Monty Don Urges UK Gardeners To Do 1 Job First Thing In The Morning This June

Posted on 04/06/2025 by Boris Clair

Gardeners will be glad to hear that our unusually dry, hot spring is set to give way to rain (even if nobody else is).

Now, it seems, we might all be able to focus a little more on the ordinary course of gardening.

And for legend Monty Don, that means getting our veggies out of the “hungry gap” of growth and into the ground, ready to fruit in a couple of months.

Tomatoes, in particular, need help this month, he said, advising us to do one growth-promoting job “first thing in the morning” to boost our yield.

You should remove side shoots

On his site, Don shared that we should “Regularly pinch out side-shoots on tomatoes” in June.

“It is best – and easiest – to do this first thing in the morning when the plant is turgid and they will snap off easily in your fingers.”

Though the side shoots of tomatoes do bear fruit, they “reduce the overall harvest” by taking energy away from branches that would otherwise carry far more tomatoes.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) agreed, writing that the rule particularly applies to Cordon tomatoes.

They advised us to remove side shoots every time we water the plant, though they might not be as full and easy to move as they are in the morning.

“If they’re not removed, the side-shoots grow rapidly, forming a mass of long, scrambling, leafy stems that are difficult to support, produce few fruits and take up a lot of space,” the RHS add.

This should not be done with bush tomatoes, whose side shoots produce plentiful fruit.

Are there any other ways to boost growth?

Yes – strangely enough, tapping your tomato plants might increase self-pollination and improve your plant’s bounty.

The plants have unusually heavy and sticky pollen, which usually requires either pollinators or wind (bees or breeze) to transfer.

That can be a problem if they’re in a still, bug-free greenhouse – but tapping the flowers even a little, or shaking the plant, can go a long way.

UK Gardeners Urged To Take A Cotton Bud To Their Lawn

Posted on 03/05/2025 by Boris Clair

As the warmer spring rolls around, gardeners might be gearing up to mow their lawns.

But Timothy Greene at icanlawn.com has said that it might be a little too early for some lawns; and cutting them now can even cause some significant damage.

“People might be keen to get their gardens sorted in time for spring but mowing your lawn when the grass is too short can cause damage and stop it growing back properly,” he said.

There’s actually a specific height at which it’s safe to cut your lawn ― and you can find it by taking a cotton bud to your lawn, Greene says.

How?

“The ideal height for grass to be before you cut is around 5cm to 7cm, which is around the same height as a cotton earbud,” the lawn expert revealed.

“This height means the grass is growing well and is safe to cut. But you should also make sure there’s no frost and the lawn isn’t wet either,” he says.

It’s important to make sure that you have your lawnmower on its highest setting when lopping your lawn, Greene says. This will ensure you don’t accidentally harm your lawn by cutting its grass too short.

If your grass never manages to reach the cotton bud height, Greene warns, you could have an underlying problem in your lawn.

“Lawns have had to deal with frost, heavy rain, and other challenges over the winter so there might be areas that need extra care. Whether that’s a feed to battle any diseases or new seeds sowed to cover patches,” Greene said.

What’s the best time to cut my lawn?

Aside from waiting until your grass is tall enough to cut, you should also keep an eye out on the weather, Greene warns.

Mowing your lawn after a frosty night could weaken the grass, he suggests.

“Mid-March is a good time to give your grass its first cut of the year but of course, weather conditions vary so keep an eye on your local forecast to get the right grass-cutting conditions,” Greene explains.

“Your grass’ growth will have stopped over winter but generally kickstarts again when temperatures are around 10C,” he adds.

“You should also make sure your mower’s blades are not too dull as this could cause damage to your grass. And in turn, make sure your lawn is clear from debris so that it doesn’t cause damage to your mower.”

Once you’ve gotten your grass high enough, and the weather warm enough, to get strumming, you should keep a schedule, Greene says.

“After the first mow of the year, you should aim to cut your grass weekly. But do keep an eye on the weather as it can be unpredictable.”

Ah, the joys of a British garden…

This Humane, Chemical-Free Slug Repellant is Probably Already In Your Kitchen

Posted on 09/04/2025 by Boris Clair

There are no two ways about it: some slugs can be disastrous for your garden. Between eating your veggies, boring holes in your hydrangeas, and even tunnelling into your tubers (yes, really), the legless leaf-lovers have historically been the enemy of the common British gardener.

Of course, we now know that slugs have their part to play in the ecosystem (even if you wish they didn’t play it so close to your radishes). They’re a vital food source for Britain’s rapidly-decreasing bird population; they do a great job at composting; and they help the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of your lawn (never a bad thing).

Cruelty-free hacks to remove slugs from your garden include putting a scooped-out melon in your yard overnight for the critters before removing the beast-filled rinds the next morning.

And while we love that hack, it seems there’s another, easier trick to keep your veggies slug-free – and it also helps with everything from scaring off birds to keeping deer away and even creating sunboxes.

Simple aluminium foil, it turns out, is the gardener’s best friend. So we thought we’d share some of its many uses:

1) It makes a great pest control

Herbicides can be harsher on your garden’s health than they are to the pests you want to target. “If you’ve got children, if you’ve got pets, you shouldn’t be using chemicals. But what’s worse is if you are using chemicals, you’re killing our pollinators, which we need for food production. I am very much against any chemicals and herbicides being used,” gardening expert Arthur Parkinson told HuffPost UK.

Thankfully, adding a bit of foil to your plants won’t kill off any all-important pollinators – it’ll just inhibit some slugs and other unwanted garden guests. “Reflective mulches repel invading insect populations,” the University of California shared.

And when it comes to slugs, the foil uses roughly the same logic as copper tape – “the metal causes a reaction with their mucusy bodies that they really don’t like,” Metro said.

Simply place some sheets of foil around the base of your plants for pest-repelling magic.

2) Tinfoil can create helpful sunboxes

If you’re worried your plants aren’t getting enough light, a little foil can go a long way. “Using aluminium foil can help you double the sun your indoor plants receive,” House Digest revealed.

This is because “its reflective properties will work as a mirror and reflect the light from the window to every niche and cranny of your indoor plants,” meaning you won’t have to turn your potted plants around as often to ensure every side gets as much light.

And they’re not just for indoor plants – “they also work to grow any seedlings indoors and help new plants from the nursery grow straighter and stronger.”

You can either assemble a tinfoil-lined box yourself using foil, tape, and cardboard.

3) Tinfoil can scare off birds and deer

Though it’s not really a good idea to scare off birds if they’re not causing a problem, under severe conditions, you can banish any unwanted birds by wrapping foil on or around your most-pecked plants. “Birds don’t like the feel of the foil under their beaks and will stay away,” Northwest says.

The trick also works for peckish deer, who HowStuffWorks says hate the shiny stuff. They advise wrapping foil around the stem of any deer-demolished plants: “The foil should at least be as high as your waist because deer are very adept (at) feeding on plants that are shorter than they are. This foil force field can also deter other pesky nibblers like mice and rabbits,” they say.

Well, I’m off to the kitchen…

UK Gardeners Advised To Do These 6 Tasks In March

Posted on 28/02/2025 by Boris Clair

When I texted my partner, “You won’t believe what I’ve just seen!” this morning, I think he figured I’d witnessed a crime.

Nope ― it’s just that my 7:45 return from the gym was bathed in real, blue-skied sunlight. That felt unthinkable even two weeks ago.

This sign of life sounds the first death knell for February, to which I say, good riddance. Spring is on its way; intrepid blossoms take their first floral gasps of above-0° air, and the garden begins to return to its verdant glory.

Of course, all this comes with a downside (or upside, depending on your perspective). Don your dormant gloves, gardeners ― we’re back to work!

Here are the tasks experts advise finishing in March:

1) Plant and sow

Now’s the time to plant everything from summer-flowering bulbs to new roses to shrubs, climbers, and wildflower seeds.

You can also sow onions and shallots, alongside other hardy veg like cabbage, lettuce, early potatoes, broad beans, radish, and cauliflower.

2) Prune roses

For the most bountiful display in spring and summer, it’s important to prune roses and climbers early on in the month ― dogwoods and willows will benefit from a harsher cut-back now too.

3) Weed, even if the weeds don’t look all that damaging

We’ve written before about how tackling perennial weeds before summer hits is key, even if they don’t look like they’re doing much harm.

They’ve growing thick, hard-to-remove roots at the moment; lift them and their roots from the ground as soon as you can to save yourself a horticultural headache later.

4) Get ahead of slug infestations

Slugs and snails seem to wake up the second your prized veggies do (funny, that).

Try biological controls or alternatives to keep their numbers in check ahead of spring.

5) Check for aphids too

Tender new stems don’t stand much of a chance against swarms of spring aphids. Manually remove them before the problem goes out of control.

6) Deadhead spring flowers

We were all excited when the first daffodils puffed their yellow chests up, but it’s important to deadhead those who have since wilted.

That’ll ensure an equally resplendent show next year, especially if you feed the bulbs with tomato feed.

Ready To Get Back To Gardening? Here Are 3 Bulbs You Can Plant In February

Posted on 13/02/2025 by Boris Clair

If you have spent your winter days cosy indoors, not thinking about your beloved garden, now is the time to get back out there. While the temperatures are still low, the days are gradually getting brighter for longer and before we know it, spring will be with us.

What better way to prepare for the gorgeous days ahead than to plant some blooms to bring our gardens back to life?

Just think, we are mere weeks away from sitting outside with drinks, snacks and the sounds of nature surroudning us. Bliss.

The bulbs you should plant in February

Lilies

Often showstoppers in domestic gardens, lilies are surprisingly easy to grow and you can actually get started with them this month. Faith in Nature recommends: “Pop them 15-20cm into the ground now and enjoy their dramatic, highly-scented flowers come summer.

“They prefer to be in a sunny area of the garden, and like their soil well-drained. If the ground in your garden is water-logged, they can be grown in pots – which is also good news if you’re a patio gardener.”

Plus, butterflies and bees love them.

Chrysanthemum plants

These bold, bright plants effortlessly add texture and colour to gardens and this month, you can get started with planting them for stunning summer blooms.

Gardener’s World recommends: “Pot on rooted cuttings and small plants bought from garden centres into individual 10cm pots and pot on again when their roots have filled their growing space.

“Plant out after all risk of frost has passed, into moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny spot. Dig plenty of organic matter into the planting hole or apply a general purpose fertiliser. Provide support straight away.”

Galtonias (summer hyacinths)

Galtonia, also known as summer hyacinths, are a stunning way to punctuate any colourful garden. These flower later in the summer season, bringing some much-needed life to gardens that are starting to wind down ahead of cooler months.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends planting bulbs 10-15cm deep (at 30-60cm intervals) in late winter or early spring.

Ah, it’s so good to be back, isn’t it?

This Common Mistake May Be Ruining Your Poinsettia Before Christmas

Posted on 11/12/2024 by Boris Clair

Poinsettias weren’t always a common Christmas flower in the UK ― but flower company Bloom & Wild say they became that way thanks to their festive colour and star-like shape.

So if you’ve got one in your home, chances are you’re trying your hardest to keep it fresh throughout the festive season.

Thankfully, David Denyer, an expert florist at Eflorist, told HuffPost UK that there are some surefire ways to accidentally kill your festive plant before it’d otherwise fade ― including some “people often overlook.”

What could cause an early plant death?

“Pests are a big issue that people often overlook. Aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs are drawn to the fragile leaves of poinsettias,” David told us.

“If the leaves appear curled or feel sticky, it’s often a clear indication of a pest problem,” he added.

You can protect other surrounding plants by removing the affected plant from their area and treating it with insecticide or neem oil.

“Another comment problem is people often believe that yellowing leaves are solely due to overwatering, but in many cases, it could also indicate low light or a lack of nutrients,” David continues.

Poinsettias do need a bit of extra care in terms of nutrients, especially after they’ve been moved from one place to another or after Christmas. A slow-release fertiliser can make a difference in terms of overall health.”

How should I take care of poinsettia?

Even if you’re not worried about murdering your flower entirely, David has some tips for keeping it at its best.

Most of us over-water our poinsettia, he points out: “You have to focus on not letting the plant sit in water,” he stresses.

It’s an easy trap to fall into because people often water their poinsettias frequently, but they don’t check if the soil has good drainage. The plant’s survival is more about the quality of the watering routine than the quantity.”

Misting the leaves with water is a much better option than drenching the leaves ― you shouldn’t leave droplets on the bracts or they’ll “develop unsightly spots,” David warns.

You might want to move your plant from that spot by your window too, the flower expert says.

“Poinsettias are incredibly sensitive to changes, particularly temperature fluctuations. Avoid placing them near places where drafts or sudden warm air from vents can affect them,” he told HuffPost UK.

“The changes in temperature can be subtle but enough to cause them to shed their leaves.”

And “While they enjoy bright, indirect light, some people make the mistake of giving them too much direct sunlight, which causes the leaves to burn.”

Looks like I have a plant pot to move…

UK Gardeners Warned About This Watering Mistake Which Could Ruin Plants

Posted on 14/04/2024 by Boris Clair

If you’re a keen gardener, you may be looking forward to the coming months as you fill your garden with plants, flowers, and even vegetables – but did you know that you may have actually been watering your plants wrong?

Yep, it turns out that there is a right way to water plants and it definitely isn’t just pouring water from a watering can over them the way that some of us are used to doing.

So, what is the right way to water plants?

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), there is an art to watering plants, especially if you hope to avoid wasting water and give your plants the best possible chance at flourishing.

According to the RHS, the best time to water is in the mornings as this is when the sun rises and plants will start to use water. They added: “The foliage and soil surface is also likely to stay drier for longer than evening watering, discouraging slugs, snails and mildew diseases.”

Each individual plant has its own watering schedule so it is worth researching the plants growing in your garden to figure out a schedule for keeping them hydrated and thriving.

When you are watering plants, especially if you’re using a watering can, it’s essential to water them at the roots. This is because wet or humid foliage encourages fungal problems and evaporation from surfaces.

The RHS added: “Watering more thoroughly, but less frequently helps get the water down to the deeper root tips.

“It is better to water the garden before drought really sets in, to keep the soil moisture levels even and avoid the soil being continuously dry.”

However, the society warned that soil doesn’t have to be really wet all the time because plants need air as well as water to grow.

What is the best water to use on outdoor plants?

According to the RHS, rainwater is actually best as it’s freely available if you are able to store it. Additionally, tap water requires treatment and often contains more minerals than many plants need.

Who knew?!

3 Simple Steps To Save A Waterlogged Lawn, According To An Expert

Posted on 06/04/2024 by Boris Clair

Ah, soggy ol’ Britain. An island where your outfit on any given day should account for all possible weathers because truly, who knows what the day holds? This is especially true during spring when we don’t seem to have any consistency for three solid months.

Following a few weeks of hopeful sunshine, a lot of the country now has, predictably, downpour. Which is set to last for at least the rest of the week with flood warnings even being issued for parts of England, according to the Met Office. Yay.

Another issue that comes with this weather is that our gardens can get flooded (also known as waterlogged), which is dreadful news for those of us that were excited to finally get back into gardening after a long winter.

However, there are some things we can do to help our lawns recover.

How to fix a waterlogged lawn

Rhiannon Moore, a garden expert at Toolstation, shared her tips for tackling a flooded garden:

Remove any built-up debris

Moore advises that once the water has receded, you should immediately remove any leftover debris such as sticks and leaves to clear the surface of the lawn. She added that you shouldn’t use a metal rake for this as it’ll damage the already weakened soil surface.

Aerate the soil

Using a garden fork or aeration tool, spike holes into the soil surface that are no more than six inches deep.

Fertilise the soil

Using a feed that’s rich in phosphorus, fertilise your lawn. This will help to promote root growth as well as replace the lost nutrients in the soil.

Moore added: “It’s also important to remember not to mow a lawn after a period of extensive rain and make sure to avoid watering until the ground has dried out.”

Early signs of waterlogging

If you’re not familiar with waterlogging or are new to the world of gardening, you may not be aware of the signs of a flooded lawn. Moore shared the most important signs to look for:

Bare patches – As the grassroots start to die, it will result in bare patches of lawn. These first strike in the worst affected area
Moss patches – Whilst a small amount of moss is beneficial to a lawn, large amounts of it can cause the grass to die as the moss steals the ground nutrients
Excess weeds – Rogue weeds are a common sight in lawns however, they can quickly take over a weakened lawn and starve the remaining grass of nutrients

Long-lasting solutions for a waterlogged lawn

Level out the ground – If the flooding is only happening in isolated areas, you can add some topsoil and new turf to level out the uneven lawn
Add garden walkways – Each time you walk over your lawn, you compact it beneath your feet. Adding a simple paved garden walkway will help to protect your lawn from damage
Consider a French Drain – If flooding is a regular issue, you may want to consider installing a French drain. This is a gravel-filled ditch with a perforated underground pipe to drain away the water. It’s best to check with your local planning authority before starting any digging

Let’s hope for sunnier days soon!

How To Keep Rats Out Of The Garden Without Killing Them This Spring

Posted on 13/03/2024 by Boris Clair

No offence to the little critters but for many gardeners, rats are really quite unwelcome visitors. Setting up little homes beneath decking, in sheds, greenhouses or even compost heaps means that they infiltrate the nooks and crannies of our gardens.

As they’re nocturnal, and quite skittish anyway, you’re unlikely to see a rat in the garden but signs such as rat tunnels, runs, droppings and even teeth marks can sprinkle throughout your treasured green space, letting you know that rats are living there.

The problem is, for many outdoorsy folk, killing them or poisoning them isn’t an option. I mean, of course. They’re just existing. But then, how do you get rid of them without harming them?

Thankfully, the experts at Gardeners’ World have some ideas to keep the rats at bay.

How to get rid of rats in my garden humanely

Instead of opting for rat traps, put the bird feeders away

If you have bird feeders hanging for local birds, you may be inadvertently attracting rats. This is because bird food being as small and light as it is, often falls to the ground and this attracts rats. For a while, stop filling bird feeders and if you have chickens, secure the run to deter rats.

One of the best rat repellents is simply… keeping your garden tidy

Messy gardens filled with clutter and overgrown areas are more likely to appeal to rats because of how much cover they provide. Give your garden a good tidy, especially near fences, and keep it today to deter rats.

Protect your compost heap and keep it moist

Avoid adding food scraps to your compost heap for a while and, if you can, keep it moist by including lots of greenery and mud. Gardeners’ World added: “Fixing chicken wire around the base of the bin can also help, as it prevents rats from being able to dig beneath the bin to climb inside.”

Block access to sheds and greenhouses

Rats can make their way into many small cracks, so make sure that your buildings are secured and block any gaps.

Move things around the garden to put them off coming back

Rats hate change and specifically change to their own territory. Move furniture, potted plants and anything else around your garden to encourage rats to find somewhere else to call home.

Finally, if you have any water sources such as a dripping tap that can be shut off, turn them off for a short while if you’ve exhausted all other options.

This Kitchen Cupboard Essential Is About To Make Shovelling Snow So Much Easier

Posted on 04/12/2023 by Boris Clair

You don’t need to open an app or switch on your TV to know that it’s, to use a technical term, bloody freezing right now.

And it’s probably not escaped your attention that the ice and frost that can build up on your car, roads, and gardens can sometimes be seriously disruptive.

In fact, sporting events have already been cancelled under the current snowy conditions ― drivers have been warned of roads becoming ’ice rinks.’

So, shovelling snow might become a part of your morning routine over the next couple of days. But it turns out that there’s a simple, cheap trick to keep your shovel blade smooth ― simply spray some cooking oil onto the base.

Why?

In short, it’s a simple case of lubrication.

Oil freezes at a much lower temperature than water, so it won’t seize up in cold weather ― unlike water-based alternatives.

So, using cooking spray, vegetable oil, or wax on your spade before you start shovelling snow can help it to slide through the snow and ice faster than it would otherwise, without running the risk of getting stuck.

“If the snow begins to stick to the shovel, it is time to reapply the spray or oil. It is best to apply it before every use,” AccuWeather adds.

Any other tips?

Yes! Wearing thick socks over your shows can provide extra grip, meaning you’re less likely to slip and slide on ice and snow.

And while we’re speaking about footwear, stuffing your shoes with newspaper after heavy snow exposure can help them to dry out faster and maintain their shape.

We’ve written before about how rubbing a cut potato over your windshield the night freezing temps take hold can lead to condensation-free glass in the morning (yes, really).

Most of all though, stay as warm and as safe as possible during the cold blast (ah, UK weather…).