Hartley Magazine

All the latest news, hints, tips and advice from our experts

Written in United States

Curl Up and Read – Books that will change the way you think about plants

For gardeners in most parts of the country, January is a slower time—a time of reflection, of list-making, of planning for the future, whether for your greenhouse or your garden. And what better way to expand your horizons than by putting your nose in a good book? Or engaging your ears while you potter about […]

Written in United States

Shrubs Complete the Garden Picture

As my garden in Colorado has matured, so have I, and the post-Christmas lull and polar vortex winter has given me thinking time, a chance to identify “improvements” in the aid of slow and low maintenance, and to read a book or five, including Shrouded in Light: Naturalistic Planting Inspired by Wild Shrublands, a book […]

Written in United States

Socks – Unusual but practical gifts for anyone who works in a greenhouse

Many gardeners are particular about protecting their hands with gloves for different jobs. But what about their feet? Anyone familiar with a greenhouse knows that the coolest part is at floor level. Boots or shoes can only go so far. If you stand around for any time on those floors, your feet will be getting […]

Protecting greenhouse plants over winter

When it comes to gardening, climate change means a revision of expectations and ideas. These days, an unheated greenhouse provides useful protection for tender crops for longer than ever before. When October frosts were the norm, you wouldn’t even consider leaving chillies to ripen in the greenhouse but now it is more commonplace. Keep checking […]

Dragon’s Breath

Celosias were first introduced from the Far East in the Sixteenth century before there were more than a handful of greenhouses so were not easy. Once the heated greenhouse became available then this relation of Amaranthus became immensely popular with over sixty species discovered and introduced from Africa, Asia and the Americas. Then they generally […]

HARTLEY BOTANIC’S ANNUAL GLASSHOUSE & GREENHOUSE NEW YEAR PREDICTIONS

THE GREENHOUSE IN 2025 Greenhouse Partitions The use of partitions in Greenhouses is becoming increasingly popular as gardeners look for more precise control over their growing environment and formally divide structures for additional lifestyle uses. By dividing Greenhouses into distinct zones, partitions allow for tailored microclimates that cater to the specific needs of different plants […]

Written in United States

Forcing Bulbs in the Greenhouse

One of the best benefits of a greenhouse is bringing bulbs to bloom at the time when you most need them—décor, a celebration, or just for cheer in the darkest winter days. This month I’m talking with Brent Heath, the eponymous head of the family-owned mail order business, Brent and Becky’s. After an amazing number […]