Recycle your Christmas tree and help wildlife
When the holidays are over, many gardeners ask what to do with their real chopped Christmas trees. While there are schemes to collect them or places to take them for recycling, you can choose a more sustainable option right at…
The pepper lottery
January might not seem like the conventional time to think about peppers, but for those with an adventurous spirit and a desire for a fun gardening experiment, now is a fantastic time to delve into the world of seed saving….
Keep those pansies looking winter fresh
While many areas of the garden are dormant in January, winter pansies and violas provide much-needed pops of colour. The cold, damp air of midwinter can be tough on these delicate blooms. If you want your displays to bloom until…
Rejuvenate hellebores
One rewarding task for any gardener in the early months of the year is tending to Hellebores, often called the “Lenten or Christmas Rose.” These hardy perennials can look a bit worse for wear now. Their large, leathery evergreen leaves,…
Give empty raised beds a boost for spring
January offers a unique window of opportunity to prepare for the frantic growth of spring. One of the most physically rewarding and visually satisfying tasks during this quiet spell is refreshing your empty raised beds. Throughout the previous growing season,…
The tomato lottery
January might not seem like the conventional time to think about tomatoes, but for those with an adventurous spirit and a desire for a fun gardening experiment, now is a fantastic time to delve into the world of seed saving….
Winter tool care
Midwinter often brings a halt to outdoor cultivation. The soil is too saturated or frozen to work. Yet this dormant period lets you retreat to the garden shed for essential tool maintenance. Cleaning and honing your equipment is not just…
Looking after our feathered friends this January
As January arrives and the winter chill deepens, the natural larders of the countryside begin to run dry. For our garden birds, this month represents a critical period of survival, where finding enough sustenance to endure the long, freezing nights…
How to grow your Christmas Amaryllis presents
The majestic Amaryllis, technically known as Hippeastrum, is a botanical marvel that brings a sense of grandeur to the home during the transition from the festive season into the new year. These oversized bulbs are incredibly rewarding to grow, offering…
Cut back autumn-fruiting raspberries
As the calendar turns to January, the garden settles into its mid-winter slumber. This quiet season presents the perfect opportunity for one of the most satisfying and straightforward fruit garden tasks: pruning autumn-fruiting raspberries. Unlike their summer-fruiting cousins, which require…