Fruit and vegetables taste best when you grow them yourself. Growing cucumbers in pots is a great way to enjoy their fresh, homegrown. It is also a great choice if space is limited or your soil is poor. If you are growing cucumbers in pots, you can also better control the heat and moisture levels
A cool weather crop, carrots come in a range of colors from the traditional orange to yellow, purple, white and crimson. They can also be grown in containers and raised beds. This makes this root crop a great choice for gardeners with limited space. With the help of this guide on growing carrots you will
Hibiscus plant is an attractive plant which produces distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers. While tropical hibiscus varieties are best grown undercover, hardy varieties of hibiscus plant can thrive in a garden. The flowers of the hibiscus plant, in shades including red, pink, peach, orange, coral and white, attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. This guide will
Peonies are prized for their large, showy flowers. A popular cut flower, they are also an attractive plant in a sunny flower bed or container garden. While the flowers may be relatively short lived, the foliage lasts throughout the summer months. In a mixed border, this provides an attractive background to showcase your other plants.
For many years philodendron has been a popular interior plant. Its rich, green foliage is a great way to add color and interest to your home. An easy to care for plant, whether you are an experienced gardener or completely new to the hobby, philodendron is a great place to start. Did you know that
Growing squash is an exciting journey. Unlike root crops that grow underground, here you can watch the growing squash slowly emerge and swell. They are also pleasingly easy to grow. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about growing squash. Growing squash in the garden is a fascinating journey. The endless
In this guide we teach you what you need to know about growing borage plant. Borage plant (borago officinalis) is an easy to grow, annual herb. Originating in the Mediterranean, its attractive blue flowers are popular with pollinators, particularly bees. This has given borage its other name of Bee Bush. Borage’s popularity with pollinators means
A popular member of the vegetable garden, beets are pleasingly easy to grow and harvest. A brilliant choice for northern gardeners, beetroots will happily survive frosts and almost freezing temperatures. Our guide to growing beets will take you through everything from choosing the right variety of beets to harvesting and storage. Beetroot is a pleasingly
A lush green lawn is many homeowners’ dreams. Sadly, this dream can be difficult to achieve. The grass growing outside our homes can be moss or weed ridden. It may be uneven or threadbare. Sometimes it may only grow in patches. Fixing this issue can be difficult. Often your choice is between seeding a new
The useful dill plant makes a great addition to any kitchen garden or herb spiral. A popular culinary herb Dill can be used either fresh or preserved. Additionally its fragrant foliage and bright yellow flowers add interest to any floral display or herb garden. Despite its delicate appearance dill is also surprisingly hardy. This growing
The foxglove, or digitalis, is a quintessential English country cottage garden flower. Thriving in cottage garden and woodland planting schemes, foxgloves are also a great way to add height and structure to a mixed flower border. Flowering during the height of midsummer these stately plants, often called Fairy fingers and Goblins gloves, come in shades
Campanula is an attractive ornamental garden flower. Often coming in blue and purple shades, as well as occasional white varieties, the plant’s pleasing bell shaped flowers have inspired its informal name of bellflower. Campanula has an abundant flowering habit. The plants can happily flower all summer long. This longevity has helped to make the plant
An exotic houseplant, the bromeliad is a surprisingly easy to care for plant. It is also an easy way to introduce color and texture to your home while improving your mental health. The variety of bromeliads on offer means that there is something for every home and person. Despite its interesting appearance these are pleasingly
Many people enjoy growing gardenia shrubs outdoors. Sadly, few people realise that it is also possible to grow gardenias indoors. This is a great option if you have little or no outdoor space. Growing gardenias indoors is a great way to enjoy the plants showy foliage and attractive, scented flowers. The gardenia is a member
Using natural fertilizer for houseplants is a great way to encourage growth and flower production. Steadily releasing nutrients into the soil, a natural fertilizer can be just as effective as a potentially harmful chemical product. Natural fertilizers are also eco-friendly, safe and easily available. In fact many of our natural fertilizer for houseplants suggestions are
Growing ivy in water is an easy and reliable way to propagate the plant. The most commonly found version is Hedera helix or English ivy. An easy to grow plant, it can be grown as an attractive indoor plant, or incorporated into flower gardens. Ivy is also a great way to add structure to a
Miniature roses are a popular gift, especially around holidays such as Valentines Day. A more sustainable gift than the traditional bunch of cut red roses. With the right care and attention miniature roses can be kept indoors, or outside for an extended period. Coming in a rage of colors, shapes and aromas growing roses indoors
Flamingo flower is a particularly attractive houseplant. Also known as Anthurium (Greek for tail flower) or ‘Painter’s Palette’, it is grown for its usually red flowers which sit above glossy green leaves. As the name ‘Painters Palette’ suggests the waxy red flower, really a leaf, can resemble the shape of an artist’s palette. For other
The tomatillo plant is an intriguing addition to any garden. Growing Tomatillos inside papery husks that often resemble hanging lanterns, tomatillos are tart in flavor. The plant’s fruit, reliability and unique growth habit have all helped contribute to its rise in popularity. Today the tomatillo is an increasingly common sight in gardens. Sometimes known as
Red hot poker is a stately plant that adds drama to flower beds and borders. Belonging to the Kniphofia genus they are also known as torch lilies. Dwarf varieties of red hot poker can also be grown in container gardens. The bright, nectar filled flowers of red hot poker plants are popular with butterflies, bees
Learning how to grow celery is a great way to ensure a regular supply of your favorite healthy snack. Celery is packed with health benefits and is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients. It also helps to reduce inflammation and improves digestion. Sadly, this healthy vegetable also has a reputation for being difficult to
Boxwood shrubs are a great way to add structure to your garden. A series of boxwood plants can be grown to create hedging. Alternatively single plants can be grown in selected positions to add a sense of definition to a space or area. Box plants are primarily grown for their foliage. This can vary between
Despite their diminutive size the cyclamen (cyclamen persicum) is a popular and reliable way of adding color to winter and early spring gardens. Tiny plants, often reaching no more than 8 inches high, hardy cyclamens are distinctive woodland perennials. They do best growing in shady areas or forest style planting schemes. There are also tropical
Gardening is a great way to cheaply enjoy healthy, fresh food. It is also a great way to get some exercise. However, growing your own fruit and vegetables can seem intimidating. This list of the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden is designed to help you begin this fascinating and fulfilling hobby. As well
Ground cover for shade can be a tricky problem. Identifying plants that thrive away from the sun, and in your planting zone, can seem a difficult or restrictive task. However this is simply not the case. Even the darkest areas of the garden can support some plant life. This list will provide you with a
Growing tomatoes indoors can be difficult but it is also a great way to ensure a fresh supply throughout the colder months. Many people continue growing during the colder months because supermarket purchased fruits often lack the great flavor of home grown varieties. This is also a great option for gardeners in colder USDA planting
Lantana Camara may be a showy plant but it is pleasingly easy to grow and care for. Drought tolerant, this summer flower is also pleasingly robust. Depending on the USDA zone you are growing in, lantanas can be grown as either an annual or perennial in zones 9-11. Its colorful verbena-like flowers are a magnet
Rosemary plant is a popular member of the herb garden. It is also a reliable addition to container gardens and vegetable patches. As well as its culinary uses, this Mediterranean herb retains its interest all year round. Growing rosemary is not difficult and this detailed plant guide will teach you everything you need to know
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is an eye-catching addition to any garden. Flowering in early spring the plants heart-shaped flowers sit on arching blue-green foliage. Popular with pollinators, the flowers of bleeding hearts can be in shades of red, pink or white. A herbaceous perennial, bleeding heart plant is ideal in a woodland or forest garden
An increasingly popular garden plant, hydrangeas are an attractive addition to any garden. Quick growing, some Hydrangea varieties will happily grow to 15ft. Hydrangea shrubs are a great way to fill space in a garden or add definition to spaces and edging. Flowering from early spring until early fall Hydrangeas can also be a foundation
The Asiatic lily (Lilum asiatica) is the earliest flowering variety of lily. Alongside Oriental varieties, the Asiatic lily is one of the most popular garden varieties. An unfussy, stately plant, Asiatic Lilies reward your attention with colorful, long-lasting showy flowers that return year after year. Varieties of Asiatic Lily The Asiatic lily is hardy in
The geranium is one of the most recognizable garden flowers. Geraniums are a popular choice amongst gardeners, filling containers, beds, and hanging baskets with attractive foliage and floral color. An easy to care for plant, geraniums are very popular. Growing geranium plants is a rewarding process. Here is everything you need to know to grow
Wondering how are cashews grown and looking to grow your own cashew tree? The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a flowering evergreen. Despite its ornamental attraction it is primarily grown for its fruit, the cashew nut and cashew apple. This versatility makes it a popular choice for people when choosing fruit trees for their garden.
Growing potatoes in containers is a great idea if you are short on space. Not only is this an easy process, it is also one of the most rewarding. Even the smallest container will yield a pleasing crop of potatoes. This is ideal for container gardens. Their lush green foliage is a perfect partner for
The primrose flower is a member of the primula family. Happiest growing in shady locations and on the edge of beds, or as part of a forest planting scheme, primrose flowers come in a spectrum of attractive colors. The primrose flower sits on short stems above rich, green foliage. A popular way to add color
The bell pepper plant is not only attractive, it is also a very rewarding addition to a garden. Their reputation for being difficult to grow comes from people not giving these plants the correct attention. Also known as sweet peppers or capsicum, if cared for properly you will be rewarded with an abundance of rich
Sorrel plant is a leafy green herbs with a tart, lemony flavor. A member of the Polygonaceae family, this is a low maintenance, high flavor, addition to the herb garden. It’s leaves can be used either fresh, in salads, or as flavouring in a range of culinary dishes. Warning: the leaves of sorrel contain potentially
The Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) is a popular garden flower that originates in South Africa. The cheerful daisy-like flowers of Gerbera Daisies come in a range of jewel tones including salmon, pink, orange, yellow and white. Depending on the variety the flowers can range in size from 2 to 5 inches. These impressive blooms sit
Bright and cheerful, Impatiens are a popular annual bedding plant. Impatiens plants can grow even in shady areas of the garden and this has only helped their popularity. Also known as Busy Lizzies, Impatiens plants can also be grown in containers or as a houseplant. Impatiens is latin for impatient. The Impatiens plants were given
Rows of growing cauliflower plants are a common sight in vegetable gardens. One of the most versatile members of the brassica family, cauliflower is happiest in compact rows in cool climates. Their edible, neat head, in white as well as shades of purple and orange, are a common sight in vegetable gardens. Happiest in cooler
In this Daffodil care guide we teach you how to plant daffodil bulbs and care for these beautiful plants. Bright and colorful, planting daffodils is a great way to add early season interest to your garden. They are also a popular early season / early spring flower for visiting pollinators. Daffodils may look delicate but
Knockout roses are among the most eye catching flowers available. As the name suggests the knockout roses have an abundant flowering habit – colorful blooms and the distinctive fragrance make it a knockout addition to any garden. The hardy nature of the knock out rose, meaning that it will grow in many different situations such
Rooting roses in potatoes may sound a strange idea but, if done correctly, rotting the rose in potato is actually a reliable method of propagation. If you are unaware propagation is a great way of doubling the number of plants you have without spending money. Propagation usually requires placing a plant cutting in soil or
In this Christmas Cactus care guide we teach you how to grow Christmas Cactus. Christmas Cactus plants are a popular choice for gifts and houseplant collectors. Their bright, tubular flowers adorn numerous windowsills and shelves. Like some other houseplants, the Christmas Cactus is largely easy to care for. However, many people wrongly assume, partly because
One of the best ways to avoid your crops falling victim to pests and diseases is to regularly rotate your planting. This is known as crop rotation. Crop rotation may sound complicated but it really isn’t. Like companion planting, crop rotation is a natural, easy to follow method. Crop rotation can work as a standalone
The bright yellow and orange flowers of the pot marigold. A stand out plant in any garden decorating flower beds with bright, daisy-like flowers. Different from the similarly named marigold, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is also known as Calendula, common marigold or Scotch marigold. Part of the Asteraceae family along with daisies and chrysanthemums it
Want to learn how to build a bug hotel? The average garden can be home to thousands of different bugs and insects. While some of these creatures, such as aphids, can be harmful or destructive, others are more helpful. For example ladybugs will predate aphids, helping to keep their numbers down and your plants safe.