For sheer colour in the greenhouse there is little to compare with Coleus or Painted Nettles as they are so accurately described. Indeed these not only closely resemble Dead Nettles but are in fact closely related to them. Now many have been renamed Plectranthus or Solenostemon though these have not caught on. The commonest, Coleus […]

Now February is here, spring is a step closer, what a welcome thought that is, after last month’s snow which put a stop to doing anything in the garden! Plants like peppers, chillies and aubergines needing up to five months to mature, should be sown this month, to make sure that they have enough time […]

Allotments are a vital, living part of our gardening heritage – and when they are threatened, it’s time to draw a line.

Another year in the greenhouse calendar and the greenhouse owner, me included, starts to plan, plot and plant for the year ahead. If not in practice just yet, then in the mind’s eye at least. Despite the greenhouse being a haven from the prevailing weather, the very presence of inclement climes can restrict greenhouse activity […]

In the deep midwinter…you can still sow broad beans and peas. The great thing about the greenhouse is that it provides an opportunity for the most out-of-season seed sowing. It isn’t actually out of season, it just severely feels it. I sowed my broad beans the day before midwinter’s day. The day had been dull, […]

Where are the weather forecasters who suggested that this was a going to be a long, cold winter? Some of the borders are waterlogged, as the saturated clay soil can absorb no more rain. It certainly limits gardening activities, other than spiking the lawn with a garden fork in a futile attempt to improve the […]