Britain Get Growing Archives - British Garden Centres https://www.britishgardencentres.com/blog-section/britain-get-growing/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:17:46 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Growing Vegetables for Beginners https://www.britishgardencentres.com/growing-vegetables-for-beginners/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/growing-vegetables-for-beginners/#respond Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:44:38 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=102673

Growing Vegetables for Beginners

It’s never too late (or early) to start your green-fingered adventure, and today is as good a day as any to get growing! This guide will give you a bite-sized insight, with all the resources you need to start off in the right direction and enjoy fresh, home-grown flavour.

When & What Should I Plant?

Depending on what you fancy, timings for Sowing and planting can change. As part of our Britain Get Growing campaign, the British Garden Centres team have put together a delightful guide of when to sow or plant the most popular vegetables, which you can find here. It’s always best to plant something you enjoy eating: growing something you’re excited about will be a much more enjoyable journey with a delicious reward at the end.

If you’re struggling for ideas on what to plant, sometimes a simple browse can spark an idea. You can find your favourite vegetable seeds here, but when choosing be sure to keep in mind the size of your planting area as well as the time of year.

A fantastic choice for beginners are carrots and strawberries as these can even flourish in containers and can grow surprisingly fast.

Selecting Seeds

Finding the right Tools for the Job

Don’t be discouraged if you lack a large garden, you can start planting just about anywhere with the right equipment. For a larger planter you can browse our available range of VegTrugs, and for smaller gardens you can browse all sizes of propagators here to get your seeds started off right.

If you predict a frosty cold spell in the near future, either plant close to a wall for natural shelter or be prepared to shield your crops with a horticultural fleece. When it comes to deciding where to plant, most veg love being in full sun but can still thrive in dappled shade.

Planters

Time to Plant!

Now you’ve got your planters and chosen your favourite seeds, it’s time to set the stage. If you choose to plant in a pre-established border, be sure to remove any weeds and top up with fresh compost. Make sure to flatten your soil and remove any rogue stones until you have a fine compost layer on top. When planting in either a border or raised planter, if you’re starting off with seeds it’s best to clear a little area with your hand and thinly sow your seeds to prevent over-crowding as this can reduce your overall yield.

Not all seeds can be sown outside. If your seeds are starting their journey in a small propagator, make sure to fill each cell with plenty of compost and gently place seeds in each cell. Cover these up with a tad more compost and don’t forget to label them! Try not to overcrowd each cell: if all the roots are competing with each other you won’t have a very abundant yield later on.

Sowing Carrot Seeds

Something’s Eating my Veg!

A vegetable bed like this can be irresistible to pesky slugs and other nuisances, so if you notice your leaves with little nibbles there are plenty of options on how to deal with these invaders. A wide range of organic pest solutions can be found in your local British Garden Centre or Online to keep your vegetables well protected as they flourish.

Slug-Clear

What Now?

Be sure to keep a keen eye on your growing vegetables, and depending on the weather you may only need to water them a few times a week depending on what you planted. A great way to quickly check if they need a top up is to place your finger in the soil next to your crops, being sure not to disturb the roots. If the soil is still moist they’re good to go. If not give them a quick top up! Try not to overwater your gardens as you may stunt your vegetables growth and see a few drooped leaves.

 

Our very own Grow Your Own Guide can give you some guidance on when to harvest, but you can typically find this information on the back of your seed packets too! Now it’s time to sit back, relax and wait. You should see steady growth over the coming weeks, and soon you can taste the glory of home-grown flavour.

Carrot Harvest

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/growing-vegetables-for-beginners/feed/ 0 How to grow your own herb garden at home https://www.britishgardencentres.com/herb-garden-at-home/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/herb-garden-at-home/#respond Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:26:57 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=102583

How to grow your own herb garden at home

Growing your own herb garden is a rewarding and cost-effective way to add freshness and flavour to your cooking. In this guide, the British Garden Centres team explore the simple steps you can take to start and maintain your very own herb garden right in your own home. All the herbs can be bought in pots and planted or grown from seed if you have the time.

Basil

A peppery herb that people tend to associate with summer and pesto pasta. But although it is an annual, basil is an herb that can be grown any time of year on a sunny windowsill and will add a real hint of freshness to your dishes.

Basil

Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that can tolerate a variety of conditions. It's great for adding flavour to a wide range of dishes and grows well in pots or the ground. Thyme pairs well with meats, and roasted vegetables such as potatoes and is a common ingredient in soups and stew.

Thyme

Mint

The staple for a lot of drinks or lamb dishes.  A refreshingly tasting herb that gives a wonderful lift to food and drink especially in the summer, especially cocktails and mocktails.  It can be added to salads, such as fruit salads, and leafy and potato salads to add a refreshing flavour, or as a marinade or garnish for meats, such as lamb. Mint can be a bully in a garden so it's best planted in a container where it will thrive.

Mint

Rosemary

Rosemary is a brilliant addition to food, providing a fresh and unique pine-tasting twist. It complements roasted meats such as lamb, chicken, turkey, pork, and beef and can be added to bread dough or focaccia dough to infuse it with flavour.

Rosemary

Sage

Sage can be used in poultry dishes, especially with chicken and turkey. It also has a great savoury flavour to pasta dishes, particularly those featuring butter or cream sauces, like ravioli or gnocchi.

Sage

Parsley

Both flat-leaf and curly parsley are popular herbs in the UK. They can be grown in pots or the ground and are relatively easy to care for. Parsley can be used in salads to add a fresh and vibrant flavour and pairs well with seafood dishes.

Parsley

Chives

Chives are a member of the onion family and grow well in the UK. They produce attractive purple flowers and are great for adding a mild onion flavour to dishes. Chives pair exceptionally well with potatoes and as a garnish to soups.

Chive

Coriander

Coriander is a staple in many cuisines and can be grown in the UK with some care. It prefers cooler temperatures and may bolt in hot weather, so it's best to grow it in the spring or autumn. It is a key ingredient in fresh salsas and a common garnish for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes with its citrus flavour.

Coriander

Oregano

Oregano is a hardy herb that can be grown in the UK. It prefers a sunny spot and well-drained soil.  It is commonly used in Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican dishes, like pizza, Greek salad, moussaka, chilli con carne, enchiladas, and tacos.

Oregano

Bay

Bay leaves are commonly used in cooking and can be grown in the UK climate. They prefer a sheltered spot and can be grown in pots or on the ground. The leaves are often used to infuse flavour into various dishes during cooking, such as soups, stews, broths and rice to provide a fragrant aroma and subtle taste.

Bay

How to Plant

To plant your herbs in a container, begin by selecting a spacious planter with a depth of at least 6-8 inches. Fill approximately two-thirds of the container with loose, well-draining potting compost. Gently remove the herb plants from their pots, untangling any roots, and firmly press them into the compost, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Once planted, top up with more compost, covering the roots, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Next, place the container in a sunny location such as a windowsill, conservatory, or under a skylight, where the herbs can receive ample sunlight. With proper care and regular watering, your herb garden will thrive, providing fresh flavours for your culinary creations.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/herb-garden-at-home/feed/ 0 Britain Get Growing – Planning for a productive February https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-february/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-february/#respond Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:55:18 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=98771

Britain Get Growing – Planning for a productive February

As February rolls around, it's time to put your green thumb to work and start planning your garden for the upcoming season. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, there are many options available for what you can sow and grow in your garden in February. With the correct preparation and care, you can ensure a fruitful and healthy garden, with the assistance of the British Garden Centres team.

One of the most effective ways to get a head start on your garden in February is to begin planting seeds indoors. You can start with vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, beetroot, broad beans, carrots, leeks, and aubergines in containers and then transplant them outside when the weather warms up. By starting these seeds in February, you can give them a head start and guarantee a longer growing season.

The weather in the UK can be quite unpredictable, especially in February, with temperatures still being quite chilly. However, that doesn't mean you can't start planting in your vegetable garden. You can sow cold-hardy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes directly into the ground in February. These vegetables can withstand cooler temperatures and will thrive as the weather begins to warm up.

Sowing Seeds

This month is also the time to start purchasing your seed potatoes and begin the chitting process, which involves allowing the potatoes to sprout before planting them after the last frost. This process takes around 4-6 weeks, so if you chit them now, they'll be ready to plant in mid to late March. It's also time to start your onion sets, garlic, asparagus, and rhubarb.

February is an excellent time to focus on perennials and bulbs in your garden. You can start sowing seeds of slower-growing, half-hardy annuals and perennial plants indoors.  Start sowing sweet peas, antirrhinum, lobelia, poppies, campanula, aquilegia and foxgloves for a fantastic summer display.

Potatoes

Summer bulbs such as dahlias, lilies, and gladioli can be sown from next month, so it's worth heading to your local garden centre to buy some in preparation.

If the ground isn't frozen, you can still plant bare-rooted hedges and trees, shrubs, and roses. However, make sure you soak them before planting to prevent any damage.

Before you start sowing and growing in February, it's essential to pay attention to soil preparation. Ensure that your garden soil is well-drained and has a good balance of nutrients to support healthy plant growth. Consider using organic mulch to protect the soil from the remaining winter chill and to encourage earthworm activity, which promotes soil aeration. By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful garden throughout the growing season.

Mulching

Our Britain Get Growing page has loads of helpful advice and tips on growing your own or visit your local British Garden Centre and speak to our friendly team.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-february/feed/ 0 Britain Get Growing – Plan your January Garden https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-january/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-january/#respond Mon, 01 Jan 2024 12:56:31 +0000 https://bgc.staging.cfweb.uk/?p=100651

Britain Get Growing – Plan your January Garden

Wishing you a Happy New Year! With the arrival of the new year comes fresh hope and a brand-new gardening season. Despite the winter chill and lockdown conditions, now is the ideal time to strategize for your outdoor space in preparation for the upcoming spring. In January, there are still numerous quick gardening tasks to undertake, ensuring your garden gets off to a robust start.

Start by planning ahead. During the colder and wetter days, take a trip to your local British Garden Centres store or shop online for inspiration and explore our colourful displays of seeds, bulbs and plants.

If you’re interested in gardening and want to start planting early in the year, there are a plethora of options available to you. Some of the best choices to get started include purchasing early potatoes, onion sets, shallots, garlic, and a variety of vegetable seeds. To ensure the best possible results, it’s recommended that you sow these seeds undercover in a propagator. This will help to protect them from the harsh weather conditions that can be common during the early months of the year, allowing them to grow and thrive in a safe and controlled environment. With a little bit of care and attention, you can look forward to enjoying a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious vegetables and herbs in no time at all!

To ensure a beautiful garden, it’s essential to plan with your blooms too. In January, you can start by considering bare-root hedging, shrubs, trees, and annual/biennial summer flower seeds that can be sown indoors. These plants will grow well when planted in the spring, and it’s best to start preparing them now.

If you have a greenhouse, it’s a great place to sow plants like Begonias, Lobelias, Geraniums, and Pelargoniums. These plants love warmth and will thrive in a temperature-controlled environment. You can sow the seeds in pots and keep them inside the greenhouse until they are ready to be transplanted into your garden.

For those who prefer outdoor gardening, Lily Bulbs can be sown into borders and pots during milder days of the month. These bulbs are easy to plant and will produce beautiful blooms in the summer months. Just make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and water them regularly.

By taking the time to plan and sow your seeds now, you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant and healthy garden in the spring and summer months.

For winter colour, plant flowering shrubs such as Daphne, winter honeysuckle, and winter jasmine, offering cheer and delightful scents from now until early spring. Heather and cyclamen can provide a burst of uplifting colour. Winter container displays also bring life to the garden during the grey months, offering a new dimension from December to March.

Don’t forget the wildlife in your garden. As colder weather drives birds into your garden, provide them with food and water. Fat balls and treats are excellent energy sources during the winter months. Ensure bird baths are clean and unfrozen for drinking and bathing.

Lastly, give your houseplants some winter care. Regularly check for watering needs and address any pest problems. Since houseplants are dormant during this period, limit watering to prevent common failures. Only feed flowering houseplants with a high potash liquid feed.

Our Britain Get Growing page has loads of helpful advice and tips on growing your own or visit your local British Garden Centre and speak to our friendly team.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-january/feed/ 0 Britain Get Growing – December Delights in the Garden https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-december/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-december/#respond Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:15:49 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=98066

Britain Get Growing - December Delights in the Garden

As the colder weather unfolds and Christmas draws near, it's easy to assume that the garden is peacefully tucked away for the winter. However, the truth is, that there are still several gardening tasks to be tended to in December. In this quick guide, we'll explore the various activities you can engage in to ensure your garden remains vibrant and well-maintained over the festive break.

In this blog post, the British Garden Centres team will explore the December tasks that not only keep your garden healthy but also contribute to its enchanting beauty during the winter months.

What to plant in December

Winter can be a beautiful season for gardening, despite the colder weather. Winter planting is a joy, and you can still put dormant hedges such as beech, hornbeam, quickthorn, and bare-root roses into the ground.

For a colourful and vibrant display, consider adding winter bedding, evergreen shrubs, conifers, and Cornus stems. These plants will add pops of vibrancy and visual interest, making your garden a beautiful sight to behold, even in the darker evenings.

In addition to these ornamental plants, December is a great time to sow winter vegetables. Broad beans, onions, garlic, and winter greens are all excellent choices for your vegetable garden. Not only will these vegetables provide you with fresh and healthy produce, but they will also add a touch of greenery to your vegetable patch.

Plant care

Revitalise Roses: December is the best month to prune climbing roses, removing any diseased or damaged growth. Guide new shoots for support for a beautiful spring display.

Pruning: Prune dormant shrubs and trees in December to encourage healthy growth. Shape hedges, grape vines, clematis, and fruit trees.

Protect Containers: Safeguard potted plants by moving them to sheltered areas. Use clusters or horticultural fleece for added frost protection.

Soil Preparation: Prepare your garden beds for the new year by cultivating empty borders, removing weeds and stones, and enriching the soil with manure, compost, and bonemeal conditioners.

Garden Maintenance

Leaf-Free Zones: Regularly rake or vacuum fallen leaves to keep garden paths clear and prevent slips.

Tool TLC for Winter: During the winter months, it's important to wash and oil garden tools to prevent rusting. To ensure efficiency for the upcoming gardening season, sharpen secateurs and lawn mower blades.

Wildlife

Feathered Friends: Welcome birds to your garden by setting up bird feeders and leaving berries on plants like holly and pyracantha for a continuous food source for wildlife.

Winter Watering: Freshen up water in bird baths regularly, preventing freezing to provide a vital water source for avian visitors.

December may bring frosty temperatures, but it also unveils a canvas of possibilities in the garden. By embracing these tasks throughout December, you not only nurture your outdoor space but also set the stage for a stunning garden comeback in the spring. Let the magic of December gardening unfold in your backyard!

Our Britain Get Growing page has loads of helpful advice and tips on growing your own or visit your local British Garden Centre and speak to our friendly team.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-december/feed/ 0 Britain Get Growing – Welcoming winter to the garden this November https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-november/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-november/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:52:49 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=97938

Britain Get Growing – Welcoming winter to the garden this November

As November arrives, don't let the cooler weather deter you from enjoying your garden. Embrace the opportunity to care for your garden during this season of change and enjoy the rewards as nature awakens in the coming months. The team at British Garden Centres has put together a guide on some tasks you can do this month to ensure that your garden remains healthy and well-prepared for the following spring.

What to plant in November

Winter Bedding

Bedding plants are brilliant for giving the garden an instant lift at this time of year. Pansies and violas are ideal for bright winter colours, as are cyclamen primroses and winter favourite, heather.  Bedding plants at your local British Garden Centres store will add extra interest to a garden and plug gaps between established shrubs, or fill borders, pots, and hanging baskets whilst some of the garden falls dormant.

Spring Bulbs

Take advantage of November to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and plant the bulbs at the recommended depth. By doing so now, you will ensure a delightful burst of colour when spring arrives.

Hardy Perennials

If you're looking for plants that can withstand the colder temperatures of winter, consider planting hardy perennials in November. These plants have the ability to survive frost and snow, and they will continue to bloom year after year. Some examples of hardy perennials that can be planted in November include lupins, foxgloves, delphiniums, asters and bare-root roses. By planting these now, you can enjoy their beauty in the coming spring and beyond.

Cool-Weather Vegetables

November is an excellent time to start growing cool-weather vegetables in your garden. These vegetables thrive in lower temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Some popular choices for planting in November include spring onions, winter cabbage,  lettuce, spinach, kale, mushrooms, rhubarb, and carrots. These vegetables not only provide fresh and nutritious produce but can also add greenery and variety to your garden during the winter months.

Winter-Hardy Herbs

For those who enjoy growing herbs, November offers an opportunity to plant winter-hardy varieties. These herbs can withstand the colder temperatures and continue to add flavour to your dishes throughout the winter. Some common winter-hardy herbs include rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley.

Fruit trees and bushes

November is the perfect time to get bare-root fruit trees into the ground to establish before the colder weather hits. Apples, cherries, pears and plums are popular with gardeners at this time of year, as are raspberry canes and small fruit bushes like blueberries or gooseberries.

Garden Maintenance in November

Clearing Out Fallen Leaves

One of the most important tasks during November is to clear out fallen leaves from your garden. A thick layer of leaves can prevent sunlight and oxygen from reaching the grass and plants, potentially leading to suffocation and diseases. Rake up the fallen leaves and either compost them or use them as mulch for your flower beds and vegetable patches.

 

Pruning and Trimming

November is an ideal time to prune and trim certain plants and trees. Remove dead or diseased branches to maintain overall plant health. Additionally, prune back perennial flowers and shrubs to encourage new growth in the following spring. Be sure to research the specific pruning requirements for each plant to avoid any damage.

 

Protect Tender Plants

With the arrival of colder temperatures, it is crucial to protect tender plants from frost and winter damage. Cover delicate plants with horticulture fleece or mulch the beds and containers to shield them from freezing temperatures. Consider moving potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area to provide them with extra protection.

 

Prepare the Soil

Preparing the soil in November sets the foundation for a successful growing season. Clear away any remaining debris and weeds from vegetable beds and flower borders. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil, promoting healthy plant growth in the future.

 

Clean and Store Garden Tools

Before winter fully sets in, take the time to clean and store your garden tools properly. Remove any dirt or debris from tools such as shovels, rakes, and pruning shears. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent rusting and store them in a dry place for the winter.

 

Maintain Bird Feeders

As the natural food sources become scarce, providing food for birds becomes crucial. Clean and refill bird feeders regularly to attract a variety of species to your garden. Consider placing bird baths or shallow containers of water to provide them with a water source, especially during freezing temperatures.

Our Britain Get Growing page has loads of helpful advice and tips on growing your own or visit your local British Garden Centre and speak to our friendly team.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/britain-get-growing-november/feed/ 0 Britain Get Growing- Everything you need to make 2024 a successful growing season https://www.britishgardencentres.com/successful-growing-season-2023/ Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:01:38 +0000 https://britishgardencentres.com/?p=86043

Britain Get Growing- Everything you need to make 2024 a successful growing season

Here at British Garden Centres, we are here to help you have the most successful gardening season in 2023. We are encouraging everyone to have a go at gardening this year with our new campaign ‘Get Britain Growing’. We’ll be sharing our hints and tips throughout the year, for more information please visit our ‘Get Britain Growing’ page on our website.

Equipment

So, let’s get started with the equipment you might need. Having the right equipment will make gardening easier. For beginners you don’t need loads of gardening equipment, starting with basic equipment such as a hand trowel and fork, spade and shovel will help you perform the simple tasks and then if you wish you can invest in more equipment as your gardening skills become more advance.

Read our guide to Gardening Equipment for loads of tips and advice.

Preparing your growing area

You don’t need an allotment or a garden to try growing your fruit and vegetables.  Using planters or window boxes and troughs is a way of creating an effectivity small growing space.  Read our monthly blogs for advice on gardening jobs for months of the year.

Planning and Documenting

Planning what you would like to grow this year and planting at the correct times will help maximise your chances of a successful growing season. Planning the space, you will use for growing, is there enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow?

It may also be worth keeping a growing diary and documenting when planting and where you planted. You can then refer to this year on year. This will also help with Crop rotation if you are growing fruit and vegetables and find out what works best for you and your garden.

For everything you need to grow your own this year please visit your local British Garden Centre. Not got a local British Garden Centre? You can shop online 24 hours a day on the British Garden Centres website.

Thank you for reading.

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