Gazanias are half-hardy flowers which are generally thought of as annuals. While it is not unusual for gazanias to survive late into the fall, even flowering as late as September or October, they are eventually killed off by extended periods of cold weather as winter sets in. This applies equally to most areas of the … Read more
Diatomaceous earth is a fine dust made from the bodies of fossilized prehistoric crustaceans called diatoms. The cell walls from these organisms are made from silica, which makes each particle abrasive and sharp. The nature of these particles, in turn, can make them tremendously effective as a natural and organic form of pest control. For … Read more
Fertilizer can make the difference between success and failure in your garden; especially if, like me, you grow an array of fruits and vegetables each year. More nutrients means healthier plants and better yields. Unfortunately artificial fertilizers can be expensive, heavy to carry and can come with a wealth of safety warnings. In this article, … Read more
Greenhouses are an odd possession. When they’re new and in perfect working order there can be few more pleasant things to own. They’re the perfect opportunity to get seeds started early, to grow crops you otherwise couldn’t, and to extend the growing season late into the year. The problem comes when greenhouses start to get … Read more
Over the years I’ve bought from Thompson and Morgan a number of times. On each occasion I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the service. Having recently moved into a new property, complete with an almost plant-free garden, I decided it was time to test out their “garden ready plants” to see if they represent a quick, … Read more
Getting weeds under control can feel like an uphill struggle, especially as the weather starts to warm up in spring. I often wish that my cultivated plants could grow at the same rate as the weeds! With so many of us being pressed for time, it’s little wonder that so many people resort to weed … Read more
If there’s one complaint that I hear about vegetable gardens it’s simply that they’re “ugly”. People often want to hide them away out of sight, and overlooking someone else’s vegetable plot can be a cause for neighbourly tensions. But things don’t have to be like that. With a little thought and effort your pride and … Read more
Over the last six years I have carefully maintained a community garden (known here in the UK as an allotment). In that time I have been amazed at how many other gardeners have come and gone – largely because they “don’t have the time”. Just as many have been kicked off their plots for lack … Read more
As a passionate vegetable gardener I’ve learned that whilst the growing season seems to fly past at an alarming rate, a year can be an awfully long time when it comes to your memory. It barely seems like you’ve harvested the last of your crops before its time to start planning for the spring. At … Read more
There are many gardeners who take pride in growing wholesome, organically-grown produce right throughout the year. But I’m not one of them. I’m a distinctly “fair weather gardener”. Living in the UK as I do, not only can winters get pretty chilly, but the wind and rain can cause some serious problems. The earth turns … Read more