Jean Vernon explores some of the plants that are ideal for your first greenhouse Letās be honest, whatās the first plant that springs to mind when you think of a greenhouse? Chances are itās tomatoes, and while they can be high maintenance there are ways to succeeding with tomatoes AND there is nothing tastier than […]
A plantās performance is often tied to the quality of the soil itās growing in. According to Elizabeth Murphy, soil scientist, gardener, and author of Building SoilāA Down to Earth Approach, certain steps can be taken to modify garden soil. But what about purchased potting mixes that are the mainstay of containers, raised beds, and, […]
Seldom found in glasshouses or conservatories this compact shrub is near ideally suited. Although requiring lime free compost and rainwater thisās not much disadvantage as tub culture is so easy and allows the plants to be moved outdoors for those months when theyāre dormant. Beautiful flowers? Yes, like large white heather bells these bloom on […]
If you live in southern California, donāt read this. Agapanthus can grow year-round in warmer climates, but in Rhode Island it is an almost perfect greenhouse plant. While deciduous agapanthus can stand a light frost if their roots are well protected, the plant will be killed if the ground freezes. Evergreen plants have fleshier leaves […]
Sow: outdoor cucumber, marrow, squashes, pumpkins on edge, individually in 7.5cm pots plus French and Runner beans and Sweetcorn in gentle heat in multipurpose compost in a propagator. Tie in the leading shoots of tomatoes, peppers and aubergines as they grow to support growing stems. Continue to prick out and pot on seedlings, gradually increasing […]
Well the greenhouse is finally back up and running! The last couple of months I have written here about how the greenhouse had become used as a bit of a dumping ground when we demolished our big old shed, sledges and spare rabbit hutches taking the place where tomato seedlings should be thriving. We did […]
I always get wisteria envy at this time of year, because it’s one climber I don’t seem to be able to find the right place for. I’ve planted two in my lifetime and the first one was in a Northamptonshire garden in the late 1980s. I recently went back for a peek and it’s now […]
It must be spring: Iāve put in my order for the local native plant sale. Over the past few years, Iāve been adding native plants to my garden whenever I can. Many, such as the woodland wildflowers I nurture in my shady garden, are lovely. Native plants also support native animalsāfrom insects to birds and […]
We gardeners are on the front line of climate change. With our hands in the soil, our striving to grow plants as best we can. Struggling with raising temperatures, lower water and freakish weather patterns can stymie the ardent efforts of the best green thumbs. These are global issues, but whatās to be done on […]
Grow your own has been on-trend for a while now, but this year with all the uncertainty of Brexit and indeed the increases in food prices, growing food for the table is ever more popular. You donāt need an allotment to grow veg. You donāt even need a veg patch. A raised bed or some […]
WELLNESS āUNDER GLASSā – Hartley Botanicās RHS Chelsea Flower Show tradestand ā stand number 33 – Designed by Tina Fraser of Valentine Wyatt Garden Design – Landscaping by award winning RHS Chelsea stalwarts Stewart Landscape Construction English Greenhouse and Glasshouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic is to showcase a wellness focused tradestand at RHS Chelsea Flower Show […]
