Most soils are pH neutral or slightly acidic. Alkaline soils are uncommon, and usually the result of very specific local geology – namely sitting on a bedrock of chalk or lime. This is most often seen in…
Shrubs are usually among the largest plants in our yards and gardens, but it’s still easy to underestimate their potential for adding privacy, structure and beauty to an outdoor space. In fact, the shrubs you choose and…
Protecting container plants from frost is vital in some regions, if you want your cold tender plants to survive until spring. There are several ways of going about it, depending on the size of the container and…
My family regard my enthusiasm for composting with some amusement. They’d probably say, if pressed, that it’s verging on an obsession! But here’s the thing. Composting is a fascinating subject and so much more interesting than just…
Growing Japanese maple in pots is a great way to overcome having the wrong soil type, or an unfavorable climate for these graceful trees. There are lots of small and dwarf Japanese maples that are suitable for…
Home grown cucumbers taste completely different to those you buy in the grocery store, and they’re one of my favorite crops to grow. They’re a pretty easy crop to grow, and 100% worth the effort. You can…
Tomatoes are among the most popular grow-your-own crops. In fact the aroma of tomato leaves in the sunshine is so nostalgic and evocative for so many of us that you can even buy candles and room sprays…
Pumpkins are heaps of fun to grow. And since they can be both edible and ornamental, they appeal to a really wide range of gardeners. They’re a popular jumping-off point for people keen to try growing produce…
