Gardening 101

As the days grow longer and the soil warms up, spend some time on a little flower tending and appreciation. What to plant in October October gardening is all about planting and anticipation. And, of course, enjoying all the beauty abounding. The month is the peak rhododendron flowering time. Make a note to visit a […]

The experts at Kings Plant Barn are here to help How do I transplant a reasonably mature fruit tree? This depends on how big it is, what type of tree it is, the time of year and where it is going. If it is a large tree, only specific landscapers will be able to help […]

Autumn is the ideal time to plant trees and roses, deal to falling foliage, and get your lawn winter-ready. Here’s a round-up of things to tick off your June gardening to-do list 1. Get planting Get those spades out and plant a tree or two. June is also a good month to move existing trees and shrubs, […]

Consider this your summer planting guide! Gardens editor Carol Bucknell shares her tips for harvesting, planting and sowing in the month of February What to harvest in the garden in February Keep picking tomatoes and pinching out laterals (diagonal shoots that grow in the angle between branches), so the energy goes into fruit, not leaves. To beat […]

Beat the late summer blues by rejuvenating flower beds and lawns with a little loving care Your March planting guide Gardens can look a little jaded by the end of summer but an easy way to add colour and interest is to fill containers and gaps in flower beds with brightly-hued annuals and perennials that bloom […]

These days, garden sheds are expected to multi-task – playhouse, office, spare room – and look good, too. Here are some ideas if you’re planning a ‘shed-over’ 1. Playtime Luring the kids away from screens and devices into the outdoors will be easier if you give them their own place to hang out. If converting […]

Learn the basics for growing and potting orchids at home – you don’t need to be an expert! You’ll need – a pot, orchid bark, a cymbidium orchid, small stake, butterfly clips, pebbles and slow-release orchid food. Step 1 Fill a small pot with orchid bark (which has been sterilised and can be bought at any […]

As the days heat up, don’t forget to water your plants regularly and you will be well rewarded. Read on for more of gardens editor Carol Bucknell’s top tips Stop the snail trail Another good reason to water in the morning is that snails and slugs love damp soil when they move about in the […]

Although it obviously does take more time, propagating plants from seed isn’t difficult if you choose the right varieties. There is also a wider range of plant seeds available these days than seedlings. And better still many can be gathered from your own plants or those of friends and neighbours. Our 10-step guide will get […]

Dear Carol, I’m hoping for help with the main part of my garden. We’ve done a lot of work tidying up the area, but need some ideas to link the deck to the garden. There needs to be a paving or seating area. The deck faces east so is lovely in summer but almost sunless in […]