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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...
Sunday, January 25, 2026
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Garden

Mountfield and the Big Garden Tidy Up

It is most definitely storm season! But don't let the tempests of this life get in the way of a nice, neat outside space. ...

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) – Grow Guide

Cardoons (Cynara cardunculus) can be relatively easy to grow, especially if you have some gardening experience and the right conditions. Cardoons come in several...

The Best Climbers for a UK Tropical-Style Garden

A tropical-style garden in the UK can transport you to warmer climes, filled with vibrant colors, lush foliage, and a sense of untamed wilderness....

Five Yellow Flowers for a Tropical-Style Garden: Exotic Blooms with Unique Appeal

Creating a tropical-style garden can be a rewarding endeavor, especially if you choose flowers that not only add vibrant colors but also bring unique...

The Power of Flowers in a Tropical Garden

 Whether you’re designing a lush paradise in your backyard or adding tropical flair to a border, flowers play a pivotal role in bringing that...

Hardy Begonias for UK Gardens: A Complete Guide

Begonias are often thought of as tender summer bedding plants, but several hardy varieties can survive UK winters and return year after year. These...

January Gardening Tips From Barnsdale Gardens

Christmas already feels like a long time ago, but the Barnsdale Gardens team hope you enjoyed it as much as they did! Never ready...

Is Fatsia camouflage easy to grow?

Fatsia japonica camouflage is easy to grow providing you get a few things right. First it must be in the right position. They like...

When to bring ensete bananas out of dormancy?

There is no right time to bring ensete bananas out of dormancy. The ideal time would be at the end of April as this...

How long does it take to make a tropical style garden in the UK?

So how long does it take to make a tropical style garden in the UK? If you’ve been admiring any of the tropical style...

What constructions make gardens look tropical?

To make your garden look tropical, you can incorporate various construction elements that evoke a sense of lushness and exoticism. Here are some construction...

What are the top 100 plants for a tropical look garden?

Creating a tropical look garden in the UK involves a combination of hardy plants that can withstand the cooler climate and frost-tender plants that...

How many different types of jungle are there in the world?

There are many different types of jungles in the world, each with its own unique characteristics and biodiversity. While it is challenging to provide...

What styles of tropical garden are there?

There are several different styles of tropical gardens that draw inspiration from various cultural and design influences. Here are some popular styles of tropical...

BigPlantPots: Bold Design, Built for Growing Big

As gardeners continue to embrace statement planting and flexible outdoor design, one UK brand is helping both professionals and home growers think bigger. BigPlantPots...

Conservation of Scotland’s rarest moss boosted by Air-Pot® innovation

THE TEAM at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has been able to successfully cultivate one of Scotland’s rarest mosses – Round‑leaved bryum – during...

Grow up, not out: transform every wall into a wildlife-friendly green oasis with Eggologic

Vertical gardening has evolved and Eggologic is leading the charge. This innovative, modular system proves that growing upwards can deliver far more than style...

New for Christmas 2025 from Nicole’s Jungle: Build your own Paper Plant Bundle

The Perfect Gift for Plant Addicts & Craft Obsessives! New for Christmas 2025, independent British business Nicole’s Jungle has launched a Build Your Own Paper...

Haddonstone Brings Sustainability to Stone Garden Designs

Handcrafted cast stone designs that are beautiful, durable, and eco-conscious Haddonstone, the UK’s leading manufacturer of quality handcrafted garden and landscape cast-stone designs, is raising...

The perfect Christmas gift for garden lovers: Customisable Copper Plant Labels from Copper & Green

If you’re on the hunt for a unique and meaningful Christmas gift for the gardener in your life, look no further than Copper &...

French Soaps Launches Iconic Chrome Wall-Mounted Rotating Soap Holders

French Soaps UK is delighted to spotlight the enduring elegance and thoughtful design behind its Chrome Wall Arms, the original Provendi rotating soap holders...

Repotting with LECHUZA: Special autumn PON promotion!

As we enjoy the last days of summer and look forward to the golden season of autumn, houseplant parents will be getting ready to...

SealStop: the clever hose gadget helping households save water 

Helping you seal the gap between water usage and water wastage As the UK faces increasing periods of drought and tighter water restrictions, one small...

How to Prune Lavender: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lavender is a garden favourite, but without pruning it soon turns woody and straggly. With a simple yearly routine you can keep it compact,...

Unlocking the potential of your allotment

The National Allotment Society* estimates that there are currently around 330,000 allotments in the UK and National Allotment Week (11th – 17th August 2025) aims to raise awareness...

How to Improve Clay Soil: Turning Heavy Ground into a Productive Garden

Clay soil is often dreaded by gardeners. It's sticky when wet, cracks when dry, and compacts into a brick-like slab under foot. But with...

Cobra RM514SPC Lawn Mower

Cobra RM514SPC Lawn Mower – History, Specifications & Review The Cobra RM514SPC is a powerful self-propelled rear roller mower, designed to create a professional striped...

Protecting Fruit Bushes with Netting

Growing fruit bushes like currants, gooseberries, raspberries, and blueberries can be incredibly rewarding, but without proper protection, birds and other wildlife can quickly strip...

Starting Tomatoes, Peppers, and Cucumbers Indoors

March is the perfect time to start tender crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers indoors, giving them a head start before transplanting them outside...

The Challenges of Growing Peonies

Peonies are often considered one of the most beautiful and elegant flowers to grow, prized for their large, fragrant blooms and ability to thrive...

How to Stop Invasive Bamboo from Spreading and Remove It for Good

Bamboo can be an attractive addition to a garden, but if it’s the wrong variety, it can quickly become an invasive nightmare. Many gardeners...

Wait… UK Canada Geese Don’t Come from Canada?!

If you’ve ever watched a flock of Canada geese flying overhead in autumn, you might have assumed they were making their long journey from...

Filling a Plant Pot : Grit, Crocks, Perlite, or Something Else?

Filling a plant pot correctly is key to keeping your plants healthy, whether you're potting up houseplants, container plants, or seedlings. The debate over...

Pruning Shrubs: Old Wood vs. New Growth

Understanding when and how to prune flowering shrubs is key to keeping them healthy and ensuring they produce the best possible blooms. The age...

Rain vs. Tap Water: Which is Best for Watering Plants and Seedlings?

Watering is one of the most important aspects of plant care, but not all water is the same. Many gardeners prefer rainwater, while others...

Sowing Early Crops : A Head Start on the Growing Season

February is a great time to start sowing early crops, even though it’s still cold. With a little protection, you can get ahead of...

Common Mistakes Beginner Gardeners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting a garden is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating if things don’t go as planned. Many new gardeners...

What’s The Difference Between Apples and Crab Apples

When strolling through a garden or countryside, you may encounter two types of fruit-bearing trees that appear quite similar but differ greatly in size...

Looking Out for Hedgehogs in Winter: How to Help Them

Hedgehogs are some of the most endearing creatures in our gardens, but winter can be a challenging time for them. Here’s how to look...

Plant Bare-Root Fruit in February

Bare-root fruit trees and bushes are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to establish a productive garden. February is the perfect time to plant them...

Chitting Potatoes – How-To, and Why It’s Important

Chitting potatoes is an age-old practice that gives seed potatoes a head start before planting. By encouraging the development of strong sprouts, you’ll ensure...

Growing Winter Vegetables: A Beginner’s Guide

Winter gardening offers the opportunity to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce even in the colder months. By selecting the right vegetables, preparing your garden, and...

Top 5 Winter Greenhouse Options for Hobbyist Gardeners

A greenhouse can be a game-changer for any gardener, especially during the winter months. It provides a warm, protected environment for overwintering tender plants,...

Traditional Winter Gardening Techniques from historic Estates

Winter is often seen as a quiet time in the garden, but for gardeners on historic estates, it was a season of meticulous preparation...

Allotment Planner 2025

MonthWhat to PlantKey TasksJanuaryNone (focus on planning and soil preparation).Plan crop rotation, order seeds, clean tools, improve soil.FebruarySow tomatoes, chillies, aubergines indoors.Prepare ground, install...

Guide to Companion Planting on Your Allotment

Companion planting is a traditional gardening method that pairs plants strategically to support their growth, deter pests, and boost overall yields. For allotment gardeners,...

Is your bee hotel killing solitary bees?

Solitary Bees: Champions of Pollination and Why Bee Hotels Can Be Harmful Solitary bees are some of the most fascinating and essential pollinators in our...

Is your Leylandii going brown?

Leylandii going brown is usually a sign of stress or poor health caused by specific environmental or biological factors. Below are the key reasons...

The Surprising Truth Behind the Smell of Freshly Cut Grass

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

Can You Grow Oranges in the UK?

Growing oranges in the UK can be challenging due to the cooler climate, but it’s possible with the right care and conditions. Here's how...

Prune Apple Trees

Pruning is an essential task for maintaining healthy, productive apple trees. Proper pruning shapes the tree, improves fruit quality, and prevents disease. Here’s everything...

Force Rhubarb: A Gardener’s Guide

Forcing rhubarb is a traditional gardening technique that produces tender, sweet stalks, perfect for early-season pies, crumbles, and jams. This method involves excluding light...

Grow Plants From Kitchen Scraps

Grow plants from kitchen scraps for free! Fruits 1. Citrus (Lemons, Oranges, Limes) Germination Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F) Steps: Plant fresh seeds in moist soil and keep in a...

Heat Retention for Gardeners: Methods to Protect Your Plants

Retaining heat is a crucial aspect of winter gardening. Cold weather can damage or kill plants, but there are effective ways to protect them,...

What Are The Best Plants for The Bedroom?

Adding plants to your bedroom can improve air quality, boost relaxation, and create a serene atmosphere. With the right plants, you can transform your...

What Are The The Best Plants for The Kitchen?

Kitchens are a perfect place for plants. They add a fresh, vibrant feel, improve air quality, and can even be practical if you choose...

What Are The Best Plants for The Bathroom?

Bathrooms, with their unique combination of humidity, temperature fluctuations, and often low light, can be challenging environments for houseplants. However, with the right plant...

How to Preserve Vegetables by Blanching

Preserving vegetables is a wonderful way to enjoy your garden’s bounty all year round. One of the most effective and easy methods is blanching....

What is so special about John Innes Compost?

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...

Male Asparagus or Female Asparagus : What’s best?

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a dioecious plant, meaning it produces male and female flowers on separate plants. Understanding the differences between male and female...

How to Grow Tomatoes in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow in the UK, providing fresh, delicious fruits that are perfect for salads, sauces, and...

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

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...

Slugs and Snails – A Garden’s Slimy Story

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...

What temperature should I store my ensete banana at?

Ensete bananas should be stored at 10c. Any higher and they will start to grow. They cannot withstand sub zero temperatures, even when dormant. How...

How to over winter Ensete bananas

Ensete bananas are not frost hardy and will need to be taken to a frost free place if they are to survive the winter....

Growing Onions in December: A Guide for UK Gardeners

While December isn’t the traditional growing season for onions, it’s still possible to start your onion-growing journey during the winter months. Whether you’re aiming...

How to Keep Your Pond Ice Free

Winter poses unique challenges for garden ponds in the UK, as freezing temperatures can threaten aquatic life and disrupt the delicate pond ecosystem. Keeping...

Do not walk on frosty lawns

Walking on a frosty lawn can significantly damage it due to the nature of how frost affects grass blades and the soil underneath. Here’s...

Red Spider Mites – Battling Them in the Greenhouse and Indoors

Today, we’re tackling the notorious red spider mites, but with a twist. Whether you’re dealing with an infestation in your greenhouse or on your...

Growing Water Lilies in the UK: Varieties, Care, Colours, and Pond Tips

Water lilies are one of the most elegant additions to any pond, bringing vibrant color, shade, and a haven for pond wildlife. Although they’re...

The Secret Gardeners: Pollinators of the UK

Welcome back to Local Gardener, where we dig into the intricate relationships between nature and humanity. Today we’re honing in on pollination right here...

How do you Look After Ensete Bananas Over Winter in the UK?

Ensete bananas, particularly Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii', also known as the Abyssinian banana, are prized for their striking, tropical appearance. With their large, deep red...

What’s the Easiest Hibiscus to Grow in the UK?

Hibiscus plants are renowned for their stunning, showy flowers that bring a tropical flair to gardens. While many varieties thrive in warmer climates, certain...

How to secure a Polytunnel in a Windy Area?

Polytunnels are fantastic for extending the growing season, providing shelter for plants, and creating a controlled environment for gardening. However, in windy areas, they...

What’s the Best Time to Plant Out Seedlings? A Guide for UK Gardeners

Planting out seedlings at the right time is crucial for ensuring healthy, thriving plants. If transplanted too early, seedlings may suffer from frost or...

What’s the Best Acer for a Small Garden?

Acers, commonly known as Japanese maples, are renowned for their striking foliage, graceful form, and seasonal color transformations. With their vibrant red, gold, and...

What’s the Best Ceanothus for a UK Garden?

Ceanothus, often called California lilac, is a stunning addition to UK gardens, prized for its vibrant blue flowers, fast growth, and evergreen foliage. While...

When should I prune my Wisteria?

Wisteria, with its cascading clusters of violet, blue, or white flowers, is a favorite climber in UK gardens. However, without proper care, it can...

How to Grow the Tallest Sunflower?

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are iconic summer blooms known for their towering height and striking, cheerful faces. Growing an exceptionally tall sunflower can be a...

How to Grow Winter Aconites

Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) are charming and resilient early bloomers, adorning your garden with a burst of cheerful yellow blooms during the late winter...

Stinging Nettles: The Double-Edged Sword in Your Garden

Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are a common sight in gardens and wild areas, known for their distinctive serrated leaves and, as the name suggests,...

How to grow Crocosmias

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow Crocosmias in the UK Crocosmias, commonly known as montbretia, are vibrant and attractive perennial plants that produce...

How to grow Verbascum

Here's a guide on how to grow Verbascum Verbascum, commonly known as mullein, is a genus of flowering plants that includes both biennials and perennials....

How to grow Mahonia ‘Charity’

Mahonia 'Charity' is a popular evergreen shrub known for its striking architectural form, bold foliage, and fragrant winter blooms. Here are some guidelines on...

How to grow Orchids

How to grow orchids involves understanding the unique needs of these captivating plants. Orchids, belonging to a diverse family with various species and hybrids,...

How to grow Amaranthus

Amaranthus is a versatile and colorful plant with various species that can be grown for their vibrant foliage and edible seeds. Here's a general...

How to grow Amaryllis

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) is a popular flowering plant known for its large, showy blooms. Here's a comprehensive overview of various aspects of how to...

When is the right time to cut your yew hedge?

When to Trim a Yew Hedge: Although many gardeners trim their yew hedge in late July or August for appearance, the best time to cut...

When is the latest to prune roses?

How late roses can be pruned depends on the type of rose. Generally speaking, rambling roses should be pruned immediately after flowering. All other...

Do daffodils kill other flowers in the same vase?

Daffodils look great in a display with other flowers but daffodils kill other flowers in the same vase? Yes, daffodils do make other flowers wilt...

Will my cold damaged Cordyline survive?

Cordylines have taken a beating over the 2022/23 winter. The combination of snow and freezing temperatures has caused many to present with browning leaves...

How to grow Brugmansia from seed

Brugmansia seeds can be grown from seed but you are going to need artificial heat and light and patience to get them going. First...

How much should I water my tree fern?

Tree ferns should be kept well watered. The trunks should not be allowed to dry out. If the plant is in a pot try...

How to grow Echeveria

If you are looking to add a display of succulents to your garden then you are surely going to be looking at growing echeverias....

Should I cut the leaves off my tree fern?

You should not cut the leaves off of a tree fern unless they are totally brown. Even then it is thought they the old...

What temperatures will Musa Basjoo go down to?

The leaves of Muso Basjoo will stop growing at 12 degrees Centigrade. They will start to get leaf damage at zero degrees centigrade. A young...

Are tree ferns frost hardy?

Tree ferns can stay outside all year in the UK but they need protection to survive. It’s best to take small tree ferns to...

How long does it take to make a tropical style garden in the UK?

So how long does it take to make a tropical style garden in the UK? If you've been admiring any of the tropical style...

What’s the best way to over winter Musa Basjoo bananas?

The first thing to do though is to cut off the leaves. Do this after the temperature has gone low enough to blacken the...

How High Can I Grow My Hedge?

Top tips on hedge trimming as online searches show a 234% increase for ‘how to trim a hedge’ since June 2022 Legislation states that your...
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