Cut back allium leaves
While many gardeners are accustomed to the long, lingering wait for bulb foliage to wither, alliums offer a refreshing departure from the norm. Most spring bulbs require you to leave their yellowing leaves intact for weeks to recharge the bulbs…
The Chelsea Chop
As the calendar turns to early May, gardeners should begin transitioning citrus plants from their winter shelters—such as greenhouses or conservatories—into the open air. While the increased sunlight is beneficial for growth, the move must be gradual. It is wise…
Bring citrus plants outdoors
As the calendar turns to early May, gardeners should begin transitioning citrus plants from their winter shelters—such as greenhouses or conservatories—into the open air. While the increased sunlight is beneficial for growth, the move must be gradual. It is wise…
Harden off and plant out annuals
As we approach mid-May, the gardening season truly shifts gears, offering the perfect window to introduce tender annuals into your outdoor spaces. Popular varieties such as vibrant Zinnias, towering Sunflowers, ethereal Cosmos, and fragrant Tobacco plants are ready to take…
What to do in May
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Late to the cut
In the red corner, we have the “Gardeners’ World” approach: a serene, linen-clad Monty Don whispering sweet nothings to a germinating seed. In the blue corner, there’s the reality of me, armed with rusty pruners and the spatial awareness of…
The temptation of a special offer
There is a specific kind of madness that descends upon a gardener when they see the words “Special Offer.” It’s a primal, twitchy-eyed greed that overrides common sense. So, when an internet advert promised two packs of bedding geraniums for…
Supporting birds in April
As April unfolds and the vibrant pulse of spring quickens, the challenges facing our garden birds undergo a dramatic shift. While the biting frost of winter has retreated, this month marks the beginning of the gruelling breeding season. For many…
Plant lily bulbs in containers
There is something undeniably magical about seeing lilies emerge in your garden. If you want one of the most stunning and fragrant displays of the summer, planting them in pots is an absolute game-changer. Containers offer you total control over…
Mulch bare soil in April
As April brings the first true warmth of spring, the garden undergoes a rapid transformation, making it the perfect window to protect your soil before the summer heat settles in. Applying a generous layer of organic mulch across your garden…