conifers Uncovered: Soil Impacts, Pests, Diseases, Pruning, and Best & Worst Varieties

0
Welcome to Local Gardener, where we dig into the joys and challenges of gardening! Today, we’re tackling conifers—those iconic evergreens that bring beauty and...

The World of Plant Types: Understanding Nature’s Diversity

0
Welcome to Local Gardener, the podcast where we explore the fascinating world of plants, gardening, and everything green. Today, we’re talking about plant types—how...

Slugs and Snails – A Garden’s Slimy Story

0
Welcome to Local Gardener, the podcast where we dive into the world of gardening! Today, we’re talking about two of the garden’s slowest—but most...

The Evolution of Garden Machinery

0
Welcome to The Local Gardener, the podcast where we dig deep into the roots of gardening history and explore the tools that have transformed...

The History of Tea: From Leaf to Cup

0
Welcome to Local Gardener. In this episode we steep your curiosity in the rich culture and history of tea. Today we’re exploring the different types...

Understanding Water and Your Garden

0
Welcome to another episode of understanding gardening, the podcast where we dig into the roots of gardening and explore the wonders of nature. I’m...

Why a South facing garden is important

0
From 93 million miles away, a colossal nuclear furnace rages, releasing unimaginable heat and light. This fiery giant unleashes its energy into the vast,...

The Vanishing Cabbage Tree

0
Welcome to where we delve into the untold stories of nature’s hidden histories. Today’s episode takes us to a remote corner of the globe,...

The Ensete Banana: Africa’s Lifeline

0
Welcome to Local Gardener where today we explore the untold story of one of the world’s most essential crops. In this episode, we’re delving...

Papyrus: Unearthing the Plant That Shaped Civilization

0
Welcome to Local gardener, the podcast where we investigate the plants that have left their mark on history. Today, we’re diving deep into a...

What Plant Labels Are Really Trying to Tell You

0
Plant classification—what it means, why it matters, and how it can help you when buying plants for your garden or home. If you’ve ever been...

Understanding Garden Soil Types and Their Impact on Plants

0
We’re diving into one of the most essential elements of gardening: soil. Specifically, we’ll talk about how different soil types are formed, how to...
spot_img

fIND MORE WORK FOR FREE

Subscribe to our facebook group to advertise your gardening business and find people looking for gardeners

SUBSCRIBE ⟶

Flowering this month

Strelitzia

Strelitzia, commonly known as Bird of Paradise, is a strikingly beautiful plant native...

Cultivating Garrya elliptica: A...

Garrya elliptica, commonly known as the Silk Tassel Bush, is a versatile and...

Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)

Local Gardener Grow Guide: Common Name: LaurustinusFamily: AdoxaceaeType: Evergreen shrubHeight: 2-4 meters (6-13...

How to Grow Viburnum...

Viburnum tinus, or Laurustinus, is an evergreen shrub that provides year-round interest. Its...

How to Grow Chaenomeles

Chaenomeles, commonly known as flowering quince, is a stunning addition to UK gardens,...

How to Force Hyacinths...

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are beloved for their vibrant colours and fragrant blooms, making...

How to Grow Heather...

Heather (Calluna, Erica, and Daboecia species) is a low-maintenance, hardy plant that adds...

How to Grow Winter...

Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a vigorous, deciduous climber that brings cheer to...

A Month-by-Month Guide to...

Orchids are mesmerizing plants, and with proper care, they can thrive and flower...

December-Flowering Camellias: Winter’s Brightest...

Camellias are a quintessential feature of UK gardens, celebrated for their elegant blooms,...

Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’: A...

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is a reliable, evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest and...

How to Grow and...

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a stunning plant that’s perfect for bringing vibrant color to...

How to Grow Mahonia

Mahonia, often called Oregon grape, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that brings interest...

How to Grow Winter...

Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) are charming and resilient early bloomers, adorning your garden...

How to grow Mahonia...

Mahonia 'Charity' is a popular evergreen shrub known for its striking architectural form,...

How to grow Orchids

How to grow orchids involves understanding the unique needs of these captivating plants....

Flowering this month

Strelitzia

Strelitzia, commonly known as Bird of Paradise, is a strikingly beautiful plant native...

Cultivating Garrya elliptica: A...

Garrya elliptica, commonly known as the Silk Tassel Bush, is a versatile and...

Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)

Local Gardener Grow Guide: Common Name: LaurustinusFamily: AdoxaceaeType: Evergreen shrubHeight: 2-4 meters (6-13...

How to Grow Viburnum...

Viburnum tinus, or Laurustinus, is an evergreen shrub that provides year-round interest. Its...

How to Grow Chaenomeles

Chaenomeles, commonly known as flowering quince, is a stunning addition to UK gardens,...

How to Force Hyacinths...

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are beloved for their vibrant colours and fragrant blooms, making...

How to Grow Heather...

Heather (Calluna, Erica, and Daboecia species) is a low-maintenance, hardy plant that adds...

How to Grow Winter...

Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) is a vigorous, deciduous climber that brings cheer to...

A Month-by-Month Guide to...

Orchids are mesmerizing plants, and with proper care, they can thrive and flower...

December-Flowering Camellias: Winter’s Brightest...

Camellias are a quintessential feature of UK gardens, celebrated for their elegant blooms,...

Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’: A...

Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' is a reliable, evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest and...

How to Grow and...

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is a stunning plant that’s perfect for bringing vibrant color to...

How to Grow Mahonia

Mahonia, often called Oregon grape, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that brings interest...

How to Grow Winter...

Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) are charming and resilient early bloomers, adorning your garden...

How to grow Mahonia...

Mahonia 'Charity' is a popular evergreen shrub known for its striking architectural form,...

How to grow Orchids

How to grow orchids involves understanding the unique needs of these captivating plants....
SEARCH

RHS AND USDA HARDINESS ZONES