Here’s something I didn’t expect to see in a summer gardening advice video: frost fleece.

It probably isn't on your summer gardening bingo card, but if you’re looking to shade your plants without moving them, it’s worth watching Ish Kamran’s (@gardening.with.ish) recent Instagram reel. Horticultural fleece actually has a ton of benefits for your plants in hot weather – and it won’t smother them as you’d expect.

Here’s why Ish recommends frost fleece as a garden cooling technique (and two of the best ways to use it this summer!).

What you'll need

Whether you’re looking to protect your potted plants in hot weather or shield your border plants from the blazing sun, frost fleece has long been overlooked as a cooling solution. It wasn’t until I saw Ish’s video that I considered dragging mine out of the shed.

‘The most unlikely thing you could ever imagine is actually the most protective thing for your plants during a heatwave, and that is frost fleecing,’ Ish says in his recent video.

‘It’s nice and light, airy and translucent, so some light can still get through but, a bit like greenhouse shading, it reflects some of those UV rays and the heat, so it actually keeps the plant slightly cool underneath.’

Frost fleece, then, is the surprise way to heatproof your garden – especially if you have white fleece (like this GardenGloss Fleece from Amazon), which Ish says reflects the sun’s rays and therefore won’t absorb much heat in the sun.

You can use frost fleece to protect plants from the sun in two different ways, and one of them is basically a mulching technique.

‘You can get a good amount of it and pop it straight onto the top of the soil to create a bit of a reflective mulch,’ says Ish. ‘Water can get through when you’re watering it, but the sun’s light will reflect off, so it’s absolutely perfect.’

Or, for larger shrubs, you can use it in the same way you’d use an outdoor plant cover in winter.

‘If you’ve got a big plant like an acer, what you can also do is actually wrap it straight around, and because it’s going to reflect some of that sun’s heat, it’s going to stay nice and cool inside as well,’ says Ish.

‘So, it just goes to show that sometimes, when you’re trying to protect your plants, the most uncommon thing can be the best.’

Who'd have thought frost fleece is the dark horse of summer gardening?

If there’s one potting ingredient I swear by, it’s an unlikely one: sheep’s wool.

My potted plants have thrived every year since I discovered it for gardening, and it’s all thanks to its water-retaining benefits. Even in peat-free composts, which tend to dry out quicker, I’ve found I can water my plants less than I usually would – and that’s especially handy in hot summers like this one.

There are several ways you can use wool in potted plants, so I’m about to break down the ready-made composts I use and the pellet method I just discovered on Ish Kamran's (@gardening.with.ish) Instagram reel.

What you'll need

When I first stumbled upon Dalefoot Wool Compost for Potting (which you can order from Crocus) back in 2021, it completely changed the way I garden. Initially, I chose the brand because it specialises in peat-free composts (I’m a huge advocate for their environmental benefits), but I was pleasantly surprised by the ingredients: nutrient-rich bracken and comfrey, which feed the plant for up to 12 months and, of course, sheep's wool.

Dalefoot Composts claims that plants require 50% less watering in this compost, and I found that to be pretty true. I’ve actually planted all of my tomatoes in Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes (also available at Crocus) this year, and they managed to survive the few days I was away while there was a heatwave here in the UK (even if the tomato leaves looked a little yellow and droopy when I first came home!). The plants are still pumping out tomatoes, which is so impressive considering the fact that A) it’s been sweltering, and B) they’re in relatively tiny pots.

You don’t have to buy pre-mixed wool compost, though, thanks to the existence of wool pellets.

It’s common knowledge that wool can deter slugs, since the critters hate anything that wicks water out of them, but I’d never really considered adding it to my potting mixes. Until I saw Ish’s Instagram reel, that is.

‘Add them to a tub of water or some really wet compost, and all of a sudden it makes this fantastic little slurry which is soaking in the moisture really, really well,’ says Ish.

‘I’ve been mixing this in with my multi-purpose compost or peat-free compost, which is not very good at retaining moisture anyway, and as a result, it’s been holding onto that moisture just a little bit longer, meaning that I don’t have to worry about my plants drying out so quickly.’

Besides their moisture-retentive and slug-deterrent properties, wool pellets have a few more benefits – and mulching is one of them.

‘If you place them on top, it actually works as a really good mulch layer, too,' Ish says. 'Any sun rays during a heatwave are reflected off of the soil, meaning the soil dries out slower.'

You can buy a top-rated pack of wool pellets from Amazon for £13.99.

‘A double bonus is sheep’s wool is naturally full of nitrogen, meaning when this breaks down, it’s also a slow-release food,’ he adds.

I'm sticking with my sheep's wool compost for the foreseeable – but wool pellets are something I want to try as a layer of mulch, or mixed into other wool-free composts I have lying around.

July might feel like the point where the vegetable growing season is drawing to a close, but there's plenty that you can sow if you want to keep your kitchen garden productive well into autumn.

The focus at this time of year might feel like it is on the groaning trugs of delicious summer harvests, or even the planning ahead for those cold-weather crops to see you and your garden through the winter, but there’s still time to make sowings now to enjoy vegetable harvests later in the year.

Empty spaces left behind by harvested crops can be replanted, and many fast-growing veg will produce a worthwhile harvest during autumn. The key to successful summer sowing is choosing crops that mature quickly and making sure young plants receive enough water during warm weather. Here are seven of our favourite crops for autumn pickings.

1. Beetroot

One of the most reliable vegetables for July sowing. Seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, and many varieties can reach harvest size within eight to twelve weeks. Sow seeds directly into prepared soil in shallow drills about 2.5cm deep.

Thin seedlings as they grow, leaving enough space for roots to develop properly. Consistent moisture is important, as dry conditions can lead to woody roots. One advantage of sowing beetroot in July is that the roots often develop during cooler autumn weather, which can improve flavour and tenderness.

Both the roots and young leaves are edible, making beetroot a particularly versatile crop. Harvest can begin when beetroot is roughly golf-ball size, although they can be left to grow larger if preferred.

Allotmenteer and garden writer James Martin says, 'If I had to choose one crop to sow in July, it would be beetroot. The warm soil means seeds germinate quickly, and by sowing little and often you'll have a steady harvest right through autumn instead of everything maturing at once. It's one of the easiest vegetables to grow, even for beginners, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. We love it roasted, but I think it's even better pickled!'

Where to buy beetroot:

• Thompson & Morgan: ‘Boltardy’ is one of the most popular and well-known of the beetroot varieties, thanks to its sweet flavour and resistance to bolting.
• Marshalls Garden: ‘Burpees Golden’ is a gorgeous, eye-catching golden type, perfect for those looking to minimise the purple bleed when prepping beetroot in the kitchen.

2. Carrots

Fast-maturing carrot varieties are well suited to July sowing and can provide a harvest from early autumn onwards. The warm soil of midsummer encourages rapid germination, although keeping the seedbed moist is essential.

Choose a sunny position and remove stones from the soil. Sow thinly in shallow drills. Many gardeners find that later sowings suffer less from carrot root fly than spring crops, although protective barriers – like this one from B&Q – may still be useful in areas where the pest is common. Keeping the growing area free from weeds will also help seedlings establish successfully.

Young autumn carrots are particularly sweet and crisp. They can be harvested as baby vegetables or left a little longer for larger roots. Their fresh flavour makes them ideal for soups, roasting and seasonal stews as temperatures begin to cool.

Where to buy carrots:

• Marshalls Garden: ‘Nantes 2’ produces smooth, uniform roots with a sweet flavour. They are quick-maturing, too.
• Suttons: 'Early Nantes 5’ has a gorgeous flavour and is a perfect type for those looking to do successional sowing.

3. Turnips

Sometimes overlooked, turnips are among the easiest vegetables to grow. Modern varieties mature quickly, with some ready in as little as six to eight weeks from sowing.

Sow seeds directly where they are to grow, spacing rows around 30cm apart. For those who like to be exact, you can use a seed spacing ruler, which you can buy from B&Q. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to give developing roots enough room. Turnips prefer fertile, moisture-retentive soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells.

The roots are best harvested while still small and tender. If left too long, they can become woody or develop an unpalatable flavour. Young turnip leaves can also be picked and cooked as greens.

Because they mature rapidly, turnips are an excellent choice for filling gaps left by early crops which have been picked. They make a useful addition to autumn meals and can be roasted, mashed or added to soups and casseroles, making them a versatile choice.

Where to buy turnips:

• Dobies: ‘Purple Top Milan’ is an attractive type which tastes great and can be used in numerous different ways.
• Thompson & Morgan: ‘Oasis’ has smooth, cream skin, and the roots have excellent disease resistance.

4. Perpetual spinach

Garden journalist and author Kim Stoddart explains why spinach is her favourite crop for summer sowing.

'It's lovely to keep seed sowing at this time of year for later season crops, and my favourite, if I had to choose, would be perpetual spinach. It's such a great leaf to grow during the colder months and offers many opportunities for repeat picking in the autumn. Plus, if grown inside, over winter. It's truly the crop that keeps on giving with its luscious cut-and-come-again leaves.'

'I'd recommend planting some in pots so that they can be brought inside later in the year for continued harvests, saving money in the process. The attractive edible leaves also look good as a houseplant inside the home. Seriously, what's not to love?!'

Where to buy spinach:

• B&Q: ‘Perpetual’ spinach gives generous harvests of delicious and goodness-packed leaves which are really easy to grow.

5. Pak Choi

Pak choi is a fast-growing leafy vegetable that thrives in the shortening days of late summer and early autumn. In fact, many gardeners find July and August sowings more successful than their spring counterparts because plants are less likely to bolt.

Seeds can be sown directly into the ground or in containers. Plants prefer fertile soil and consistent moisture, particularly during establishment. Thin seedlings carefully to avoid overcrowding and encourage healthy growth.

Pak choi grows surprisingly quickly, producing harvestable leaves within a few weeks. Entire plants can be picked when mature, or individual leaves can be taken as needed.

Its mild flavour and crisp texture make it popular in stir-fries, salads and soups. As a bonus, it takes up relatively little space, making it a useful option for smaller gardens and raised beds.

Where to buy pak choi:

• Suttons: ‘Hanakan’is easy to grow and can be grown for full-sized or baby leaves, and the stems are also delicious.
• Thompson & Morgan: ‘Tricolour Mix’ gives gardeners the best of all worlds, with three fantastic pak choi varieties.

6. Radishes

If you’re looking for quick results, radishes are hard to beat. Wide varieties can be harvested just four to six weeks after sowing, making them ideal for filling gaps in the veg patch.

July sowings often produce excellent crops, provided the soil does not dry out. Sow little and often every couple of weeks to maintain a continuous harvest. Thin seedlings, if necessary, to allow roots to swell properly.

Regular watering is important because inconsistent moisture can lead to woody roots or splitting. Fast growth generally produces the best flavour and texture.

Although traditional round red radishes remain popular, gardeners may also wish to experiment with longer or oriental varieties that are particularly suitable for later sowing. These can provide variety in both appearance and taste.

Where to buy radishes:

• Suttons: ‘Sparkler 3’ is a stunning variety with crimson and white globes and crisp and tasty flesh.
• Amazon: ‘Round Mixed’ is a great choice if you can’t settle on a variety, as it gives you a lovely selection of types.

7. Spring onions

Despite their name, spring onions are not only for spring. July sowings can provide a useful harvest during autumn and even extend into winter in some areas.

Sow seeds thinly in rows or containers, choosing a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. Germination is usually quick in warm summer conditions, and plants require relatively little maintenance beyond watering and weeding.

Spring onions are particularly useful because they occupy very little space. They can be fitted into small gaps between slower-growing crops or grown in dedicated rows. Their compact habit makes them suitable for raised beds, containers and traditional vegetable plots alike.

Harvesting can begin once stems reach a usable size. Young plants have a mild flavour that works well in salads, sandwiches, stir-fries and garnishes. Because they can be harvested over an extended period, they provide flexibility in the kitchen and help maximise the productivity of the garden.

Where to buy spring onions:

• Thompson & Morgan: ‘Totem’ offers uniform, white stems which don’t bulb and have a lovely, strong flavour.
• Dobies: ‘Ishikura’ gives you long, white stems which make a wonderful addition to salads, stir fries and the like.

By preparing the soil well, watering consistently and choosing suitable varieties, gardeners can continue harvesting home-grown vegetables well into autumn.

A little effort in July can reward you with weeks of fresh, seasonal produce and ensure that your vegetable patch remains productive for much longer – a real treat!

Tomatoes are rewarding crops, but thanks to this year’s heatwaves (I’m defending my tomato care skills at all costs), the leaves on my tomato plants are yellowing more than they usually would.

Learning how to grow tomatoes isn’t that difficult once you know how to water, feed and support them properly, but this summer’s heatwaves have taken some of their fate out of our control in recent weeks.

If you've found yourself wondering why the leaves on your tomato plant are turning yellow, there are four likely culprits.

Tomato growing essentials

1. Heat stress

As you’d expect, heat stress is one of the leading causes of yellowing tomato plant leaves during a heatwave. Tomatoes are tender crops and love the sun, but the UK has already hit extreme temperatures this summer.

‘Tomato plants thrive in daytime temperatures of between 21-27°C during the day, and nighttime temperatures falling to between 15 - 18 °C,’ explains Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation. ‘With temperatures reaching well into the mid 30s, your tomato plants will be suffering in this intense July heat.’

Lucie also explained that tomato plants enter survival mode when temperatures remain consistently high.

‘They try to conserve energy and water by getting rid of their older leaves,’ she explains. ‘It does this by actively withdrawing nutrients and chlorophyll from the older leaves. As chlorophyll is directly responsible for the green colour of the leaves, they turn yellow and eventually dry, turn brown and fall off.’

You can shade your plants using cloths like this shade netting from Amazon to take some of the heat off of your tomatoes – but there are also plenty of ways to protect potted plants in hot weather if you’re growing your tomatoes in pots. Lucie also recommends shade paint if you’re growing your tomatoes in a greenhouse (try this Vitax Summer Cloud Greenhouse Shading from Amazon).

2. Watering incorrectly

The most obvious reason behind the leaves on a tomato plant turning yellow during a heatwave might seem like heat stress alone, but it’s often the way we respond to the heat that can affect the plant. Watering is one of the most important July tomato plant tasks, but you can actually be too enthusiastic with the watering can during a heatwave.

‘Older lower leaves turning yellow can be natural ageing, but if yellowing climbs up the plant, it’s more likely stress,’ says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. ‘Overwatering can make leaves look yellow and dull because soggy roots can’t do their job, while underwatering in a heatwave can also cause yellowing, especially in pots.’

It’s difficult to save an overwatered plant, so prevention is better than cure. If you’re struggling to gauge how much water your tomato plant needs or when it needs it, it’s worth investing in a budget-friendly soil moisture meter like this one from Amazon.

3. Nutrient lockout

Nutrient lockout is another side effect of overwatering your tomatoes during a heatwave and a leading cause of yellowing tomato plant leaves. Feeding is a crucial tomato task if you want the plants to fruit well, but your watering habits might be cancelling your efforts.

‘Nutrient lockout is another possibility as the plant can’t access nutrients if the soil is too wet, too dry or out of balance,' says Lucie. 'If you’ve been feeding heavily but the leaves still look unhealthy, check the watering and soil before piling on more.'

Lucie recommends removing the yellow leaves to redirect the plant’s energy into its healthier stems and fruit production.

‘Removing them also helps to improve airflow around the plant and helps to prevent fungal diseases,’ she adds.

4. Fungal diseases

Sadly, there is a fourth reason that the leaves on your tomato plants are turning yellow – and it’s perhaps the least desirable.

‘If the leaves are just speckled with yellow or still show green veins, it’s more likely to be a nutrient deficiency,’ says Lucie. ‘If you see spots or fuzzy mould, then the yellow could be caused by fungal diseases.’

Fungal diseases are harder to tackle, but Julian recommends removing affected leaves, improving airflow and avoiding wetting the foliage to give your plant its best chance of survival.

‘If you rule fungal diseases out, then you can help your plants to cope and recover from heat stress by not only removing the yellow leaves, but also providing shade and keeping a close eye on the moisture in the soil,’ Lucie adds.

Yellow tomato leaves at the base of the plant can be a normal sign of ageing, but keep the above causes in mind if you notice yellowing on other parts of the plant.

Wondering what to plant in July when there’s another heatwave on the horizon? It’s a tough one - how do you plough your efforts into new plants when the old ones are struggling?

Although the list of things you can plant in July is long, not every plant will survive this year’s recurring heatwaves – so it’s wise to plant the flowers and crops that can tolerate hot, drought-like conditions instead.

As Ideal Home's gardening expert and the proud owner of a small garden in London, I'm all too aware of the challenge of finding plants to add to my garden this month that won't mind being hit with a sudden 30+ degree heatwave. Here are a few of the things I’m planting this July that can withstand a blast of heat this summer.

What you'll need

1. Verbena

Verbena is a staple in my mum’s garden border, and the bees and butterflies absolutely love it, so I’ve been meaning to plant some in my new garden since I moved here. It’s beautiful and drought-tolerant, so it’s safe to plant around July’s heatwaves if the soil isn’t too dry.

‘Verbena bonariensis produce an absolutely stunning display of purple flowers at head height from late summer through to autumn and are shrouded in a confetti of butterflies as soon as there is a glimpse of sunshine,’ says garden expert Sarah Raven. ‘They are drought tolerant perennials so need little maintenance, but you should protect with a layer of leaf mould or compost mulch in autumn.’

You can buy ready-made mulches like this Strulch from Amazon if you’re looking to mulch around the base of plants now as a hot-weather protective measure.

Where to buy verbena:

• Crocus: Order Verbena bonariensis in pots or as seeds.
• Gardening Express: Grow Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' for shorter stems.

2. Salad vegetables

Salad crops are brilliant vegetables to grow containers, and they’re also perfect for filling the gaps in beds and borders. It might seem counterproductive to plant the likes of lettuce and radishes during a heatwave, but some varieties fare better in the heat than others.

‘If you want to add some homegrown crops to your summer salads, then late sowings of beetroot, radishes, lettuce, and salad crops grow quickly in the warm soil,’ says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres.

Swiss chard is actually a drought-tolerant vegetable, and if you go for a rainbow variety like ‘Celebration’ (you can order the seeds from Thompson & Morgan), you’ll have yourself a pretty edible plant that looks as good as it tastes.

Where to buy salad seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Lettuce 'All The Year Round' is said to cope better in dry weather than other lettuce varieties.
• Amazon: Sow Simply Garden's Swiss Chard 'Rhubarb Red' seedsfor red stems.

3. Pelargoniums

Pelargoniums are a popular tender perennial that produce stunning blooms from late spring all the way through to autumn, and they've been on my list for a while now. They’re a recommendation of Sarah’s if you’re looking for beautiful colour and fragrance in borders and pots – you’ll just need to be slightly more attentive with the watering can than other potted drought-tolerant plants.

‘Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants, but growth will become stunted if they are kept too dry,’ says Sarah Raven. ‘You should water and feed the plants well in the summer and deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers.’

Where to buy pelargoniums:

• Thompson & Morgan: Pelargonium 'Pinki Pinks' produces pretty pink flowers.
• Amazon: Order scented Pelargonium 'Lemon' plug plants.

4. Gaura

Gaura is also known as beeblossom, and it’s as pretty as it sounds – masses of delicate white flowers adorn slender stems, and remain for months on end. As luck would have it, it’s also drought-tolerant – so it’s ideal for planting this July.

‘Gaura is truly the perfect plant for lining paths and adding froth to flower beds,’ says Sarah Raven. ‘It’s a really versatile plant in that so it looks beautiful in an arrangement, but also lovely in a cloud on its own.

‘They need to be placed in full sunshine and tend to flower from June through to August. They are particularly drought-tolerant, so are really easy to maintain.’

Where to buy Gaura:

• Crocus: Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' is as pretty as it sounds.
• Gardening Express: Gaura 'Gaudi White' is beautiful, too.

5. Herbs

I'm also thinking about planting a few drought-tolerant herbs this month, which means Mediterranean classics like rosemary, thyme and sage. They're ideal for hot climates, so they're a safer bet for the upcoming heatwave.

'If you’re prepared to water, you can still plant herbs into the ground, or, better still, in pots where you can keep an eye on watering and nip off a few leaves now and then for the kitchen,' says Topher Martyn, head gardener at Syon Park.

'Woody Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary are pretty easy to maintain and will put up with a degree of neglect.'

Where to buy herbs:

• Crocus: Buy 9cm pots of aromatic common sage.
• B&Q: Order a rosemary plant in a terracotta pot.

If any plants are going to survive the next heatwave, these ones definitely have a better chance!

It’s officially July, and according to the weather forecast, it’s going to be a hot one.

This year’s July garden jobs are centred around keeping plants, grass and wildlife hydrated, with other supportive measures that ensure healthy, productive growth. There’s a focus on keeping our gardens cool in heatwaves, too – and thankfully, there are more than a few ways to do that.

Here are the top jobs to do in the garden in July to ensure your plants thrive in hot, dry weather.

What you'll need

1. Keep on top of watering

One of the most important July garden jobs is the most obvious one: watering, watering, and more watering. You’ll need to be extra attentive when it comes to watering container plants in July.

‘Water new and young plants heavily and regularly throughout July to encourage the formation of deep and strong roots,’ says garden expert Sarah Raven. ‘If plants are showing signs of mildew (especially calendulas, courgettes, and roses), water well during dry spells.’

Sarah also recommends mulching when the soil is wet to conserve moisture. RocketGro Peat-Free Magic Mulch is highly rated on Amazon, and it works to suppress weeds and enrich the soil with nutrients, too.

For established, hardier plants and lawns, there isn’t quite so much urgency – and if your area is affected by a hosepipe ban this July, you’ll need to be extra careful about how you use water.

‘Containers, greenhouses and some vegetables can’t be allowed to dry out, but established plants and lawns rarely suffer lasting damage from drought, and they have their own mechanisms to cope with water shortages,’ says Topher Martyn, head gardener at Syon Park.

2. Support tall perennials

Watering isn’t the only way you can support plants in July – you’ll also need to keep an eye on tall or heavy flowering perennials like dahlias and chrysanthemums and find the best plant supports for them.

‘Ensure your perennials are propped up with stakes as by the time dahlias and chrysanthemums are at their peak height, autumn wind and rain will be on the way,’ says Sarah. ‘Dahlias are best supported in a triangle of canes, while chrysanthemums perform best when tied in and supported.’

I'm ordering these bamboo canes for my tomato plants, but they're perfect for the likes of dahlias and other tall flowering perennials, too.

3. Look out for wildlife

Wildlife needs a helping hand in hot weather, too, and simple additions like a bird bath (I’ve got my eye on this Home Bird Bath from Argos) can make a huge difference to visiting birds, mammals and insects.

‘If you have a bird bath in your garden, keep it topped up with fresh water and make sure to clean it whenever it starts looking grubby,’ says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres.

It’s also worth knowing what to feed birds in the summer, since they’ll still be feeding their young this month.

‘While food sources are less scarce for birds in summer, supplementary feeding is always necessary,’ says gardening and wildlife expert James Ewens from Green Feathers.

‘It’s one of the busiest and most demanding stages of their lifecycle, so responsible feeding is essential. Just keep away from foods that spoil quickly in heat, ensure you regularly clean your bird feeders, and use hanging feeders rather than flat ones.’

James recommends nutrient-rich foods that birds can easily digest, like mealworms (these Pet Ting premium dried mealworms are Amazon's Choice). There are certain foods you should never feed birds, though, like bread and kitchen scrap.

4. Plant drought-tolerant plants

There’s a long list of things you can plant in July, but with more heatwaves on the way this month, it’s worth looking at drought-tolerant plants as a starting point. They’re more likely to survive the heat and continue on as normal in dry weather.

‘There are many ways that we can all ensure we are being considerate of the environment whilst also maintaining the beauty, colour, and joy of our outside havens.,’ says Sarah. ‘One of the simplest things you can do is to introduce drought-tolerant plants to keep your garden looking lively and vibrant without the need for excessive watering.’

Sarah recommends the likes of lavender, pelargoniums and verbena for a beautiful, climate-resilient garden. I've got my eye on purple top verbena, which you can buy from Crocus. If you’re a vegetable grower, there are even drought-tolerant vegetables that thrive in hot weather.

5. Deadhead plants

Deadheading is a simple skill that’ll grant you longer flowering displays and healthier plants – and July is the prime time to do it.

‘Regularly deadhead your bedding, container, and basket plants, and any other repeat-flowering perennials to enjoy a longer display of blooms in your garden,’ says Nigel from Dobbies Garden Centres. ‘This is also a great way to keep your garden looking great during the summer months, as it gets rid of any wilted or dying flower heads to make way for new ones.’

A simple pair of garden snips like these Spear & Jackson Garden Snips from Amazon is ideal for this July garden job.

6. Cut back long-flowering perennials

Besides deadheading, many long-flowering perennials benefit from being cut right back in July. It might sound counterproductive, but it’ll actually encourage the plants to produce a second round of blooms.

‘Most long-flowering perennials such as Geranium pyrenaicum 'Bill Wallis' and Geranium x johnsonii 'Johnson's Blue' finish blooming in summer,’ explains Sarah Raven. ‘With that in mind, cut them right to the ground and water generously to encourage a second flush of flowers and foliage.’

7. Feed fruiting and flowering plants

July is a productive month in the garden, since flowering plants are often at their peak and fruits and vegetables are busy developing harvests. To get the most out of them, though, it’s worth feeding your plants.

‘Your flowers may benefit from a liquid feed, particularly your container plants, roses, and our outdoor Plant of the Month, dahlias,’ says Nigel from Dobbies Garden Centre.

Roses are the ideal candidate for July feeding, actually, and Sarah Raven advises us to ‘Feed roses after the first flush of flowers to encourage more. Use a rose food or straightforward, well-rotted manure. Intersperse rose beds with other plants such as nepetas and salvias to help reduce the spread of disease like black spot.’

Companion planting ideas are a staple in my garden – they really can keep pests at bay during the hotter months of the year, and if this year's heatwaves are anything to go by, it's better to get defences in place now.

8. Weed beds, borders and lawns

If your lawn, beds or borders are rampant with weeds right now, you can thank the warmer weather.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get rid of weeds fast, or even recover a lawn from weeds if they’ve already taken hold of your garden. My lawn was covered in dandelions, but GARDENA's weed puller, which you can order from B&Q, has been helping me keep on top of things (at speed!).

‘Weeds thrive in dry, warm weather, so continue hoeing any weeds around your beds or vegetable patches in dry weather, as this gives you the best chance of not allowing them to re-root,’ says Nigel from Dobbies Garden Centres.

Add these July garden jobs to your list to keep your garden healthy and productive in whatever heatwave the weather next throws at us!

My tomato plants are beginning to fruit, so I’m dedicating this month to support and care tasks that will encourage a bumper crop.

Knowing what to do with tomato plants in July is crucial if you want them to produce as many harvests as possible – especially in light of recent (and upcoming!) heatwaves. If you've grown your own tomatoes before, you'll know that hydration is key, but there are a few other tasks that I’ll be ticking off over the course of this month to nurture them into strong, healthy plants.

Add these jobs to your July to-do list, and you might just grow your best crop of tomatoes yet.

What you'll need

1. Provide support

One of my tomato plants in particular has shot up at speed over the last month. It’s become very top-heavy, especially now that tomatoes are starting to form – so I had to put a plant support in place, fast.

Staking is crucial for cordon tomatoes (the ones that grow tall). So far, I've used some jute string and a simple stick from an old bunch of peonies, but I’ll be ordering these bamboo canes from Amazon when it’s time to support my other tomato plants.

You can even buy tomato support frames like these Halatool tomato cages from Amazon.

2. Keep them hydrated

Tomatoes are thirsty plants, which is why watering remains paramount in July. If you’re growing tomatoes in pots, they’ll need extra hydration because they’ll dry out faster – and the same applies if you’re growing tomatoes in hanging baskets.

'Inconsistent watering can cause flowers to drop and lead to problems such as blossom end rot and split skins,' says Annelise Brilli, Thompson & Morgan's horticultural expert. 'Water deeply, then allow the top two inches (5cm) of soil to dry out before watering again.'

3. Feed the plants

Fertiliser is no joke when it comes to tomato plants – it really can make a world of difference to their fruiting potential, and July is the perfect time to feed it to them.

'Tomatoes are also hungry plants and benefit from regular feeding,' says Annelise. 'Add a liquid fertiliser to the watering can once a week, using a high-potash tomato feed to encourage strong flowering and abundant fruit production.'

Levington Tomorite, which you can order from Amazon for just £4, is one of the most popular choices, and it’s a fertiliser that’s earned me tons of tomatoes in the past.

This year, though, I planted my young tomato plants in Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes (available at Crocus), which is said to feed plants for the entire season. So far, that’s proving to be more than accurate – I’ve never seen a tomato plant grow so fast, and the stems are already piling on the fruit!

4. Pinch out side shoots

Don’t overlook this July tomato job if you’re growing a cordon tomato variety. Pinching out a tomato plant's side shoots (those little pairs of leaves that sprout in the junction of the main stem and adjacent stems) is absolutely key to conserving the plant’s energy for the fruiting stems.

'Remove side shoots as they appear so the plant's energy is directed into developing fruit,' says Annelise.

This tomato pruning technique takes seconds, but it can make a huge difference to your plant’s overall yield. Plus, it allows you to enjoy that signature tomato leaf scent!

5. Tidy dead growth

My main cordon tomato plant is thriving right now, but one of my other tomato plants isn't enjoying the same success yet (I think that's owing to a lack of pot drainage, so my bad!). I've noticed a fair amount of yellowing leaves at the base of the plant – and according to Annelise, it's best to get rid of it as soon as you can.

'Remove any dead or yellowing leaves from around the base to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease,' she advises.

You can usually remove dead tomato plant material by hand, but if you're using a pair of snips, make sure you clean your garden tools with something like this Agralan Citrox Ready To Use Natural Citrus Disinfectant Spray from Amazon before and after.

Keeping these five tomato care tasks on your list for July, and you'll set yourself up for a summer of delicious harvests.

There’s a new Mediterranean garden star on the horizon, and it’s a surprising one for the UK: lemon trees.

They’re far easier to grow here than you’d think – I recently talked about citrus trees as one of the best Mediterranean plants for pots, and many lemon tree varieties do unexpectedly well in containers on a patio. According to TikTok Shop gardening business YouGarden, lemon tree sales have increased by 613% this year – which means they’re definitely becoming more mainstream in UK gardens.

Here's why you should consider growing a lemon tree in your garden, no matter its size.

What you'll need

For TikTok Shop gardening business YouGarden, lemon trees have been a standout garden trend for 2026. The business has noticed a pattern of more and more gardeners embracing Mediterranean-inspired planting, and lemons are among the most popular choices.

‘We're seeing customers inspired by holidays abroad, Mediterranean planting and alfresco living, while warmer summers are giving people more confidence to try varieties that might once have felt a little ambitious for UK gardens,’ says Peter McDermott, founder of YouGarden.

‘In fact, this has been our strongest-ever year for citrus tree sales since launching in 2011, with lemon trees proving the standout favourite. We've seen lemon tree sales increase by 613% year-on-year on TikTok Shop, which suggests more people are looking to recreate that Mediterranean feel at home.’

They don’t have to be expensive, either. You can buy a Sicilian lemon tree from YouGarden for just £24.99.

Plus, lemon trees are much lower maintenance than I ever thought they were. You’ll just need to find the right spot for them.

‘A sunny, sheltered spot and regular water through summer are all a lemon tree asks for,’ Says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies. ‘Bring it inside over winter, and it'll keep going year after year. The fruit is genuinely excellent in a gin and tonic, by the way.'

So, if you’re looking for fruits to grow in pots and want to nail the Mediterranean garden look, lemon trees are the ideal candidates.

Better yet? Plant one up in a terracotta pot, like these whitewashed classic Italian terracotta pots from Crocus. They come in a range of sizes, so make sure you check the measurements of your lemon tree before you buy one.

‘Container-grown citrus trees, figs and bay trees are brilliant for adding fragrance, texture and a real Mediterranean atmosphere,’ adds Peter from YouGarden. ‘They work particularly well on terraces and patios where people can enjoy them up close.’

Lemon trees are a staple Mediterranean garden idea now, so they're definitely worth adding to your list if you want to feel like you're on holiday at home.

For years, edible gardens and ornamental borders were treated as entirely separate things. Vegetables belonged in neat rows in the kitchen garden, while flowers took pride of place in beds and borders. But increasingly, gardeners are beginning to realise that the two can happily coexist, so long as you pick the prettiest edible plants going.

Happily, this is no difficult task; in fact, some of the most beautiful plants you can grow are also edible. From jewel-bright stems to delicate flowers and attractive foliage, many fruits, herbs and even the very easiest vegetables earn their place in the garden long before they make it to the kitchen.

This approach has become increasingly popular in recent years. Rather than keeping fruit and vegetables confined to raised beds, gardeners are weaving them through borders, tucking them into pots and containers, and allowing edible plants to mingle with ornamentals in ways that feel natural and beautifully designed. (Just see The Lady Garden Foundation ‘Silent No More’ Garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, if you don't believe us; they had parsnips in the mix!).

The prettiest edible plants to grow

'Many edible plants are pretty enough to take centre stage in the garden and can be grown in containers and even hanging baskets," ays Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'They add colour, texture and seasonal interest, as well as being edible is both fun, interesting and tasty.'

Morris recommends treating edible plants much like you would flowers. 'Combine vegetables, herbs and flowers together, allowing colours, textures and shapes to work as they would in a natural planting scheme,' he says.

So, whether you're looking to maximise a small space, create a more productive garden, or simply add another layer of interest to your borders, look no further! These edible plants wholeheartedly prove that beauty and practicality can go hand in hand...

1. Rainbow chard

Rainbow chard is universally considered one of the prettiest edible plants to grow, and little wonder. With stems in vivid shades of pink, orange, yellow and red, it looks almost too pretty to eat.

'Rainbow chard is one of the easiest ways to add edible colour into the garden,' says Morris. 'Its brightly coloured stems in shades of pink, orange, yellow and red look almost ornamental, especially planted amongst flowers. The young leaves can be mixed into salads and as the leaves mature, they can be cooked the same as spinach.'

Try weaving something like Crocus's rainbow chard through cottage-style planting schemes, where its jewel-bright stems pop against softer flowers and grasses.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are one of those wonderfully generous plants that seem to do it all. They flower prolifically, spill beautifully from containers and hanging baskets, and every single part of the plant is edible. One more time, for the people at the back? Every single part of the plant is edible.

'Nasturtiums have trailing stems and bright orange, red or yellow flowers, which bring lovely bright colour to borders, containers or baskets,' says Morris. 'The leaves are peppery, the vibrant petals are edible, and they are perfect for filling spaces between plants.'

Their relaxed growth habit makes them ideal for softening the edges of raised beds or tumbling from pots, while the peppery leaves and flowers bring a burst of flavour to salads.

Shop nasturtiums below:

3. Alpine strawberries

Tiny but mighty, alpine strawberries might just be one of the garden's best-kept secrets. Their delicate white flowers, neat green foliage and jewel-like fruits make them a charming addition to beds and borders.

One professional gardener says he first fell for alpine strawberries after seeing them used at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 'I've grown them in my own flower beds ever since,' says Chris O’Donoghue, Director of Gardens Revived. 'They create a beautiful living ground cover, and finding tiny strawberries hidden amongst other plants always feels like a little reward.'

Unlike larger strawberries, alpine varieties don't send out vigorous runners, making them easier to weave into ornamental planting schemes. And, tucked beneath roses or between perennials, they add a playful little layer to the garden... one you can either leave as a treat for songbirds or nibble on yourself as you set to work on your borders.

No wonder people call them one of the best ground cover plants for a wildlife garden, eh? You can pick up a 9cm pot on Crocus.

4. Broad beans

Broad beans don't immediately spring to mind when you think of ornamental plants, but the 'Crimson-Flowered' (available at Mr Fothergill's) variety might just change that.

At RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, this striking variety drew admiring glances for its whorls of deep burgundy blooms weaving through roses and catmint. In fact, designer Frances Tophill reported that visitors kept asking, 'What is that flower?', only to be surprised that it was a broad bean.

As well as looking beautiful, broad beans help enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them as hardworking as they are pretty. Plant them among ornamentals, and you'll be rewarded with flowers first and a harvest later.

5. Garlic mustard

If you're feeling adventurous, garlic mustard (available at Nature Seeds) offers a reminder that beauty can sometimes be hiding in plain sight.

Often dismissed as a weed, its dainty white flowers have recently appeared in Chelsea planting schemes, proving that the prettiest edible plants don't always need to be cultivated to earn a place in the garden.

6. Purple kale and ornamental brassicas

Many gardens begin to lose momentum as summer fades, but purple vegetables like kale and ornamental brassicas come into their own later in the year.

'Purple kale and other ornamental brassica plants bring structure for a long time after summer flowers fade,' says Morris. 'The ruffled leaves and deep colours add contrast to borders and make a striking winter display, plus they are packed with flavour and nutrients.'

Their rich purple tones look especially beautiful planted alongside silvery foliage or late-season grasses, bringing drama and structure to borders long after many flowers have finished. Have a go with the Broccoli 'Claret' F1 (purple sprouting) seeds from Crocus, or Thompson & Morgan's Broccoli 'Purple Rain' F1 Hybrid (Purple Sprouting) seeds.

7. Herbs

Herbs may be hardworking kitchen staples, but many are heralded as being some of the prettiest edible plants around, too.

'Flowers on rosemary, delicate flowers on chives, and soft silver foliage from sage make a border look beautifully designed while providing ingredients for the kitchen,' promises Morris.

Personally, this writer loves growing flowering herbs; pollinators love it (especially my oregano 'country cream'). Or this bumper kit of grow-your-own herb seeds from Amazon boasts mint, chives, parsley, thyme, and basil!

8. Calendula

Calendula, often known as pot marigold, earns its place in both ornamental and edible gardens. Its cheerful orange and yellow blooms flower for months on end, bringing a warm, sunny feel to borders and containers, and the 'Candyman Orange' variety from Thompson & Morgan will flower the longest.

The petals are edible and can be scattered over salads, baked into cakes, or even used to colour butter. Better still, calendula is loved by pollinators and readily self-seeds, creating that slightly wild, abundant look many gardeners crave.

It's one of those rare plants that works hard while looking effortlessly beautiful. What could be better, eh?

9. Bronze fennel

If you love easy breezy and super natural-looking planting schemes, bronze fennel is hard to beat. Its feathery purple-bronze foliage brings movement and texture to borders, while its umbels of yellow flowers attract a host of beneficial insects.

Despite its ornamental appearance, every part of the plant is useful. The leaves have a delicate aniseed flavour, while the seeds can be harvested for cooking.

Planted among grasses and perennials, it looks every bit the designer plant, albeit with the bonus of being delicious, and you can pick up seeds easily from Thompson & Morgan.

FAQs

Now you know the prettiest edible plants to grow, which will you be planting? Whatever you choose, it's guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes and the tummies, so enjoy...

Here’s something I didn’t expect to see on my TikTok feed this week: an electric toothbrush being used on a tomato plant.

That's right – gardeners are now using electric toothbrushes to vibrate the flowers on their tomato plants. I first saw the trick on @farmhouseinthefield's TikTok video. It’s said to encourage the plants to produce more tomatoes – so if, like me, you’re growing your own tomatoes, you’re probably wondering whether this trick can actually produce a bumper crop.

I asked the experts whether an electric toothbrush can really make a tomato plant produce more tomatoes. There's more credit to the idea than you'd think!

I asked pro gardeners to share some of the lessons they learned about growing tomatoes recently, and ‘vibrate the plants with an electric toothbrush’ wasn’t on the list.

It’s curious, then, that gardeners are now shouting about the trick on social media. In a nutshell, they’re holding an electric toothbrush (sometimes wrapped in a plastic bag) against the stems of their tomato plants so that the plants vibrate, too.

‘I believe the toothbrush trick is designed to mimic what's known as buzz pollination – the vibration that bumblebees create when they land on flowers,’ says horticulture expert and The Plant Pod host Ross Dyke.

‘Tomatoes are self-pollinating, but they still need their pollen to be shaken loose and transferred within the flower. Outdoors, wind and insects usually take care of this, but in greenhouses or more sheltered conditions, an electric toothbrush can provide the gentle vibration needed to improve pollination. It won't encourage the plant to produce more flowers, but it can help more of those flowers develop into tomatoes.’

So, it isn’t a case of making the plant flower more – it’s more about making the most of the flowers that are already there and, crucially, encouraging them to turn into tomatoes.

‘To do this effectively, turn the toothbrush to its highest setting, and gently press the non-bristle side of the head or the base of the brush against the stem behind a flower,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture. ‘You should see a small cloud of pollen puff out from the flower. Do this every few days as new flowers open on the plant.’

There are more reliable ways you can encourage a tomato plant to produce more flowers and tomatoes, though. Pinching out tomato side shoots is one of them, but it’s also a good idea to feed them this month.

‘Focusing on plant health and nutrition is likely to deliver far greater results than reaching for an electric toothbrush,’ Ross says. ‘My go-to product is Maximato from Envii, which has been specifically developed for tomatoes and provides the nutrients and beneficial microbes needed to support strong growth, abundant flowering and healthy fruit development.'

Ross also cites plenty of sunshine and consistent watering as key stepping stones to plenty of harvests (especially if you're growing tomatoes in hanging baskets or pots).

Tomato growing essentials

If you're growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, the electric toothbrush trick is a brilliant way to keep them pollinated (and more tomatoes!).

The spring months in the garden seem to go by in a blur of preparation, sowing, planting and excitement for the season ahead.

Then, before you know it, here we are, summer is peeking her glorious head around the door. If you were hoping to add some delicious and healthy edible crops to your space this year, you may think you’ve missed the window of opportunity, but I am here to tell you there is still time!

And what’s more, you don’t need acres of space to enjoy generous harvests to grace your kitchen table – there are plenty of crops you can get out of the starting gates now, in pots! Here are some favourite vegetables you can grow in pots right now.

1. Short rooted carrots

These sweet little roots are an amazing choice for small space growers, as garden writer Kim Stoddart explains: 'Carrots are a great crop to grow in smaller spaced containers, as raised off the ground, this can help prevent issues with pesky carrot fly.'

You do need deep containers so the roots have room to grow. Container-grown carrots can be better quality, shape-wise, as well, because in the soil, roots can become distorted in shape through the ground stones.

In terms of which variety to grow, some are quicker growing than others (often with the word 'speedy' in the seed description). Baby carrots will be available, of course, quicker and shorter varieties tend to be faster-growing as well. It’s also down to weather and watering, and a perfect excuse to try a few different varieties to compare and contrast this summer. Enjoy!

Where to buy short-rooted carrots:

• Thompson & Morgan: 'Paris Market – Atlas' is a variety that offers delicious, bite-sized roots
• Suttons: ‘Rondo’ is perfect for pots, and has a wonderful, sweet flavour

2. Dwarf French beans

Emma O’Neill from Garden Organic says, 'Dwarf French beans are the perfect vegetable to grow in containers, providing fresh produce throughout the summer months.'

'A few things to consider before growing: you'll need a pot with a depth of at least 30cm and approximately 45cm wide. Ensure there are plenty of drainage holes, and it’s a good idea to put some crocks or grit at the bottom to aid drainage. Dwarf French beans thrive best in full sun and require regular watering. It’s best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.'

'Watering is particularly important during flowering time, when the plant will be producing pods. Always choose a good quality peat-free, organic compost that will have sufficient food. If necessary, you can feed weekly with a high potash solution. Although these plants only grow to about 45cm in height, I like to put in some twiggy material to help with support, as they can become top-heavy. To protect the plants from slugs and snails, we use copper tape and grit or shells around the top of the pot. Finally, remember the more you harvest, the more you'll get!”

Where to buy dwarf French beans:

• Dobies: ‘Mascotte’ is a fantastic choice for container growing, producing fine, stringless pods
• Thompson & Morgan: ‘Quartz’ is a generous variety, offering high yields and able to cope with warm summers

3. Salad leaves

June is an excellent month for growing salad leaves, and these crops make it easy to enjoy fresh, homegrown harvests even in the smallest of gardens, balconies or patios.

Fast-growing salad crops such as lettuce, rocket, mizuna, mustard greens and cut-and-come-again leaf mixes thrive in containers, and can provide a continuous supply throughout summer to keep you in delicious lunches and dinners during the warm weather.

Choose a pot, trough or window box with good drainage – this all-in-one trough from Crocus is a fab choice – and fill it with a quality peat-free compost, like Miracle-Gro's premium all-purpose compost. Position containers in a sunny spot (though some light afternoon shade can help prevent leaves from bolting during hot weather).

Sow seeds little and often – every two to three weeks – to ensure a steady supply of tender leaves (known as successional sowing). Keep the compost consistently moist, as containers dry out more quickly than garden soil. Harvest leaves when they are young and tender.

Where to buy salad seeds:

• Suttons: ‘French Mix’ is perfect for growing on windowsills and is delicious and goodness-packed
• Dobies: ‘Salad Leaf Asian Leaves’ are part of the organic range and Dobies, so great if you are trying to up your organic credentials

4. Radishes

Fast-growing and easy to care for, radishes can produce a crop in as little as four weeks, providing quick rewards for gardeners of all experience levels. Choose a container that is at least 15cm deep and fill it with a good-quality, peat-free compost – this Westland one from B&Q is a great option. Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills, spacing them a few centimetres apart to give roots room to develop. Water gently after sowing and keep the compost consistently moist. Irregular watering can cause roots to become woody or split.

For the best results, position containers in a sunny spot. To ensure a continuous harvest, sow small batches of seed every couple of weeks throughout June rather than planting everything at once.

Harvest radishes as soon as they reach a usable size, as leaving them in the compost for too long can impact quality. Regular sowing, careful watering and timely harvesting will help you enjoy crisp, flavourful radishes throughout the summer – and beyond if you add winter types, too!

Where to buy radishes:

• Crocus: ‘Mixed’ gives you a wonderful selection of colourful radishes – quick growing and fab for beginners
• B&Q: ‘Saxa 2’ has a vibrant colour and flavour, packing a real punch even in the smallest spaces

5. Swiss Chard

This productive leafy vegetable is easy to cultivate, attractive to look at, and provides a long harvest season.

Choose a container that is at least 30cm deep – something like these pots from Dunelm are reasonably priced and would fit into any space. Fill it with a good-quality peat-free compost and pop it in a sunny spot. Swiss chard grows best in moisture-retentive soil, so regular watering is important.

Sow seeds thinly, about 2cm deep, and thin seedlings once they are large enough to handle. Alternatively, young plants can be transplanted into additional containers. Applying a balanced liquid feed (an organic type, such as Westland organic vegetable feed from Amazon, does the job) every couple of weeks can help support healthy growth.

Harvest leaves little and often by removing the outer stems first, allowing the centre of the plant to continue producing fresh growth.

Where to buy Swiss chard:

• Thompson & Morgan: ‘Bright Lights’ is beautifully ornamental as well as a reliable cropper
• B&Q: ‘Celebration 1’ is a great choice for growing in containers on a patio, and looks and tastes great

6. Spring onions

These easy-to-grow onions take up very little room and provide a steady harvest. To get started, fill a container with good-quality peat-free compost and place it in a position that gets a decent amount of sun throughout the day.

Spring onion seeds can be sown thinly in shallow drills, with rows spaced a few centimetres apart to allow the plants to grow on. Keep the compost moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Removing weeds and ensuring good airflow around the plants can help maintain healthy growth. Spring onions generally need little feeding when grown in fresh compost, although a balanced liquid feed can be applied if growth appears slow. They are usually ready to harvest within eight to 12 weeks, depending on the variety, so they are another speedy option, perfect for the impatient growers among us!

Where to buy spring onions:

• Thompson & Morgan: ‘White Lisbon’ is a popular variety thanks to its reliability and punchy flavour
• Marshalls Garden: ‘Ishikura’ can be harvested young or left to mature and has a tasty, mild flavour

7. Herbs

Container herbs make it easy to enjoy a bounty of fresh flavours even in the smallest spots. Many herbs (including basil, parsley, chives, coriander and mint) thrive in pots and can be placed close to the kitchen for convenient harvesting as you cook.

Most herbs prefer a sunny position, receiving at least six hours of sunlight each day, although parsley and mint will tolerate some light shade. Aim to keep the compost evenly moist, as with the other crops.

Harvest little and often to encourage bushy growth. Pinching out the growing tips of basil and other leafy herbs can help prevent premature flowering and promote more leaves – meaning more harvests! Mint is best grown in its own pot, as it can spread and overwhelm neighbouring plants.

Where to buy herbs:

• B&Q: Herb ‘Mixed Collection’ allows you to grow a selection of fragrant leaves
• Dobies: ‘Mint’ is a firm favourite of many growers – and benefits from the restriction of a pot!

There you have it! Whether you've got a spacious garden or just a sunny patio or balcony to grow veg, these fast-growing varieties prove you don't need much room to enjoy a homegrown harvest this season.

Sweetcorn harvest time starts now, with many cobs ripe and ready for grilling and roasting. You’ll need to figure out exactly when sweetcorn is ready to harvest first, though, because picking it at the right time is key to juicy, tasty cobs.

Whether you’ve learned how to grow sweetcorn for the first time this year or you’re a seasoned grower, I’d argue that it’s one of the most satisfying crops to harvest. Sweetcorn is usually ready between August and October, but for every plant, there's a small window within that timeframe: too early, and there won’t be much flavour; too late, and the cobs will be tough and dry. So, when is sweetcorn ready to harvest?

Well, there are two tests you can use to help you time it right: the kernel test and the tassel test.

1. The kernel test

One of the easiest ways to tell if sweetcorn is ready to harvest is by peeling it back a little and performing what’s known as the kernel test.

‘Peel back the husk slightly and press your thumbnail into a kernel,’ advises Jane Westoby, creative director at The Hampshire Seed Company. ‘If a milky liquid oozes out, the corn is ready.’

You’ll also need to look out for signs that your sweetcorn isn’t ready to be harvested.

‘If the liquid is clear, it needs a bit longer,’ says Jane. ‘If there’s no liquid at all, you’ve left it too late!’

Sweetcorn is one of the key vegetables you can harvest in September, too – so don't panic if the liquid is still clear!

If your corn is producing a milky liquid, though, it’s good to go – but there’s another way to check that doesn’t involve tampering with the husks...

2. The tassel test

An even simpler way to tell when to harvest sweetcorn is by looking at the tassels, or silks, which you’ll find at the top of the husk.

‘The primary function of the silks is to capture the pollen to fertilise the corn kernels,’ explains Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation. ‘When these silks turn brown, start to shrivel and go brittle, the kernels have been pollinated and should be ready to harvest.’

For the full harvesting experience, I love this wooden garden trug from Crocus. To harvest the cobs, simply twist and tug them firmly downwards, away from the stem (though you could always use some secateurs like the WOLF-Garten Bypass Secateurs, £24.99 at Amazon).

Freshly harvested sweetcorn is perfect if you're looking to grill food on one of the best BBQs on the market (especially charcoal BBQs, for that authentic smoky flavour). For the best results, you'll just need to harvest them right before you plan to cook with them.

'Sweet corn sugars start turning to starch as soon as it’s picked – so for the sweetest taste, harvest it and get it straight into the pan or onto the BBQ,' says Jane.

And that’s it! If you’re wondering when to harvest sweetcorn, use the tassel test or the kernel test (or both!) to help you strike while the iron’s hot. You could even try learning how to grow glass gem corn next year, if you like the sound of rainbow-coloured cobs.

Looking for the best fertiliser for ripening tomatoes? To find out which fertilisers are best at helping tomatoes ripen, I spoke to a few garden experts – and picked up some product recommendations along the way.

If you’re wondering why your tomatoes aren’t turning red, some plant food can give your fruit the boost they need – but to support their journey to better fruiting, you’ll need to look for the right ingredients.

If you’re looking for the best fertiliser for ripening tomatoes, you’ll need to keep a close eye on one ingredient in particular: potassium.

'If you want to give your fruit a helping hand, go for a fertiliser that’s rich in potassium,’ says Nick Wood, horticulturist at GardeningExpress.co.uk. ‘This encourages healthy fruit development by helping the plant focus its energy on ripening, rather than just growing more leaves.'

It's more about supporting the fruiting process as a whole, which is why fertiliser is one of the most important steps in learning how to grow tomatoes successfully.

'It won’t exactly speed things up, but it makes sure the plant has the right nutrients to support the process naturally,' Nick adds.

To find a tomato fertiliser with the right levels of potassium, check the label for NPK. You might have noticed it before, but if you haven’t decoded it, N stands for nitrogen, P stands for phosphorus, and K stands for potassium.

Go for a product with higher K (potassium), and lower nitrogen (N), for the best results. Of course, you could make your own tomato fertiliser, but you'll need to include potassium-rich ingredients like banana peel.

I wanted to find some more product-specific recommendations, so I asked Nick for a few of his top picks.

‘Tomato-specific fertilisers like Tomorite Tomato Feed have the ideal ratio of nutrients for healthy fruiting, and this one includes added seaweed extract to help your tomatoes grow ripe and juicy,’ he says.

‘Other multi-purpose fertilisers like Levington Seaweed Tonic and Miracle-Gro Plant Food are also great options for feeding tomatoes, as they’re hungry plants that benefit from regular, nutrient-rich feeding throughout the growing season.’

It’s not all about the fertiliser, though – a healthy, balanced soil can go a long way to helping tomatoes ripen into red fruits, too.

‘A successful garden starts with healthy soil,’ says Mark Sage, B&Q’s outdoor expert. ‘You can help ensure that your garden thrives with compost or organic fertilisers that will give your vegetables and herbs the nutrients they need for robust growth.

‘Consider your crop’s needs here, too: tomatoes will do best when given some extra compost.’

Mark recommends the Verve Peat-Free Multipurpose Compost from B&Q as a great starting point for tomatoes.

So, when it comes to finding the best fertiliser for ripening tomatoes, look for a product that's high in potassium and low in nitrogen to support your plant's fruiting process. It'll help you grow your tastiest tomatoes yet!

It is essential to know when cucumbers are ready to pick, to avoid hard, under-ripe or mushy, bitter, over-ripe fruit.

Anyone growing cucumbers will be keenly anticipating harvest. Whether looking to add cucumbers to your salads, dip them in hummus or add to a summer glass of Pimms, harvest time can't come soon enough – but get it wrong and you'll ruin that longed-for summer treat.

'Cucumbers are a wonderfully rewarding crop, and knowing when to harvest them is the key to enjoying them at their best. The main indicators that your cucumbers are ready for harvest are size, colour and firmness,' says horticultural experts from Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

Signs your cucumbers are ready to pick

Wondering when to harvest cucumbers? These three cues will tell you when cucumbers are ready to pick and when you just need to have a little more patience. They apply to all cucumbers, whether you have grown them in the ground, planted cucumbers in a pot or have grown cucumbers vertically.

'Cucumbers usually start coming in from mid-July through August. Some types will keep producing right up until early autumn or even the first frost, so keep an eye out!' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

'Greenhouse-grown cucumbers may mature a little earlier due to the warmer conditions and can be planted as early as February,' adds horticultural experts from Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

1. Measure the size

Size is a good indicator of when cucumbers are ready to pick.

'Most slicing cucumbers are just right when they reach about 6 to 8 inches long, about the length of a standard ruler,' explains Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

'For pickling varieties, the ideal size is typically smaller, between two to four inches, depending on the type of cucumber. Smaller cucumbers are often sweeter and crunchier, so it’s better to pick these early than too late. Regular harvesting is the secret to a long, productive cucumber season,' adds horticultural experts from Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

2. Check their colour

Cucumbers are ready to pick when they are a deep green colour – like the ones you see in the supermarket – with a shine to their skin. The entire length of the cucumber should be this rich dark colour.

Pale green shades indicate that the cucumbers need a little more time to ripen.

'Avoid letting the cucumbers turn yellow or grow too large, as this often means they’ve become overripe and will taste bitter,' says horticultural experts from Cherry Lane Garden Centres.

The exception to this rule is Lemon cucumbers – seeds available from Amazon –which are ripe when they are a pale yellow or lemon colour.

3. Squeeze them

If it's your first time starting a small vegetable garden, then touch is always a reliable way to figure out when to harvest cucumbers.

'Give them a gentle squeeze, and they should feel firm,' says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres. For comparison, cucumbers will be ready to harvest when they feel as firm as the cucumbers that you buy from the supermarket.

How to harvest cucumbers

Along with knowing when cucumbers are ready to pick, it is important that you know how to harvest cucumbers.

When harvesting cucumbers, you should always cut the fruit from the vine using scissors or secateurs – like these Spear & Jackson secateurs from Amazon – rather than pulling them.

'Snip the stem about a half centimetre above the fruit. Try not to twist or pull them off, since that can hurt the plant,' says Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

'We’d recommend regular picking every couple of days during peak season to encourage continuous fruiting and help prevent any from becoming oversized,' advise horticultural experts from Cherry Lane Garden Centres. Be sure to check under leaves and every side of the pot to make sure you don't miss any cucumbers hidden under leaves.

'For the crispest cucumbers, harvest them in the morning while the air is still cool,' adds Julian.

How long after planting do cucumbers take to harvest?

'From the moment your cucumber seeds sprout, you’re looking at about 50 to 70 days, roughly two months, until they’re ready,' explains Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres.

Where to buy cucumbers

Many gardeners like to plant their own cucumber seeds in February – like these available to buy from Crocus. However, if you have passed the seed planting window – usually between February and May – then you can buy established plants and still harvest cucumbers in late summer.

• Grafted Cucumber Plant 'Passandra' from Marshalls
• Cucumber 'Marketmore' from Gardening Express
• Cucumber 'Deli Star' on Amazon
• Cucumber 'Femspot' from B&Q

Nothing beats adding a slice of homegrown cucumber into a refreshing glass of ice cold Pimms in summer.

About three years ago, I took the leap from container gardening to a raised vegetable bed. It was exciting, rewarding, and a huge learning curve.

Mostly, it was a huge success – I harvested more vegetables that summer than I thought possible, from beetroot and carrots to shallots and patty pan squash.

There are a few things I wish I’d known before I started my vegetable bed, though, so if you’re hoping to start a small vegetable garden this year, I thought I’d put all of my learnings into one place.

1. The caterpillars – fear them

Now, I hate to be a scaremonger, but of all the garden plant pests out there, caterpillars were the ones that wreaked absolute havoc on my crops when I first started my vegetable bed.

I grew a fair few brassicas, and my radishes were targeted first. My poor romanesco cauliflower didn’t see the light of day – the leaves were eaten away before I could count them.

I don’t mind caterpillars – I find them fascinating, actually. The cabbage whites were a bit of a novelty at first, and I even tried moving them onto my sacrificial nasturtiums by hand so I could watch them grow. But soon, there were more than I had space on my nasturtiums for, and I had to let my vegetables go.

So, what should I have done? Invested in some butterfly-proof netting beforehand. In fact, I did have some horticultural fleece in the shed, but by the time I’d noticed the eggs on the leaves, it was too late.

Ever since, I’ve kept netting in place from the seedling stage, and I haven’t had an infestation like it since (touch wood). Garden Tailor's fine insect mesh from Amazon is my favourite, because it's brilliant at keeping out other pests like carrot fly, too.

My grandad actually made me a brilliant netted cage which I used in my raised bed's second year, with a hatch that I could remove from the top.

2. Companion planting is your best friend

Another brilliant way to crack down on pests? Get familiar with a few companion planting ideas to keep numbers at bay.

In my vegetable bed’s second year, I planted some marigolds (they’re absolute superheroes) next to my pea plants to attract ladybirds. They eat aphids, which were a common sight on my pea plants.

The brilliant thing about a small raised vegetable bed is that you can companion plant close together for the best results. Some plants are pest-repellent, for example, so those are great choices if you’re hoping to deter critters like carrot fly.

3. Drainage is key

When you’re staring at an empty raised bed that’s yet to be filled with soil, it can be tempted to order in bags and bags of compost and fill it straight in (although working out how to fill a raised garden bed is half the battle).

Drainage is important, though – and it’ll pay dividends if you look at the structure of your raised bed sooner rather than later.

'Plants grow best in a light, open soil structure,' says Pim Dickson, senior product and content manager at Mr Fothergill's. Make sure you incorporate plenty of organic matter (I used Westland's Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure, which you can buy from Amazon), and even consider laying crocks at the bottom of the bed.

4. Depth is important, too

Depth is also important, especially if you’re hoping to grow longer root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. My raised bed was about a foot high, which gave plenty of space for most of my crops, but not all of them.

My mooli radishes grew so long, they rooted themselves in the ground beneath my raised bed. I had to play tug-of-war with my lawn to harvest them.

So, make sure your raised bed is, well, raised enough to accommodate root vegetables.

The brilliant thing about gardening is that you never stop learning, and there's always the chance to try out new tips and tricks. What lessons have you learned so far?

Growing vegetables vertically, rather than along the ground, is an ingenious way to unlock more space and boost harvests in a small garden.

After nearly 10 years on my allotment, I’ve discovered that vertical gardening makes picking harvests super easy, both in time and – mercifully – effort. It also promotes healthier plants by improving airflow and increasing sunlight exposure, while handily raising crops out of a slug’s eyeline. Plus, vertical structures add style and interest to your garden or plot. What’s not to love?

A little planning goes a long way, so I’ve made it easy for you. Before we start, swot up on how to grow vegetables in a small garden, and you might want to learn how to build raised garden beds, too.

Now, let’s get started on this genius small garden idea. Read on to discover seven vegetables you can grow vertically this year, including a few exciting, easy-grow varieties you might not have heard of.

1. Runner Beans

A classic choice for vertical gardening, runner beans are particularly popular for their ability to thrive in tight spaces. They’re also quick to grow and are great to sow with children, as the seeds are nice and big for little hands.

I have two key pieces of advice on runner beans: firstly, only grow them if you eat them, as you’ll have beans coming out of your ears for weeks. Secondly, make sure your structure is really solid, as the weight of the harvest is incredible.

Renowned gardening expert Sarah Raven also says, 'Runner beans thrive in full sun with fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Support them with a sturdy wigwam of canes, planting one bean per pole.'

'Water well, especially in dry spells, and protect young plants from slugs by starting them indoors. Be patient and wait until April at the earliest to plant your seeds as they cannot be planted outside until the frosts are over. You do not want to let them stay too long in their pots, as they will start to tangle with their neighbours.'

Where to buy runner bean seeds:

• Sarah Raven: Get started with Runner bean 'White Emergo', an extremely vigorous grower, tried and tested by Sarah.
• Suttons: Stock up on Runner bean 'firestorm' seeds.

2. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are easy climbers for vertical growing – and they are unstoppable once they get going. These two facts make them an excellent opportunity to try an interesting variety. Lucy Hutchings at She Grows Veg recommends her beautiful Dragon’s Egg cucumber.

'Train them up a trellis for better airflow and easier harvesting. Keep soil consistently moist and feed regularly for the best yields of these unique, creamy-white fruits,' she advises.

I’ve also grown cucumbers around a large wooden cage that paving slabs were delivered in – and it worked a treat. The key is to feed them regularly and start them off by enriching the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.

Where to buy cucumber seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Choose from a huge selection of cucumber seeds.
• Suttons: Sow the ever-popular Cucumber F1 'Bella' seeds this month.

3. Squash and pumpkins

While the squash family is often associated with sprawling vines that consume a whole field (hello, pumpkin patches), growing pumpkins vertically can completely transform your garden layout.

The secret is to build a structure that is strong enough to hold the plant and its fruit – or invest in a show-stopping, statement-making London Eye Plant Frame from Agriframes.

They advise: 'Growing squash vertically on an arch or support helps the fruit ripen with plenty of light and air around the plant, as well as looking spectacular. They become a real talking point in the kitchen garden.'

Where to buy squash and pumpkin seeds:

• Suttons: We love this Squash 'Jaune et Vert'.
• Thompson & Morgan: Get started with the Winter celebration mix.

4. Malabar Spinach

Malabar what, I hear you ask? This tropical vine from Asia is a fantastic addition to any vertical garden – and something you certainly won’t find in the shops easily. Unlike traditional spinach, Malabar’s rampant climbing habit means it can transform an ordinary fence or wall into a lush, edible backdrop.

When I first started growing Malabar spinach vertically, I found that a simple wigwam was all I needed. Place it in a sunny spot and water consistently. I’ve used Malabar spinach in everything from salads to stir-fries – it’s tougher than regular spinach and has a unique peppery, lemony flavour.

Where to buy Malabar spinach seeds:

• Dobies: 40 Malabar 'Spinach Red' Seeds for just £0.89.
• Amazon: Green Malabar seeds are another brilliant choice.

Shop vegetable support frames

5. Peas

Peas are another vegetable that naturally lends itself to vertical growing. They’re perfect for small gardens, as their delicate tendrils scramble eagerly up nets and trellises. Just remember: water, water, water!

And keep an eye on them as they grow. Every few days, I gently guide them to ensure they don’t droop or tangle, which helps maintain both the structure and productivity of the plant.

I grow pea seedlings in lengths of gutter. Sounds mad, but it works. Fill the gutter with soil, sow your seeds according to the packet instructions, then when they’re ready to plant out, push the whole row out in one go and slide into place.

Where to buy pea seeds:

• Dobies: Grow Pea 'Hurst Greenshaft' for the sweetest peas.
• Thompson & Morgan: Pea 'Boogie' is another popular choice.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a must-grow – you can’t imagine the difference between shop-bought and home-grown! For vertical growing, choose the indeterminate varieties – you won’t get far with the determinate ones, as they create compact, bushy plants.

There are a few ways you can plant determinate varieties; in pots, in compost bags cut in half and stood on end, in grow bags with slits cut through for planting; or directly into the ground. Tomatoes grow very tall, so bear that in mind when planning where to plant them.

The main thing to think about is how you’ll support them. I’ve found that string is your best friend in supporting their weight, but you can learn about the staking technique in our article on how to grow tomatoes vertically.

When planting, I bury one end of the string under the roots or secure the string underneath the pot or grow bag. Then I tie the other end onto a sturdy hook or support, at least five feet above the base of the plant. As the tomato grows, wind the stem around the string.

• Suttons: Go for a selection of Suttons' customers' favourites in the Nurseryman's choice tomatoes.
• Thompson & Morgan: Tumbler Tom Red is another foolproof choice.

7. Courgettes

Vegetable gardeners know both the joy and curse of courgettes: the harvest is delicious, but it can get out of hand – fast. But this is not the case when grown vertically! You can see every fruit as it flowers and ripens, and therefore dodge the danger of a hidden 2kg whopper.

Use a strong stake to tie the stem in place as it grows and pick regularly. Courgettes are prolific and sausage-sized fruits are far nicer to eat (and fit in the fridge) than hefty marrows.

• Suttons: These pretty Courgette 'Courcourzelle' seeds are nutty and sweet.
• Dobies: Opt for a courgette collection featuring 3 popular varieties in 9cm pots

FAQs

Are there any disadvantages to vertical growing?

There aren’t downsides, but there are two considerations. First, vertical gardens can be more prone to wind damage, so (I know I’ve said this repeatedly, but…) reinforce your supports.

Secondly, you’re often placing plants close together, which means there will be many roots seeking nutrients, so the soil needs to be fertile. Feed the plants regularly and enrich the ground with compost or a medium of your choice. And that’s it! Happy vertical gardening. You won’t regret it.

There are plenty of other climbing plants you can grow in pots too and these budget trellis ideas will not only support them to grow skyward but will add extra interest to your vertical garden to boot.

Squashes have always been on my grow-your-own bucket list, and a few years ago, I decided to give them a go.

At the time, I had a small raised bed, about two metres square. I needed a variety that would suit a small garden, and I stumbled across a rather unique type: the patty pan squash. It was a real winner — not only was it easy to grow, but it produced tons of characterful, frilly yellow squashes which we enjoyed over the late summer months.

If you’re starting a small vegetable garden this year, it’s worth giving them a try. Here’s why.

The variety I grew was Patty Pan ‘Sunburst F1’ (you can buy Mr Fothergill's seeds from Amazon). I sowed them directly outdoors in May, and they quickly grew into established young plants, producing bundles of bright sunshine-yellow squashes with scalloped edges.

That’s one of the reasons why gardening expert and author Sarah Raven likes this variety. ‘Their fast growth rate yields a generous harvest of fresh produce quicker than traditional squash,’ she says.

I can vouch for that — before I knew it, I had more patty pan squashes than I knew what to do with!

If you learn how to grow pumpkins or other members of the squash family, the process is a little slower (but worth it if you're hoping to grow your own jack-o'-lanterns!) — so this variety is great for quick wins.

I spoke to Mr Fothergill’s seed manager, Rachel Cole, to find out more about why patty pan squashes are such a great choice for a small garden.

‘If you're short on space this summer, patty pans could be just the thing you need,’ she said. ‘These little veggies are part of the summer squash family and are perfect for smaller gardens.’

Some squash varieties are huge, and you’ll generally need a larger garden to accommodate the plants. Not patty pans, though.

‘Unlike larger squash varieties, patty pans grow in a compact bush form, making them ideal for raised beds or medium-sized pots,’ Rachel explained.

So, not only can you grow these vegetables in a small raised bed like I did, but they're also one of the best vegetables to grow in pots. You’ll need to choose the right size, though.

‘Choose a container large enough to retain moisture, as smaller ones can dry out too quickly,’ Rachel said.

To get the most out of these plants, you’ll need to harvest them as often as you can — especially if you’re already tight on space.

‘Much like courgettes, patty pans mature quickly and are best picked when they reach around the size of a teacup,’ Rachel explained. ‘Keep harvesting regularly and the plant will reward you with a healthy supply of scallop-shaped fruits throughout the season.’

If you find yourself with a glut of squashes and you’re not sure how to use them all up, there are plenty of tasty ways to cook them up.

''Sunburst' is excellent for stir-fries and quick frying when cut into chunks or sliced with a mandolin,’ Sarah suggested. ‘I also love it blanched in stock, just softened, and then dressed in olive oil and a mix of green herbs. This is often how they eat patty pans and courgettes in Greece.’

Where to buy patty pan squash seeds

If you're looking for quick wins with all the perks of growing your own squashes, patty pans are the way forward. I had so much fun growing mine!

You can sow them indoors this month, too — so if you're wondering what to plant in March and you're willing to carve out a little space in your small garden, add patty pans to the list.

We’ve finally reached March, and spring will soon be in full swing. To celebrate, and give budding new gardeners some inspiration, I thought I’d take a look at the best vegetables to sow in March for beginners.

If you’re wondering what to plant in March but don’t want to grow anything too tricky, there are tons of vegetables you can sow now for easy harvests over the coming months. Whether you’re looking to start a small vegetable garden or fill a huge bed with lettuce, carrots and other favourites, the world’s your oyster this month.

I’ve rounded up my favourite vegetables to sow in March for beginners looking to kick off their gardening year right now — with recommendations from trusted garden experts, too.

1. Peas

I had to kick off our list of the best beginner-friendly vegetables to sow in March with peas. They’re an absolute favourite of mine — you can’t beat the homegrown flavour — and one of the first vegetables I ever grew myself.

If you’re wondering when to plant peas, you can get started as early as this month, depending on the weather in your area.

‘Peas prefer cooler temperatures, meaning they do well in UK gardens,’ says Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert from Easy Garden Irrigation. ‘To ensure germination success, the soil temperature needs to be approximately 10 degrees Celsius — simply use a soil thermometer at the same time every day to check the temperature.

‘If you are struggling to achieve these temperatures then cover the ground with garden fleece or a cloche for a couple of weeks before planting.’

You can buy affordable garden cloches from Amazon.

Where to buy pea seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Pea 'Hurst Green Shaft' is one of my all-time favourites.
• Crocus: Pea 'Kelvedon Wonder' is a solid early variety.

2. Beetroot

Learning how to grow beetroot is a piece of cake, and it’s another of the very first vegetables I tried growing when I was new to gardening. March is a brilliant time to get sowing, too.

‘Beetroot is perfect for planting in March, as it thrives in cooler temperatures and germinates easily,’ agrees Joe Aldworth, gardening expert at Old Railway Line Garden Centre.

‘Choose a sunny spot with weed-free soil. Sow the seeds in uniform rows, about one inch deep, with 10cm between each seed and 30cm between each row. Water only when the soil feels dry.'

Where to buy beetroot seeds:

• Amazon: I had my first round of luck with Mr Fothergill's Beetroot 'Crosbys Egyptian' seeds.
• Sarah Raven: Beetroot 'Chioggia' is another popular choice.

3. Lettuce

Lettuce is another easy vegetable to grow for beginners. It’s a cut-and-come-again vegetable, which means you’ll enjoy harvest after harvest from the same plant.

Joe recommends butterhead lettuce. ‘This hardy vegetable is highly resistant to bolting (premature seed production), making it beginner-friendly,’ he says.

Learning how to grow lettuce is straightforward. ‘Choose a sunny spot with moisture-retentive soil, and sow the seeds thinly about ¼ inch deep in rows one inch apart,' says Joe. 'Cover with soil and water well.’

Where to buy butterhead lettuce seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Butterhead lettuce 'All The Year Round' is a popular variety.
• J. Parker's: Sow Lettuce 'Tom Thumb' this month.

4. Spring onions

Spring onions are another recommendation of Lucie’s if you’re looking for the best vegetables to sow in March for beginners. I can vouch for the taste, too — homegrown spring onions are delicious.

‘Great for new gardeners — or young gardeners if you want to get your children or grandchildren involved — are spring onions, as they are not only easy to grow, but they can take as little as six weeks from sowing to be ready to harvest,’ Lucie says.

So, if you’re looking for quick wins, learning how to grow spring onions is one of the March gardening jobs to pencil into your calendar.

‘This fast-growing crop can be grown pretty much anywhere — in pots on a windowsill, in planters or raised beds, in a kitchen garden, or at your allotment,’ Lucie adds.

Where to buy spring onion seeds:

• Suttons: Lucie recommends Onion ‘Apache’, which are ready to harvest in just six weeks.
• Sarah Raven: Spring Onion ‘Ishikura’ is another recommendation of Lucie’s if you want to grow long white stems and bright green tops.

5. Carrots

Carrots are another solid choice for beginners looking for vegetables to sow in March. Like the other vegetables on this list, there’s nothing like the taste of homegrown carrots.

'Carrots are easy to grow from seed and are also fairly quick to harvest,’ says Amy Enfield, Ph.D., Senior Horticulturist at ScottsMiracle-Gro. ‘These crops tolerate light frosts, making them great for early season plantings.’

You don’t have to stick to the classic shop-bought styles when you're growing your own carrots, either — you can grow chantenay types, rounded ‘globe’ varieties, or even rainbow roots with white, purple and yellow varieties.

Where to buy carrot seeds:

• Dobies: Carrot 'Atlas' produces round roots, perfect for container-growing.
• Thompson & Morgan: Go for Carrot 'Flyaway' F1 Hybrid Seeds for carrot root fly resistance.

FAQs

What is the easiest vegetable to grow for beginners?

If you’re new to gardening and you’re looking for the easiest vegetables to grow, there’s a huge list to choose from.

Lettuce, herbs, peas and the other vegetables on our list of the best vegetables to sow in March for beginners are all great choices if you’re hoping to get started this month — but other favourites like tomatoes and potatoes are also fantastic choices for a rewarding first-time crop.

Which vegetables will you be sowing this month? If you're starting a new vegetable bed, you could even think about setting up a crop rotation system.

Gardening has countless benefits for our health and wellbeing, but it's good for our wallets, too – because there are so many vegetables you can grow at home to save money.

In fact, many of the easiest vegetables to grow are the most cost-effective ones, like lettuce and kale. Or, of course, you could try out unusual varieties that have a higher price tag in the shops, like patty pan squashes. A single packet of seeds, or a plug plant, has the potential to produce handfuls of harvests – far more than you’d find in a bag at the supermarket.

If 2026 is the year you start growing your own food, make sure these vegetables are on your list...

1. Potatoes

Learn how to grow potatoes and you'll be digging for gold, as they say – a single seed potato can produce a bumper crop of spuds, so it's well worth growing your own if you're looking to grow something satisfying and cost-effective.

'With the cost of living continuing to rise, one of the biggest advantages of growing your food is that it can save you money,' says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres.

'Growing your own potatoes is rewarding as you get something that is fresh, flavoursome, more nutritious, and satisfying to put on your plate at the end of the process.'

Where to buy seed potatoes:

• Suttons: Get started with this Potato Must Have Collection.
• Thompson & Morgan: Potato 'Arran Pilot' is a popular first early variety.

2. Patty pan squashes

Summer squashes are one of the best vegetables I've ever grown in my small garden. I love growing the patty pan types like 'Sunburst F1', because they produce so many pie-shaped squashes.

I always end up with more than I know what to do with – and a pack of seeds is a small price to pay for dozens of unique harvests. Patty pan squashes have a long season, too.

'Keep picking regularly and ensure the plants stay well-watered, because they will need consistent moisture to flourish,' advises Rachel Cole, seed manager at Fothergill’s. 'Given the right care, these productive plants will keep cropping throughout the summer and well into October.'

Where to buy squash seeds:

• Amazon: Grow patty pan squashes like I did from these Fothergill's 'Sunburst F1' seeds.
• Suttons: These Squash 'Jaune et Vert' seeds produce striking patty pan squashes with green stripes.

3. Lettuce

Ever heard of the term 'cut-and-come-again'? Well, it’s just like it sounds – one lettuce plant, lots of rounds of leaves after each cut. And considering how many seeds an average packet of lettuce seeds holds, you’ll get more than your money’s worth.

‘Growing something that you can harvest again, like lettuce, is a great way to save on supermarket bills,’ says Chi Chi Dunford, head kitchen gardener at Sculpture by the Lakes. 'The leaves can be harvested for at least eight weeks when sown every month from February to July.'

Plus, learning how to grow lettuce is a piece of cake – and with so many varieties to choose from, from cos to butterhead, you could even create a salad patch filled to the brim with different colours and textures.

Where to buy lettuce seeds:

• Sarah Raven: Get started with Lettuce 'Best Summer Mix', which includes three varieties.
• Suttons: Stock up on Lettuce 'Mix' (Organic) Seeds.

4. Tomatoes

Okay, okay – tomatoes are technically a fruit – but we use them like a vegetable in the kitchen, and they're certainly one of the best crops you can grow yourself to save money on your shopping bill.

'Tomatoes are, without a doubt, one of the best,' says Josh Novell, garden plants expert and director of Polhill Garden Centre. 'A single plant can produce over 50 supermarket-size punnets in a single season – and they taste far better than store-bought.'

Learning how to grow tomatoes is easier than it sounds, even for beginners, and there are countless varieties to choose from. 'Sungold' tomatoes are all-round favourites, and so are varieties like 'Tumbling Tom'.

Where to buy tomato seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Choose from a huge selection of tomato seeds.
• Suttons: Sow the ever-popular Tomato F1 'Sungold' seeds this month.

5. Herbs

For fans of gardening and cooking, herbs are a versatile favourite. If you choose a few of the easiest herbs to grow at home, like parsley or thyme, you'll have a low-effort herb garden that'll pay dividends in the kitchen. And, you can grow them indoors or outdoors.

‘Instead of buying fresh herbs every time you go to the shops, grow your own indoors,’ says Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies. ‘Basil, mint and parsley thrive in small spaces and can save you money at the supermarket. You can also save some herb cuttings to plant more.’

In fact, there are plenty of plants you can grow from cuttings – vegetables included. Rosemary is a firm favourite for propagation, for example.

Where to buy herb seeds:

• Amazon: We love this Mr. Fothergill's Seedbox Heavenly Herbs Collection.
• B&Q: Get started with the Verve 'Mixed Collection' Herb Seeds.

6. Rainbow chard

Ever used rainbow chard in a salad? It's a great way to brighten up a plate – and actually, chard is one of the best drought-tolerant vegetables you can grow in the garden, perfect for hot summers.

'Rainbow chard is a great option to grow at home, as it's expensive to buy in the supermarket and doesn't last long in the fridge,' says Chi Chi. 'You can harvest it from May through to November, and even into winter if you provide it with good compost and feed it regularly.

Like lettuce, you can really get your money's worth with this cut-and-come-again vegetable. 'It will continue growing as long as you harvest individual leaves, instead of taking out the whole plant,' Chi Chi explains.

Where to buy rainbow chard seeds:

• Suttons: 100 Leaf Beet 'Rainbow Chard' (Organic) Seeds for just £2.99.
• Sarah Raven: Chard 'Bright Lights' is another brilliant choice.

7. Kale

Learn how to grow kale and you'll be onto another favourite vegetable of Chi Chi's for saving money. It provides long, steady yields of superfood leaves.

'Sow kale in early March ready for harvesting from the end of May through to winter,' Chi Chi says. 'They can even be harvested the following spring if your garden is sheltered.'

Just make sure those garden plant pests don't get there first. 'Protect your kale from butterflies laying eggs on them, as this will demolish the whole plant, leaving you with just the stem!' Chi Chi warns.

Where to buy kale seeds:

• Dobies: Grow Kale 'Scarlet' for unique purple leaves.
• Thompson & Morgan: Kale 'Nero di Toscana' is another popular choice.

FAQs

What is the most cost-effective vegetable to grow?

Besides tomatoes, lettuce, kale and chard, which provide bundles of harvests when grown successfully, there are a few other go-to favourites of gardeners looking to save money on their grocery bill.

'Potatoes are another great crop to grow,' says plant expert Josh from Polhill Garden Centre. 'A single starting or seed potato can produce up to 10 or 12 small potatoes, or five to eight large ones, and require little effort to do their thing.'

We think we'd better start learning how to grow potatoes, then!

Technically, growing any vegetable at home can save you money long-term – but to get you started, we’ve pulled together a list of the top vegetables that are easy to grow at home to save money on your shopping bill.

It might be chilly outside, but there are plenty of jobs to do in a vegetable garden in February if you're looking for ways to keep busy this month.

It's never too early to start planning a vegetable patch, which is where you'll find many of the best February garden jobs. In fact, if you're wondering what to plant in February, there's a generous list of vegetables to choose from. Elsewhere on the plot, you might already have some winter-growing vegetables, and there are ways you can tend to those, too.

We've rounded up the top jobs to do in a vegetable garden in February, with tips from gardening pros, to help you prepare for the growing season ahead.

What you'll need

• Multi-purpose compost like Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium All Purpose Compost from Amazon
• A sturdy pair of secateurs like the Darlac Expert Bypass Secateurs from B&Q
• A cloche like the Garden Gear Apex Cloche from Thompson & Morgan
• A compost bin like the VonHaus Compost Bin from Amazon

1. Prepare the soil

If you were busy preparing your soil for winter last year, you'll know how crucial soil health is for a productive garden — and enriching your soil with organic matter before spring is just as important.

As long as the ground is in the right condition, you can get started this month.

'When it's not frozen or soaked through, you can add compost to your soil to improve its fertility,' says Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Villages.

Keep an eye on the weather, though. 'Be mindful that February can be a really unreliable month weather-wise, so you'll also want to monitor temperature changes and protect your soil from a resurgence of frost with outdoor covers,' Mark advises. 'Or, if it rains a lot, wait for it to dry and potentially repeat the first step again.'

2. Compost

Learning how to make compost is one of the handiest skills a gardener can acquire, and it's never too late to kick off your own heap of scraps.

Whether you go all out and try hot composting or have a go at making compost in a bottle, there's an option for every budget, and you'll be rewarded with rich plant food for your crops. It's also a fantastic way to recycle food waste naturally.

'Composting will decrease waste going to landfill, help you avoid unpleasant smells, and ensure you have excellent compost for your plants this summer,' says Sarah Day, storage expert at Pay Less for Storage.

Just make sure you know what you should never put in your compost bin before you get started.

3. Prune brassicas

If you're already growing kale, cabbages and other brassicas, February is the perfect month to give them a tidy-up before spring arrives.

'Sprouts, cabbages and kale can be pruned in February if they show any signs of damaged or dead leaves,' says Mark. 'Be mindful not to strip them back too much, however, or they could become vulnerable to unpredicted frost.'

Always use sharp, clean garden tools for trimming plants, to avoid spreading disease among your crops.

4. Warm the soil for spring sowings

With spring right around the corner, one of the most important jobs to do in a vegetable garden in February is preparing your soil for new seeds. To do that, you'll need to invest in a cloche, or DIY a cloche alternative.

'If you’re preparing to sow vegetables, warm the soil with polythene or a cloche for a couple of weeks before sowing,' says Tom Barry, CEO of heritage glasshouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic.

The purpose? To take the chill off the soil. 'This raises the temperature by a few degrees and dries off the surface, creating a warm, crumbly seedbed that’s perfect for germinating seeds,' Tom explains. 'It's worth investing in a soil thermometer to check temperatures below the surface, too.'

You can buy a soil thermometer from Amazon for as little as £5.95.

5. Plant onions and garlic

If you're determined to make 2025 the year you learn how to grow garlic, onions or shallots, you're in luck: bulb-planting is on our list of jobs to do in a vegetable garden in February, too.

'Onions, shallots and garlic can be planted towards the end of February,' says Tom.

Just make sure you buy spring-planting sets (they're usually labelled) like the French garlic collection for spring planting from Crocus.

'If they are lifted by frost or picked out by the birds, replant them again rather than just pushing the bulbs back into the soil,' Tom advises. 'That way, you’ll cause less damage to the roots. If the birds continue to be a nuisance, cover the area with horticultural fleece.'

FAQs

What vegetables can I sow in February?

Besides onions, shallots and garlic, there are other vegetables you can start growing this month, too — although most of them will fare better if you sow them indoors.

'Be wary of planting anything outdoors too early, as temperatures can still drop below zero in February,' says head gardener Mark from Audley Villages. 'However, some crops can be seeded indoors, like leeks and onions. Windowsills are the ideal place to jumpstart your seeds as the natural light and indoor temperature promote growth.'

You can also sow tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers indoors this month.

Before we know it, we'll be planning out our list of jobs to do in the garden in March...

Looking for the very best mulch for vegetable gardens? Well, you're on the right path to strong, tasty harvests, that's for sure.

Mulching is one of the best things you can do for a vegetable garden – it'll enrich the soil with nutrients, protect bare soil, improve its structure and even suppress weeds. It's a win all round!

There are various types of mulch, though – so to narrow things down for your veg patch, we've rounded up the best mulch for vegetable gardens, specifically.

'There are many materials that can be used to mulch with and what you choose can depend on availability, cost, style and nutrients needed,' he adds.

On that note, here's our pick of the best mulch for vegetable gardens in particular...

1. Homemade compost

Learning how to hot compost isn't just a trendy new garden fad; it's also one of the easiest and quickest ways to make compost (which, incidentally, is one of the best mulches for a vegetable garden).

'Nothing much beats a good quality homemade compost,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'Adding a layer of well-rotted compost will help to get rid of weeds naturally and provide nutrients to the soil.'

2. Leafmould

Looking for an autumn leaves hack? Leaf mould is widely considered to be one of the best mulches for vegetable gardens.

'Leaf mould also works well to enrich soil while mulching, and making your own leaf mould is really easy,' says Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls.

'Just prepare in advance by bagging up leaves from your garden in black sacks with a little bit of water and store over winter. Organic mulches tend to be best overall for soil health.'

It's worth leaving a pile of autumn leaves in your garden for wildlife to enjoy, too.

3. Bark and wood chips

If you're already learning how to use bark to stop weeds taking over your garden borders, you're in luck; wood chips are widely considered the best mulch for vegetable gardens among experts.

'Woodchips decompose quite quickly and enrich the soil,' says Morris, who notes that 'using wood chips is ideal around trees'.

They're useful in other areas of the garden, too. 'Bark chips or gravel for paths and between beds will keep weeds down and provide a tidier appearance,' adds Mark.

If you don't fancy buying wood chips from your local garden centre, the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) say that you can make your own easily from larger trunks or branches, too.

'Instead of burning [wood], chipping or shredding it can turn this waste into a valuable mulching material,' they say.

Still, Morris notes that 'bark doesn’t decompose as fast as wood chip and therefore won’t need replenishing so often'.

4. Straw

Did you know that you can use straw as a mulch – either in your vegetable garden or over the vegetables you grow in pots, too?

'Vegetable gardens can benefit from a mulch of straw because it helps to suppress weeds and like other mulches, it helps to retain moisture,' advises Morris.

'As it breaks down, it will also help replenish the soil with organic matter.'

Strulch, available at Amazon, is a highly-rated option.

5. Grass clippings

There's a reason you shouldn't chuck your grass clippings away (although, remember, you should let your grass grow long this winter if you want a healthy, happy lawn).

'Grass clippings are a good choice for vegetable beds if used sparingly and as they decompose, nitrogen will be released into the soil, helping vegetables to grow,' says Morris.

FAQs

What is the best mulch for tomatoes and cucumbers?

If you're keen to track down the best mulch for tomatoes and cucumbers, it's always a good idea to use something like straw, as it keeps them lovely and warm (always a must for Mediterranean goodies) and prevents moisture loss, too.

Just be sure to steer clear of hay, as it's packed full of pesky seeds!

Now that you know the best mulch for vegetable gardens, you can go forth and ensure your crops are the best they can possible be thanks to all of that conditioning, weed suppressing, and moisture enhancing material.

If you've begun growing your own vegetables and fruit, you'll likely have become hyper-aware of all the critters that are desperate to eat it before you do. So, how to deal with earwigs in your vegetable garden?

That's right; while many of us tend to spend our time wondering how to get rid of slugs, it seems we should spare a thought for earwigs, too – particularly if you're trying to grow your own vegetables.

'Earwigs can be helpful if you have fruit trees in your garden as they will eat pesky aphids and nematodes. However, it's a different story when it comes to vegetable gardens as they feast on the leaves of many vegetable plants (and fruit plants),' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

How to deal with earwigs in your vegetable garden

Noting that earwigs 'are particularly troublesome for lettuces, tomatoes, strawberries and corn silk,' Morris points out that these pesky garden pests 'also eat seedlings which will prevent your vegetables from growing before they've even had a chance'.

Now, the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) say we ought to 'tolerate earwigs in the garden, they are part of the natural balance and in some cases, especially fruit trees and shrubs can help reduce aphid numbers'.

Still, if they're wreaking havoc with your vegetable patch, there are ways to banish earwigs from your backyard. Just be sure you take care to 'avoid pesticides, as these will affect non-target animals,' add RHS experts.

'If you want to get rid of earwigs from your vegetable garden, firstly you should remove any potential hiding places, as they thrive in dark, cool, moist places,' says Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

With that in mind, then, he advises you clear your vegetable garden of weeds, piles of stones, and anything they could hide under.

'If you have leafy branches from other trees growing close to your vegetable garden, regularly prune them so they don't become a hiding place either,' he adds. 'And remember, much like other pests, earwigs hate certain scents so you can create your own natural deterrent using peppermint oil, vinegar and other strong smelling products!'

Here are three other methods you can try too.

1. Create traps

The best way to deal with earwigs is to unleash your inner Bear Grylls and – wait for it! – set traps for them.

While this can be as simple as setting upturned flower pots around your vegetable patch and stuffing them loosely with hay, you can also upcycle old newspapers or cardboard tubes into earwig traps.

'Place damp rolled newspapers or cardboard tubes around the garden in the evening,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

'Earwigs will hide in these during the day, and you can collect and dispose of them in the morning,' he adds.

2. Inspect your garden regularly

'If you want to deal with earwigs in your vegetable garden, you need to first determine whether or not they're the cause of all your problems,' says Christopher.

'Regularly inspect your garden at night with a torch, then, to see who's causing the damage. You can manually remove earwigs, if you can stomach it.'

3. Remove garden lights

You may love lighting your garden up at night, but it's worth noting that earwigs are every bit as fond of your solar lamps as you are.

'Earwigs are attracted to lights at night,' says Christopher. 'Reducing outdoor lighting, then, can decrease their attraction to your garden.'

Add to basket

FAQs

Why are earwigs good for the garden?

As per the RHS, 'On fruit trees earwigs can give good control of fruit aphids and do not cause damage to the trees or fruit'.

'Providing shelters such as flower pots loosely stuffed with hay in trees can help increase numbers,' their experts add.

How do I permanently get rid of earwigs?

As well as removing potential hiding places, Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived says the best way to get rid of earwigs permanently is to dig out that list of wildlife garden ideas so you can 'encourage natural predators like birds, toads, and predatory insects (e.g., ground beetles) that feed on earwigs'.

'Earwigs thrive in moist environments,' he adds, 'so ensure good drainage in your garden and avoid overwatering if you want to deter them.'

And just like that, you know exactly how to deal with earwigs in your vegetable garden. Time to decide once and for all if you'll be entertaining the so-called butcher beetle for much longer...

Groaning trugs of fruit, veg and herbs can feel like a distant dream if you are short on garden space, or have no garden at all. It is true that certain crops will be just out of reach, but if you have a sunny windowsill you are halfway there to growing vegetables on your windowsill, right there in your kitchen!

Even better, these plants make attractive additions to your home, and many of them are speedy croppers, so you can reap the rewards of your green fingers in no time! They are all vegetables you can grow in pots or add to a window box idea to bulk out your fresh cooking ingredients.

Here are our seven top vegetables to plant on a windowsill.

1. Chilli peppers

Chillies are a fantastic choice for windowsill growing, as they are productive but also look beautiful, so make a wonderful, decorative houseplant while you wait for them to bear fruit.

There is an enormous range of different varieties of pepper with varying levels of heat, different sizes, shapes and colours of fruits, as well as different colours of foliage, too – so there will definitely be a type for you! The thing to keep in mind when growing chillies in pots is the hotter chillies require a longer season so they will need to be started early in the year, but the plants are generally fairly low-maintenance and offer up beautiful fruits which add a bit of heat (or not) to your cooking.

Where to buy:

• Sea Spring Seeds
• South Devon Chilli Farm

2. Tomatoes

Not technically a vegetable, but too good to leave out! This one does come with a bit of a caveat – you will need to make sure you choose a variety of tomato suitable for this kind of growing, which may restrict you slightly.

However, if you love delicious, sweet cherry types of tomato plucked straight from the truss, you are in luck! You can easily grow tomotoes in pots if they are the compact types with small fruits will do very well in a sunny spot on a windowsill, kept well watered and fed with good-quality tomato feed.

Where to buy:

• Dobies
• Kings Seeds

3. Lettuce

Snipping salads from your kitchen windowsill for your lunch is something we can all enjoy. Lettuce plants will need a decent amount of natural sunlight in the daytime to really thrive, but they are simple to care for an offer tasty harvests really speedily.

Make sure you are growing loose leaf types which suit this type of growing better than hearting types, and you will be rewarded with cut-and-come-again pickings, year-round.

Where to buy:

• Suttons Seeds
• Mr Fothergills

4. Beetroot

Synonymous with sprawling allotment plots, you might think growing beetroot wouldn’t be possible on a windowsill garden, but it is! Baby beets are delicious, as are the beet leaves, so although you will not be able to grow them on to cricket ball size, you will be enjoying sweet, earthy and tender additions to your meals in no time.

Sow the little seed clusters finely in a container of good-quality compost, and thin out. Harvest baby roots when they reach the size of a golf ball, or take the delicious leaves as and when.

Where to buy:

• Thompson & Morgan
• Suttons Seeds

5. Pea shoots

If you’re looking for a crop that offers a real punch of flavour, pea shoots are for you! They a similar to growing other microgreens in that they are super speedy and make the ideal addition to sandwiches and salads. What’s more, they can be grown year-round on your windowsill.

As you won’t be growing the plants on to full size, you can sow a little more thickly than you normally would in a tray of good-quality, peat-free compost. Cover the seeds lightly with a little more compost and water. Keep watering as needed and within three weeks you will be rewarded with these flavour-packed peas shoots, ready to elevate your meals as a gourmet garnish!

Where to buy:

• Sow Seeds
• Kings Seeds

6. Radishes

These peppery little roots are the perfect addition to a windowsill garden – and they will be ready to eat around four weeks after sowing, so are great for the impatient gardener!

There are lots of different kinds to choose from, and the size of your growing container will inform which the best option is for you. Space seeds approximately 5cm apart to allow the roots space to swell, cover with a fine layer of compost and keep the soil evenly moist, and you will be rewarded with delicious pickings in no time!

Where to buy:

• Mr Fothergills
• Dobies

7. Herbs

The world really is your oyster when it comes to windowsill growing and indoor herb garden ideas. From basil to mint, chives to parsley, coriander to rosemary – the culinary choices are almost endless, and puts these wonderful ingredients are right in arm’s reach as you cook!

Place your herbs in a bright spot that receives a good amount of light throughout the day, and check the individual care needs of the types you are growing. Most are simple to care for, just requiring regular watering and picking to keep up healthy growth.

Where to buy:

• Thompson & Morgan
• Waitrose Garden

FAQs

Can you grow vegetables in troughs?

Climate change gardening expert and author of The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden, Kim Stoddart, assures us 'Absolutely! You can even grow windowsill veg in an old vase or supermarket tray.

'A trough provides a decent amount of space for lots of lovely pickings such as loose leaf salad, rocket, herbs and microgreens. Depending on how deep your trough is you could also potentially grow baby carrots and beetroot, dwarf French beans and radishes. The more soil there is, the more food there will be for your plants. Pick-and-come-again varieties are easiest to work with and the more you pick, the more you get – how fantastic is that!'

Can you grow veg on a windowsill over winter?

You absolutely can! Light levels will be lower in the winter months so some crops will be more challenging than others – however, you can continue growing an array of herbs and microgreens to scratch that gardening itch!

You can also try keeping your chillies going – they are most often grown as annual plants, but with the right conditions are in fact perennials, so if you fancy a bit of a challenge, give the plant a prune, pick off any remaining fruits and keep in a frost-free spot ready for them to burst back into life in spring!

What fruit can you grow on a windowsill?

Kim has some fantastic recommendations, 'The easiest fruit to work with on a windowsill have to be strawberries, and inside they will be better protected from pests, and also cheeky blackbirds which just love any home-grown fruit.

'You can also grow citrus indoors and they make very attractive houseplants. Plus, there are now lots of dwarf varieties of fruit bred specially for windowsill or small space growing so choose from smaller plants for an exciting array of fruits at your home-grown disposal.'

We're rapidly approaching the end of summer, but that doesn't mean the planting season is over – if you're wondering what to plant in August, there are still plenty of options.

Whether you're searching for flower bed ideas or looking for the easiest vegetables to grow, there is a range of plants to choose from this month.

'August is a transitional month in the UK, signalling the end of summer and the beginning of autumn,' says Tim Marshall, head gardener at Raby Castle. 'This period offers a unique opportunity for gardeners to sow certain crops that thrive in cooler conditions and can be harvested later in the year.'

We've rounded up a list of what to plant in August, with tips from the experts to help you get the most out of your sowings.

Best vegetables to sow in August

If you've figured out how to start a small vegetable garden, you'll likely want to top it up with new plants this month. Here are our top picks for what to plant in August.

1. Spinach

Spinach is one of the best superfoods you can grow at home, and this month is the perfect time to make new sowings.

'You can sow spinach in August for a crop in early autumn and winter,' says Angela Slater, gardening expert at Hayes Garden World. 'Choose a sunny spot to give the plants the best chance to mature, and sow about 1.5cm deep and 5cm apart. Sow short rows about two weeks apart for a succession of fresh leaves over winter.'

Learning how to grow spinach in a pot is an easy way to grow the leaves, or sow seeds directly in a vegetable bed.

Where to buy spinach seeds:

• Suttons: sow spinach 'Rubino F1' seeds for fast-growing leaves packed with antioxidants.
• B&Q: try spinach 'Perpetual' seeds for fresh greens through the winter.

2. Rocket

Next on our list of what to plant in August is another leafy green. Like lettuce, rocket is one of the best vegetables to grow in pots, and sowing now can reward you with pickings later this year.

'Like spinach, rocket is a cool-season crop that can be sown in August for a late autumn or winter harvest,' says Tim from Raby Castle. 'Planting it now ensures a fresh supply of greens during the colder months.'

Where to buy rocket seeds:

• Amazon: take your pick from a huge range of rocket seeds.
• Thompson & Morgan: rocket seeds available in lots of different varieties.

3. Spring cabbages

Early August is the perfect time to sow spring cabbages for early harvests next year, especially if you're wondering what vegetables grow in winter.

'The key to success with spring cabbage is to sow them just at the right time,' says Annelise Brilli, horticultural expert at Thompson & Morgan. 'Sow them too early and they may bolt. Sow them too late and they will not be big enough to get through the winter.

'Sow them from late July to early August, sowing earlier in colder areas and later in southern England. Putting cloches on your cabbages too early can also result in premature bolting, so delay until the winter cold properly arrives.'

Where to buy spring cabbage seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: sow cabbage 'Durham Early' seeds this month.

4. Radishes

Radishes are one of the best fast-growing vegetables to add to your garden, especially if you're looking to fill gaps left by freshly harvested plants.

'Radishes only take one month from sowing to harvest, depending on the growing condition and variety,' says Chi Chi Dunford, head gardener at Sculpture by the Lakes.

'Water them well to keep them tender and juicy. Plant them around 15cm apart to ensure each one gets plenty of space to grow.'

Radishes can be enjoyed in so many different ways, so we asked Ruth Tebby, seasonal cooking expert from Jamie Oliver, for her serving suggestions. 'If you’ve grown radishes to enjoy over winter, dip these raw, leaves and all – I love the spicy bitterness of radish leaves – into an oozy baked Camembert, a blue cheese or whipped feta dip, or anchoïade (a punchy anchovy mayonnaise).'

Where to buy radish seeds:

• Suttons: take your pick from a wide selection of radish seeds.
• Dobies: Choose from more than 15 different radish seed varieties.

5. Swiss chard

Swiss chard is among the most vibrant vegetables you'll find in a garden, and there's still time to make sowings before the colder weather arrives. It's also one of the best drought-tolerant vegetables you can grow, so it's the perfect option for the hot weather we've been having recently.

'Swiss chard can be sown in August for a crop in autumn and early winter,' says Angela from Hayes Garden World. 'Sow it in a vegetable bed about 1cm deep and 10cm apart. It likes fertile moisture retentive soil so I'd recommend incorporating some well-rotted farmyard manure and then raking to a fine tilth before sowing.

'Sowing a small amount at fortnightly intervals will give you a continuous supply.'

Chloe Carter, gardening expert from Jamie Oliver's new series Jamie: What To Eat This Week, loves using Swiss chard in the kitchen. 'We grew a lot of chard at Jamie's because it lasts all winter and into next spring. It made it into the Jamie Cooks Spring episodes in a delicious Oozy Cheesy Cannelloni. Both the stems and leaves are delicious cooked (the stems are my favourite), and the young leaves are great for salads.'

Where to buy Swiss chard seeds:

• Suttons: choose from Swiss chard seeds or plug plants.
• Amazon: take your pick from a huge selection of Swiss chard seeds.

6. Strawberries

Though it's too late to sow strawberries, you can still plant the runners this month to get a headstart on the next growing season. Whether you're wondering how to grow strawberries in pots or simply want to add some edimentals to your garden borders, there are countless reasons to grow your own strawberries.

'Strawberries prefer well-drained soil, rich in organic matter,' says Morris Hankinson, founder of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'Choose a location that receives full sun and, if possible, plant strawberries in raised beds to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.'

'Plant strawberry runners 30–45 cm apart, with rows about 60 cm apart. This gives them enough space to grow and spread. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish.'

Where to buy strawberry plants:

• Crocus: choose from a selection of strawberry plants.
• B&Q: a wide range of strawberry plants are still available to buy this month.

Best flowers to grow in August

There are countless flowering plants to grow in August, but we're covering a few you can plant this month.

1. Marigolds

These bold flowers are part of various companion planting ideas thanks to their ability to lure beneficial insects like ladybirds to your garden.

'Marigolds are fast-growing annuals that can be sown in August for a vibrant display in late summer and early autumn,' says Tim from Raby Castle. 'They are easy to grow and provide long-lasting colour.'

Where to buy marigold seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: take your pick from this wide range of marigold seeds.
• Amazon: more marigold seeds to choose from.

2. Poppies

Poppies are popular in many cottage garden ideas, and sowing them this month can help you prepare for next year's displays.

'You can sow hardy annual poppy seeds in August to give you a head start on the following spring,' says Angela from Hayes Garden World.

'Rake the soil to a fine tilth and sow thinly. There's no need to cover with soil – simply press the seeds lightly into the soil. Water with a fine rose on your can in order to avoid redistributing the seed.'

Where to buy poppy seeds:

• J Parker's: various poppy seeds to stock your seed tin with.
• Sarah Raven: poppy seeds for blooms that come in an array of colours.

3. Larkspur

Larkspur, also known as delphiniums, produce stunning flower spikes throughout the summer. Hardy varieties can be sown now for early blooms next summer.

'Planting larkspur in August allows the seedlings to establish before winter sets in,' says Tim from Raby Castle.

Delphiniums are one of many plants that slugs love, though, so make sure you consider how to get rid of slugs naturally to minimise damage.

Where to buy larkspur seeds:

• Sarah Raven: grow beautiful blooms by sowing these larkspur seeds.
• Suttons: we love these 'Little Rocket Mix' seeds.

4. Cornflowers

Cornflowers are the perfect option if you're looking for wildflower garden ideas, and sowing these hardy annuals this month can provide your garden with early blooms next year.

'Cornflowers can be sown in late summer to give them a head start next spring,' says Angela from Hayes Garden World. 'Just make sure they are hardy varieties which are able to withstand the cold winter temperatures.'

Where to buy cornflower seeds:

• Crocus: add these classic cornflower seeds to your garden.
• Amazon: choose from a range of cornflower seeds.

FAQs

What is the best thing to plant in August?

'Any crop that tends to bolt in hot weather makes a good choice for August sowing,' says Annelise from Thompson & Morgan. 'The seeds will germinate rapidly, then grow more slowly as the weather cools in autumn.

'If you have moisture-retentive soil, pak choi is an ideal candidate. This fast-grower is perfect for following earlier crops of peas, broad beans and early potatoes.'

Can I sow peas in August in the UK?

August is a little too late to sow peas in the UK. However, with a little luck and protection, late crops are still possible in milder conditions.

'In the UK, peas are generally sown in the spring for an early summer harvest,' says Tim from Raby Castle. 'Sowing peas in August might be challenging as the weather starts to cool down, and the plants may not mature before the first frosts. However, if you have a sheltered spot and can protect the young plants from cold weather, you may have success with a late crop of peas.'

Now you know what to plant in August, you can make the most of the end of the summer.

We don't want to get too poetic about it, but there's an undeniable magic to gardening; with a little earth, water and sunshine, you can create your very own outdoor oasis – so it makes sense that some gardeners have their own spells and cantrips to help the process along.

We're not talking about actual sorcery, of course; rather, we're talking about the 5 magic words – or mnemonic, if you prefer – that will help you to grow your own vegetables like a pro. Especially if you're hoping to start a small vegetable garden from scratch.

And the magic words are People Love Bunches of Roses. This refers to grouping vegetable crops together to create the perfect environment for healthy crops. People: Potatoes, Love: Legumes (peas and beans), Bunches: Brassicas (cauliflower, kale, cabbages, and so on), Of: Onions (garlic, leeks, and onions), Roses: Roots (carrots, beets, and parsnips).)

How? Why, by borrowing from the principles of companion planting and the plants that should never be grown together, of course.

The 5 magic words for vegetable garden success

'Knowing what plants grow well together (and don’t) is a key skill to learn to grow your food successfully,' says Mick Kelly, founder of GIY Ireland, 'and it’s simplified a little by the idea of crop rotation.'

Noting that this concept is nothing more than a 'fancy term for grouping vegetables together in their "families" and then moving them around in your garden each year', Mick goes on to note that 'you never grow the same thing in the same part of your veg patch or raised bed each year'.

It's important to do this to prevent a build-up of annoying pests and diseases in the soil, he explains, not to mention keep your soil really healthy and fertile. And, thankfully, he has 5 magic words that will help us do this effortlessly.

'There are loads of different crop rotation plans, but an easy one to remember is this five-year, five-bed crop rotation which you remember with the mnemonic People Love Bunches Of Roses,' shares Mick.

People: Potatoes

Love: Legumes (peas and beans)

Bunches: Brassicas (cauliflower, kale, cabbages, and so on)

Of: Onions (garlic, leeks, and onions)

Roses: Roots (carrots, beets, and parsnips)

Essentially, if you grow potatoes in one area of your vegetable garden in year one, then you move them on to another area in year two and so on.

'They shouldn’t come back to their original bed until year six,' stresses Mick, 'and this is true of all the other vegetables on this list.'

Any vegetables that aren't covered by these 5 magic words can be planted wherever you have space –although the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggests an extra section for perennial crops, such as rhubarb and asparagus.

There's an added benefit to all of this hard work and planning, of course; the RHS says that a good crop rotation plan can keep weeds at bay on your behalf.

'Some crops, like potatoes and squashes, with dense foliage or large leaves, suppress weeds, thus reducing maintenance and weed problems in following crops,' they promise.

And just like that, we truly believe in the power of those 5 magic words. After all, anything that does the weeding for us must be the work of a truly magical being...

Keen to grow your own food? It's well worth researching the best drought tolerant vegetables, then – especially when you consider the recent run of sweltering summers we've endured here of late.

That's right: while it's tempting to limit yourself to the easiest vegetables to grow, particularly if you're a beginner with a small vegetable garden, it's vital you pay attention to our shifting weather patterns.

'Climate change is making our weather more unpredictable with more intense rain and more regular, prolonged drought conditions,' says Mick Kelly, founder of GIY Ireland.

So, what to plant in our raised beds if you want to ensure 'your veg can survive and thrive during a hot spell'?

The best drought tolerant vegetables

A major garden trend for this year, somewhat unsurprisingly, is planting drought-tolerant vegetables.

'One of the best things you can do is plan perennial crops that, after a year or two of care, are resilient and provide food year after year, such as asparagus and rhubarb,' says award-winning garden designer Zoe Claymore, who was recently named ambassador for the National Allotment Society.

With that in mind, then, here are the best drought tolerant vegetables to plant in your garden...

1. Asparagus

One of the best drought tolerant vegetables around, it's never been a better idea to swerve extortionate supermarket and restaurant prices and grow your own asparagus.

'It's important to note that asparagus is only drought-resistant once it's been established, when you first plant your asparagus, you will need to water regularly,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

'After it's matured, you'll only need to water during really long dry spells,' he adds.

Where to buy asparagus seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: try the Asparagus Collection (Spring Planting) seeds
• Crocus: the Asparagus 'Pacific Purple' seeds will help you tick off this year's purple vegetable trend

2. Swiss chard

'Swiss chard is an underrated vegetable in the UK and can survive drought due to its long roots,' says Zoe, noting that this drought tolerant vegetable actually 'prefers part shade to full sun'.

While Morris adds that 'it's important to keep the soil moist throughout the summer, watering frequently during particularly sunny spells,' this tasty vegetable will repay you with its deliciousness.

'Blanch the stalks and fry in butter, then sprinkle with parmesan,' suggests Zoe. 'It's great with fried eggs!'

Where to buy Swiss Chard seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: we're big fans of the Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights' Seeds
• Amazon: try the Swiss Chard Rainbow Mix for added colour and vibrancy

3. Squash

If you're in the market for a truly striking drought tolerant vegetable (or fruit, if we're splitting hairs), try the not-so-humble squash.

'Once established, squash is a fantastic addition to any drought-tolerant garden,' promises Morris.

'Summer and winter squash are both drought-tolerant so you have a great choice of what to plant. When planting squash, ensure you leave plenty of room for them to grow as they can become quite large, and plant them in a sunny spot in your garden.'

Where to buy squash seeds:

• Crocus: give the Squash 'Turks Turban' (pictured above) a go
• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of squash to choose from

4. Black eyed peas

'Renowned for being low maintenance, hardy and drought-tolerant, black-eyed peas are ideal for growing if you're a first-time gardener or someone without a lot of free time on your hands,' says Morris.

'Ensure your soil is well-drained and water minimally over the summer months to avoid overwatering.'

Where to buy black-eyed peas seeds:

• Etsy: try these Heirloom Black Eyed Peas Seeds

5. Plum tomatoes

If you've already learned how to grow tomatoes, you're in luck; Zoe considers them to be one of the best drought tolerant vegetables (fine, fruits!) around.

'These sorts of tomatoes (like San Marzano and Roma) originally come from southern Italy and mature best when left alone, with occasional watering – especially at first,' she says.

'In Italy, they often let the plant die naturally while the tomatoes ripen, which might raise eyebrows in the UK. Tomato watering is something I don't do often as although I get a slightly smaller crop the flavour is much improved. Pick up a small potted plant now for a bounty over the coming months.'

Where to buy plum tomato seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: the Tomato 'Artisan Mix' will definitely add some pop to your summer salads
• Crocus: give the Tomato (plum) 'San Marzano 2' a whirl

6. Okra

Another of those drought tolerant vegetables that's technically considered a fruit, Morris says okra is another brilliant option for gardeners hoping to grow their own produce even in the hottest of hot weather.

'It's one of the most heat and drought tolerant plants and actually thrives in the warmer weather,' he says.

'In fact, it can actually be difficult to grow in the UK as we don't typically see the kind of temperatures okra thrives in, but growing yours undercover in a greenhouse will do the trick!'

Where to buy okra seeds:

• B&Q: try the Verve Clemsons Spineless Okra Seed
• Chiltern Seeds: give the Okra, 'Pure Luck', F1 Hybrid a go

7. French beans

'Surprisingly drought-resistant, French beans need less water than courgettes,' promises Zoe.

'They grow quickly in summer, with climbers being usually more productive than dwarfs. Do multiple sowings from spring to July for a longer harvest. They're versatile, and perfect for salads, stews, casseroles, or pickling. Pick up a plug from a garden centre now!'

Where to buy French bean seeds:

• Crocus: try the Bean (Climbing French) 'Purple-Podded'
• Thompson & Morgan: give the Dwarf Bean 'Mistik' (French Bean) a whirl

FAQs

What vegetables are the most drought-tolerant?

There are a surprising number of drought tolerant vegetables to choose from, including asparagus, Swiss chard, tomatoes, black-eyed peas, French beans, okra, squash, and rhubarb.

Mustard greens and Jerusalem artichokes are also great to grow in hotter, drier climates.

Do vegetables need to be watered every day?

Do vegetables need to be watered every day? Not necessarily, says Mick Kelly of GIY Ireland.

'Different plants have different watering requirements,' he explains. 'In general leafy greens like sprouts and fruiting crops like beans and peas have a higher water need than root crops like carrots, parsnips and beetroot. And vegetables in pots, containers and raised beds will require more water than a regular veg garden because the water drains through them more quickly and the sides of pots can heat up when it’s sunny, thereby drying out the soil.

Knowing when and how to water is, he adds, often more important than the quantity of H20 you douse your crops with.

'Watering first thing in the morning or last thing at night minimises the impact of evaporation during warmer parts of the day,' he points out. 'And, as a general rule, you want to give a good soaking once a week rather than light watering daily.'

Remember, healthy soil means more resilient plants. 'Digging in some farmyard manure, compost or seaweed over winter will help with water retention during your growing year,' promises Mick – as will a layer of mulch.

More importantly? Don't forget to give rain harvesting a go! 'A 200-litre water butt will cost around €60 and stores around 20 standard watering cans of water,' says Mick.

'Bear in mind the roof of the average 3-bed semi can throw off 25,000 litres of water per annum. Don’t waste it!'

And just like that, we're off to make our own drought-tolerant vegetable dreams a reality. Come join us, why don't you?

Summer is a busy time in the garden, and if you're wondering what to plant in July, you'll be pleased to know there are still lots of vegetables and flowers you can sow this month.

That means there's still time to see your garden ideas to fruition, whether you're choosing to plant on your flower beds or searching for the perfect way to add colour to your patio or balcony.

We're covering the vegetables and flowers to plant in July, so if you're looking for easy garden ideas this month, you've come to the right place.

What to plant in July

Best vegetables to sow in July

If you've been wondering how to start a small vegetable garden this year, it isn't too late – there are still countless options to choose from if you're wondering what vegetables to plant in July, and with fast-growing varieties, you could be harvesting this season.

We asked the experts what to plant in July for a lush vegetable garden this year.

1. Lettuce

Make lettuce sowings now for late summer and autumn harvests. If you're wondering how to grow lettuce, the good news is that it's often a cut-and-come-again vegetable, so you’ll get more than your money’s worth by investing in a seed packet or two.

‘When growing lettuce, it’s important to ensure that the soil is moist,’ advises John Clifford, director at Gardenstone. ‘If the soil is too dry, the lettuce will start flowering before it has actually matured.

‘However, you mustn't overwater your lettuce, as this may result in waterlogged soil and the lettuce may go rotten. To help with moisture retention when sowing lettuce, prepare the soil by mixing it with a multipurpose compost’.

Where to buy lettuce seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: choose from a wide variety of lettuce seeds.
• B&Q: you can’t go wrong with ‘All the Year Round’ lettuce seeds.
• Suttons: try frilly lettuce seeds for eye-catching salads.

2. Radishes

Radishes are perfect for filling in the gaps on your vegetable patch, especially at this time of year when you’re continuously harvesting other plants.

Plus, the roots are quick to mature, so you’ll be enjoying them on your salads in no time.

If you'll be using them as part of you container garden ideas, make sure the pot is at least 30cm wide and deep for best results.

'Harvest radishes promptly when they reach maturity to prevent them from becoming pithy,' advises Tim Marshall, Raby Castle's head gardener.

Where to buy radish seeds:

• Suttons: impress lunch guests by trying royal purple radish seeds.
• Dobies: Choose from over 15 different radish seed varieties.
• Thompson & Morgan: try mooli, a unique kind of radish seed.

3. Carrots

Carrots are a favourite of many vegetable growers, and it’s easy to see why: they’re low-maintenance, and the roots taste better than most you’ll find in a supermarket. But how do you grow carrots successfully?

‘Carrot seeds must be sown in drills in the soil,’ advises John. ‘This refers to small, shallow rows which are made in the soil. As the carrots grow, the drills will help you to distinguish them from weeds.

‘The seedlings are vulnerable to slugs, so protection is necessary to ensure that they can grow in peace.’ Luckily, there are lots of ways to get rid of slugs naturally.

Where to buy carrot seeds:

• Dobies: try out these globe carrot seeds.
• Suttons: grow a rainbow of roots with these carrot seeds.
• Amazon: go mad with this huge selection of carrot seeds.

4. Turnips

Summer is the prime time to sow maincrop turnips for delicious harvests in autumn. During hot weather, though, it's important to make sure they're getting enough water.

'Water turnips well, as they turn woody if the soil is dry,' advises Chi Chi Dunford, head kitchen gardener at Sculpture by the Lakes.

'I love ‘Tokyo Cross F1’, harvesting the whole plants and quartering the roots with the green tops on. I steam them and season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper!'

What better way to add flavour to autumnal roasts and stews?

Where to buy turnip seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: try ‘Silky Sweet’ turnip seeds for delicious roots.
• Dobies: sow these turnip seeds for a purple-top classic.
• J Parker’s: sow ‘Snowball’ turnip seeds for fast-growing roots.

5. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is less commonly known in the UK, but used widely in Asia and East Europe. However, more and more growers are discovering the versatility and flavour of this vegetable.

'Kohlrabi is fast-growing from sowing to harvesting,' explains Chi Chi. 'Sow in 12 cell modules, two seeds each, and then thin to one seedling per cell. Plant them out when there are three true leaves, and protect them from pigeons with netting.

'Harvest them when they're tennis ball-size. Try both green and purple kohlrabi as they look very different and grow at different speeds, too.

'I like them sliced thin in salads with soy sauce, sesame oil and crushed garlic with coriander, if you like it.'

Where to buy kohlrabi seeds:

• Dobies: purple and white kohlrabi seeds to add to your vegetable garden.
• Crocus: 450 kohlrabi ‘Purple Delicacy’ seeds to keep you stocked up.
• Suttons: try these white globe kohlrabi seeds.

6. Swiss chard

Swiss chard doesn’t just taste good on a salad – it brightens up a vegetable patch, too.

The fun thing about this vegetable is that it’s available in a range of varieties, including the popular rainbow type.

They're hardy, too. 'You can keep harvesting chard right through a mild winter, or they are best undercover,' says Chi Chi. 'With minimum protection, they will provide you with greens through winter until spring.'

'Protect them with netting if birds are a problem.'

Where to buy Swiss chard seeds:

• B&Q: sow ‘Celebration’ seeds for a rainbow display in your garden.
• Suttons: choose from Swiss chard seeds or plug plants.
• Amazon: take your pick from a huge selection of Swiss chard seeds.

Best flowers to grow in July

We're still feeling inspired by the floral displays at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and the good news is that there's still time to sow a range of different flower seeds in your garden.

So, whether you're looking for flower pot ideas or hoping to try out your cottage garden ideas, we've compiled our top picks for flowers you can plant in July.

1. Foxgloves

Foxgloves have been all the rage this year, and they really can make striking features in the garden. You still have this month to make sowings, and they’re relatively easy to grow.

'Foxgloves grow best when placed in consistently moist soil, so make sure to water them regularly,’ says John from Gardenstone.

There are some things to watch out for, though. ‘Foxgloves are prone to crown rot, so free-draining soil should be used to avoid waterlogging. When watering, it is essential to ensure that the soil is moist and never soaked.

‘Foxgloves thrive in full sunlight but they can also grow well in an area with partial shade.’

Where to buy foxglove seeds:

• Sarah Raven: grow the cottage garden of your dreams with these foxglove seeds.
• Amazon: 3000 foxglove seeds to keep you going.
• J Parker’s: sow these foxglove seeds for beautiful white blooms.

2. Delphiniums

Delphiniums are another popular flowering plant this year, and the elegant displays are enough to transform a garden.

'Choose a spot in your garden with full sun,' says Morris Hankinson from Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'As delphiniums flower into tall, thin spikes, they can be at risk of snapping in strong winds, so choose a spot in your garden that's sheltered.

'Delphiniums look absolutely beautiful in borders! When planting your delphiniums, prepare your soil, dig a hole (you want your delphinium to be growing at the same depth that it was in the container so use that for size reference), add a layer of compost and then plant your delphinium (making sure the bases of the stems or shoots are above ground).

'Once planted, water well and continue to water and feed regularly, applying a fertiliser at least once a month.'

Where to buy delphinium seeds:

• Crocus: striking delphinium seeds to sprinkle on your border.
• Dobies: sow these delphinium seeds for beautiful cut flowers.
• B&Q: take your pick from this huge range of delphinium seeds.

3. Forget-me-nots

The delicate clusters of forget-me-nots are incredibly pretty, and there is still time to sow them in your garden this year.

Sprinkle the seeds thinly into borders or flowerpots and cover with a thin layer of compost. Make sure you prepare the soil beforehand for the best results.

Bear in mind that forget-me-nots work well in shade, so they’re a great option for brightening up the darker corners of your garden.

'Plant in a shaded area with moist, well-draining soil,' says Tim from Raby Castle. 'Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.'

Where to buy forget-me-not seeds:

• B&Q: sprinkle some mixed forget-me-not seeds on your garden.
• Thompson & Morgan: 450 forget-me-not seeds to stock your seed tin.
• John Lewis: these forget-me-not seedballs make the perfect gift.

4. Scabious

them 'There are two types of Scabiosa I grow in the kitchen garden at Sculpture by the Lakes, and both have beautiful flowers either for cutting or as a garden plant,' says Chi Chi.

'Scabiosa caucasica ‘Perfection Blue’ is very easy to grow from seed. Sow them in a tray of moist compost and cover with a 5mm layer of vermiculite. Prick them out into 7cm pots and grow them on. Protect them from the harsh winter the first year.

'Scabiosa atropurpurea comes in lots of different shades and is a great hardy annual plant for border and cut flowers. Sow them now and you might get flowers in October, or sow them in September for overwintering. You will need to cut the main stem to encourage a bushier plant – otherwise, they will flop over in the wind or after rain.'

Where to buy scabious seeds:

• Sarah Raven: try the stunning scabious atropurpurea ‘Black Cat’ seeds.
• Crocus: stock up on Scabiosa caucasica 'Perfecta Mid Blue' seeds.
• Amazon: classic purple scabious seeds to add to your flower garden.

FAQs

What is the best perennial to plant in July?

'When considering the best perennials to plant in July, it is essential to choose varieties that are heat-tolerant and can establish a strong root system before winter,' says Tim from Raby Castle.

'Some excellent perennial options include black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), coneflowers (Echinacea), and daylilies (Hemerocallis), as they are known for their resilience in hot summer conditions and vibrant blooms. These perennials will continue to thrive year after year with proper care.'

What is the best thing to plant in July?

'There are a variety of vegetables that are ideal for planting in July, in particular radish, cabbage and beetroot,' says John from Gardenstone. 'Radishes are fast to mature so you can enjoy them throughout the whole of August.'

'Cabbages are perfect for planting in July as they will be ready in time for November so you can enjoy them on your winter roast dinners.'

Hopefully this list will give you oodles of inspiration for what to plant in July!

May is upon us – as in, yes, the very same month described by poet Felicia Hemans as the 'fairy queen, adorn'd with flowers – which means it's all change to our gardening schedules once again.

The big question, of course, is this: what to plant in May? From flowers to fruits to vegetables, now is the perfect time to start a small vegetable garden or make good on all of your favourite flower bed ideas.

'May marks the transition into warmer weather in many regions, making it an ideal time to sow a variety of vegetable and edible flower seeds in your garden,' promise heirloom veg growing experts Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill of SheGrowsVeg.

What to plant in May

As mentioned already, May is the ideal time to learn how to grow your own fruit and vegetables – and there are plenty of flowers worth investing some time in, too, including cannas and dahlias.

It's also the time to look forward to next year, too, as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says that you should sow spring bedding plants, such as wallflowers and pansies, between 'now and July in order to flower next spring, as they are biennials'.

What else, though, should we plant in May? Here are our expert recommendations...

Best fruit and vegetables to sow in May

Whether you're a pro at edimentals or looking for the easiest vegetables to grow, now is well and truly the time to jump aboard the Grow Your Own bandwagon.

'For those gardeners wanting to begin their journey in growing food, May is the perfect time to begin,' says David Denyer, expert florist at Eflorist.

'Warm seasoned vegetables such as tomatoes and courgettes are perfect to sow this month, with soil at the optimal temperature and the weather gradually warming up,' he adds.

'And herbs, such as basil, chives, and parsley, can be sown directly outdoors in May, too, so don't neglect all of those herb garden ideas you've been considering.'

1. Cucumbers

If you love the idea of learning how to grow cucumbers, now is the time to get started!

'Cucumber seeds can be sown directly into the garden in May, providing they have access to plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil,' say Lucy and Kate. 

'Consider trellising or vertical gardening techniques to maximise space and airflow, and keep the soil consistently moist to encourage vigorous growth and prevent bitterness in the fruit.'

Where to buy cucumber seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of cucumber seeds to choose from.
• Crocus: there's plenty of choice when it comes to cucumber seeds, but try something like the Cucumber 'Burpless Tasty Green' F1 for a seriously easy introduction to this summer favourite.
• SheGrowsVeg: test your gardening skills with an heirloom variety, such as the Cucumber White Wonder.

2. Tomatoes

If you haven't taken the time to master your tomato growing technique yet, don't despair: these tasty little fruits are on our list of what to plant in May.

'You’ve still got time to get tomato plants in during May once the risk of frost has passed,' say Lucy and Kate reassuringly. 

'Choose something different this season and take your pick from the vast array of beautiful heirloom tomato seeds available on SheGrowsVeg. Ensure they receive full sun and well-draining soil, and provide support for the plants as they grow.'

Where to buy tomato seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of tomato seeds to choose from
• Crocus: a wide selection of tomato seeds
• Amazon: a surprising array of tomato seeds available

3. Courgettes

Whether you plan on planting them in a raised garden bed, or you fancy learning how to grow courgettes in pots, it's a good idea to get started on your courgette crop this month.

'Sow courgette seeds indoors if you have the space, like a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill,' says David. 

'This gives them a head start and protects them from any unexpected late frosts. Once the seedlings are nice and strong, typically around June, you can harden them off (gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions) and then transplant them outside into your garden beds.'

He adds that you must 'make sure all danger of frost has completely passed before planting them out permanently'. 

Where to buy courgette seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: lots of courgette seeds to choose from.
• Sarah Raven: we're big fans of the Multi-Coloured Courgette Collection.
• Crocus: a vast selection of courgette seeds

4. Beans

May is well and truly the season of the bean, for anyone who fancies growing theirs from scratch.

'Both bush beans and pole beans can be sown directly in the garden in May, offering a reliable source of fresh, tender pods for culinary delights,' say Lucy and Kate. 

'Choose from green beans, snap beans, or runner beans, and plant them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Consider succession planting for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.;

Where to buy bean seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: try the Climbing Bean 'Cobra' seeds.
• Crocus: lots of different bean seeds to choose from.
• SheGrowsVeg: plenty of heirloom bean seeds to pore over.

5. Melons

Not sure what to plant in May? Well, the RHS says that, based on previous hot dry summers, now is the time to consider climate change fruits such as melons, watermelons, and cucamelons.

'Of course, climate change is highly unpredictable and can also be damaging, so following this trend should be treated cautiously,' they add.

Thankfully, Lucy and Kate say that melons are 'easier to grow than some people think, especially if you can find a spot in a polytunnel or greenhouse where the heat will really help them thrive'. 

Where to buy melon seeds:

• Crocus: why not try the Cucamelon on for size?
• Thompson & Morgan: so many melon seeds to choose from.
• SheGrowsVeg: a firm favourite with Lucy and Kate, they say that Rich Sweetness Melon 'is a tiny variety that’s perfect for one portion, covered in stunning tiger stripes'.

6. Pumpkins

Halloween may feel a long way off, but you'd best believe that pumpkins belong on our list of what to grow in May.

'With an array of beautiful looking pumpkin varieties out there, you’ll be spoilt for choice,' say Lucy and Kate. 

'So easy to sow, with direct in the soil or started indoors, this fast growing plant can be selected with a more compact growth habit so it doesn’t take over or if you have loads of space you can choose just for good looks to ensure you enjoy beautiful soups, roasted pumpkin and decorative pumpkins in the autumn.'

Where to buy pumpkin seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of pumpkin seeds to choose from.
• Crocus: try something like the Pumpkin 'Marina di Chioggia' if you fancy something on the spookier side of the scale.

7. Salad leaves

Come summertime, we'll be keen to serve up fresh salads aplenty – which is why we're so pleased that these tasty leaves are ideal for sowing and growing in May.

'Now is a great time to sow a first or second crop of salad leaves,' say Kate and Lucy, who like to choose an array of colours for a beautiful mix in the salad bowl.  

'Check out speckled trout, copacabana, arcade, sioux and outredgeous for a great selection.  We like to sow these as cut and come again varieties which means you can just sow them and don’t need to thin them out.  Just cut or pick the outer leaves and they’ll keep growing back.'

Where to buy salad leaves:

Crocus: a wide range of salad leaf seeds.

Thompson & Morgan: lots of mixed and single type seeds.

Sarah Raven: choose from lettuce and salad leaf seeds, depending on your preference.

Of course, if you fancy something a little different, Kate and Lucy say that parsnips (oh yes, that oh-so-Christmassy of vegetables) are also a possibility for planting in May.

'Many people think that parsnips are best sown really early in the season, however, they actually perform best when sown into warmer soil,' they explain. 

' Sowing in May can mean better germination rates and faster, healthier growth.  Easy to sow direct in the soil, sow now to enjoy with your Christmas dinner!'

Best flowers to grow in May

From cottage gardens to modern gardens, there are plenty of beautiful blooms to pay attention to at this time of year.

'May is a fantastic time to plant stunning perennial flowers and plants that will grace your garden year after year,' promises David. 

'Daylilies, peonies, and irises are all great options to add a touch of long-lasting colour. To help them flourish, make sure to keep them well-watered, especially during dry spells. Additionally, monitor the quality of your soil and amend it if necessary to provide the best growing environment.'

As well as all of these, it's also worth considering the following...

1. Clematis

Looking for something wonderful to grow this May? 'Clematis are a perfect flower to plant in late spring,' promises David. 

'Depending on the variety, it is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and blooms reliably each year, adding elegance to your garden,' he says. 

'Clematis can fit into many gardens, for smaller varieties, a trellis is a perfect climbing companion. Other varieties such as Clematis montana or Clematis jackmanii can be planted next to walls or sheds and they'll happily cover the whole thing! Some Clematis thrive when weaving through trees or trained to sprawl beautifully as ground cover.'

Where to buy clematis seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: a wide selection of clematis seeds.
• Crocus: try something special, like the Clematis florida var. florida 'Sieboldiana' seeds.

2. Sunflowers

If you were worried that you'd missed your window for planting sunflowers (a lot of people start theirs off in April), don't be: you can just as easily get growing these summery flowers in May.

'Sunflowers are our favourite flower to grow, not least of all because they're so useful,' say Lucy and Kate.  

'Select a multi stem variety for cut flowers or a giant for a multitude of seeds that.  Whichever type you’re growing, save all the seeds at the end of the season and use them to enjoy delicious micro greens all through the winter.'

Where to buy sunflower seeds:

• Amazon: try the giant yellow sunflower seeds
• Suttons: we recommend the Sunflower Seeds - Titan
• Dobbies: give the Sunflower (Organic) Seeds - Medium Red Flower a go

3. Nasturtiums

If you aren't sure which flowers to plant in May, why not give nasturtiums a go?

'Nasturtium seeds can be sown directly in the garden in May, producing vibrant flowers with a peppery flavour that adds a pop of colour and zing to salads, soups, and garnishes,' promise Lucy and Kate. 

'Plant them in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and enjoy their edible blooms throughout the summer.'

Where to buy nasturtium seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: try the Nasturtium 'Climbing Mixed' - Start-A-Garden™ Seed Range for a vigorous (and easy) climbing plant.
• Crocus: a gorgeous array of nasturtium seeds.

FAQs

What can I plant in my garden in May?

As mentioned already, there are so many wonderful things to plant in May, from sunflowers and nasturtiums to melons and pumpkins. 

Wisteria, rhododendrons and azaleas, too, are well worth considering if you fancy a bigger investment piece in your garden.

What veg is best to plant in May?

Salad leaves and cucumbers are ideal for this time of year, but it's also worth considering planting something like peas and runner beans in May.

Is it good to plant in May?

May is a great time of year to get to work on your garden, as it's usually when the soil begins to warm up (and the weather take a turn for the better). Still, it can be cold – and late frosts may still pose a risk – so it's a good idea to plant tender seeds undercover if you can.

Now that you know what to plant in May, it's time to decide which of these wonderful fruits, flowers, and vegetables you'll be gracing your garden with this summer.

We'll race you to that last packet of pumpkin seeds...

'If April showers should come your way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May' – so said songwriter Buddy de Sylva, and he's got a point: there's a reason why gardeners set to work in earnest at this time of the year.

It stands to reason, then, that we have a bumper list of what to plant in April, from flowers to fruits and vegetables. Honestly, now is the perfect time to learn how to sow seeds, fill your garden with blooms, build a raised bed, or even start a small vegetable garden. 

'April is such a glorious month in the garden. The enjoyment of seeing spring bulbs, from the last of the daffodils to hyacinths and tulips never fades, and watching perennials shoot up at speed means everything is really coming alive again,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 

What to plant in April

If you're keen to grow your own fruit and vegetables, you'll be pleased to know that April is the time to get to work. And don't forget to show a little love to all of your garden borders and flower bed ideas, too – but don't be lulled into a false sense of security by this temperamental month.

'April is a funny month: the birds are building their nests, early flowers are in full bloom, the grass in your gardens will start to grow again and blossom is beginning to burst out into colour! Spring has sprung, right? Wrong,' says Joseph Clark ( of @JoesGarden fame). 

'That's right – late frosts are still a risk, so I recommend keeping your frost fleece and bubble wrap close by,' he adds.

With that caveat in place, then, here's what to plant in April.

Best fruit and vegetables to sow in April

It's official: some of the very easiest vegetables to grow are on our list for what to plant in April, so beginners and experts alike can jump aboard the Grow Your Own bandwagon with gusto.

'April is a funny month, as nearly every vegetable seed packet will say it is fine to plant outside at this time of the year,' says Joseph.  'However, I always recommend using a degree of common sense.'

Joseph goes on to remind us that, while April of 2020 brought with it nothing but glorious and settled weather, last April was a disaster.

'We had very little sun, cold days and tremendous amounts of rain! Very few seeds with the exception of maybe alliums (onions, shallots and garlic) and broad beans survived outside.'

While most veggies are able to be sown this month, then, Joseph urges people to at least consider starting their seeds off indoors.

'I am lucky enough to have a greenhouse, and in the greenhouse I have propagators (both the greenhouse and propagators are unheated, as per Monty Don's advice),' he says. 

'So, while I am starting most of my seeds now, they are protected inside and not exposed to the weather.'

1. Carrots

Whether you fancy learning how to grow carrots in containers or straight in the soil, Morris says that these vitamin-packed veggies are definitely on the list of what to plant in April. 

You'll be pleased to know that they're drought-resistant and pretty self-sufficient, making them ideal for anyone set to embrace the chaos gardening trend, although you'll want to keep an eye on weeds. 

Where to buy carrot seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: there are lots of carrot varieties to choose from, but something like Carrot 'Resistafly' F1 Hybrid is ideal for anyone who's worried about Carrot Root Fly.
• Crocus: a tasty selection of carrot seeds available.

2. Courgettes

It's official: April marks the first month that gardeners can begin to plant courgettes. 

'Courgettes thrive in manure-rich soil/compost, so ensure the mature location for them is rich and well cultivated,' says Sean Lade, director of Easy Garden Irrigation. 

For best results, Sean says you should begin by planting your courgettes in pots indoors; this keeps them warm and allows them to harden off before planting outdoors around 10-14 days after indoor planting, in late spring/early summer.

'Once planted outside, you may want to cover them with a cloche to maintain warmth. As time passes, thin the crop out and leave the strongest plant. Water the soil regularly to ensure they are kept hydrated, and once they flower, feed them every 10-14 days with a feed high in potassium.'

Where to buy courgette seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of courgette seeds to choose from
• Sarah Raven: try the Multi-Coloured Courgette Collection for something that ticks off all those edimental vibes
• Crocus: a wide selection of courgette seeds

3. Peas

Healthy and nutritious, peas are an underrated superfood – so you'll be pleased to learn that they're on our list of what to plant in April. 

Even better? They're incredibly simple to keep alive: they can handle cooler weather and partial shade, and only really need a good watering and some supports to keep them thriving.

Where to buy peas:

• Thompson & Morgan: try something like Pea 'Jumbo' (Maincrop) for a truly impressive crop
• Crocus: pea seeds aplenty!

4. Beetroot

Another must-try from the 'What To Plant In April' list is the not-so-humble beetroot, which will help you tick off this year's big purple vegetables trend, too.

With that in mind, then, take some time to sow beetroot seeds directly into well-prepared seedbeds (or undercover, if you want to play things extra safe). 

Where to buy beetroot seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: a wide selection of beetroot seeds
• Sarah Raven: try the Beetroot 'Chioggia' for something spectacularly different
• Crocus: lots of different beetroot seeds to choose from

5. Leeks

Pretty as a picture (and twice as delicious), leeks absolutely belong on our list of what to plant in April.

As per the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), leeks 'usually reach maturity after four or five months, in autumn and winter, when other fresh crops may be in short supply, and they don’t have to be harvested straight away'.

They're perfect, then, for green-fingered souls who want to chow down on their own homegrown produce throughout the year.

Where to buy leek seeds:

• Crocus: try the Leek 'Lyon' for a favourite on the show bench and in the kitchen
• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of leek seeds to choose from

6. Strawberries

Whether you prefer to learn how to grow strawberries in pots or in soil, these juicy little fruits are a must-try for April.

You can either sow strawberry seeds in your greenhouse, à la Joseph, or plant strawberry plants out in beds of well-rotted manure. 

'If you want to harvest some sweet strawberries in summer, plant out runners now,' stresses Morris.

Where to buy strawberries:

• Thompson & Morgan: try something like the Strawberry 'Florian' F1 Hybrid if you're hoping to grow strawberries from seeds
• Crocus: a glorious selection of strawberry seeds to choose from

Morris says you can also sow lettuce, pumpkin, and radish seeds – while Joseph has had success with tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, lettuce, onions, shallots, broad beans, kohlrabi, melon, sweetcorn, Swiss chard, potatoes, calabrese, cauliflower, cucumbers, and loofah at this time of year, too.

Basically, the world is your oyster. Just be sure to read your seed packets carefully first.

Best flowers to grow in April

Whether you're a fan of a wildflower garden, a cottage garden, or prefer a more modern garden, now is the time to suss out which flowers you want blooming in your own personal oasis come summertime.

'From cosmos to nicotiana, sunflowers to nigella, calendula to mina lobata, there are plenty of flowers to plant out this month,' says Morris.

1. Sunflowers

If you're wondering when to plant sunflowers, the answer is April: you can either start them off in pots indoors or sow directly into your garden borders.

Where to buy sunflower seeds:

• Amazon: try the giant yellow sunflower seeds
• Suttons: we recommend the Sunflower Seeds - Titan
• Dobbies: give the Sunflower (Organic) Seeds - Medium Red Flower a go

2. Poppies

If you're in the mood to plant poppy seeds, this is a great month to get to work – although you will need to start them off undercover.

They'll take anywhere between a week and a month to germinate, and then it'll be another two to five months before you have a beautiful garden filled with colourful poppies.

Where to buy poppy seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: a wide selection of bare root roses to choose from
• Sarah Raven: a gorgeous array of bare root roses

3. Zinnias

Colourful, easy to germinate, and brilliant for pollinators, zinnias are a brilliant flower to plant in April. Again, though, it's best to start them undercover – they don't like to be outdoors until all risk of frost has passed (May).

Where to buy zinnia seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: a great selection of zinnia seeds to choose from
• Crocus: fill your garden with colourful flowers thanks to this wide variety of zinnia seeds

Best hedging and trees to plant in April

If you're looking for the best hedging plants to add to your garden this month, you're in luck: there are plenty worth planting in April.

'There is still time in April to plant bare root hedging,' says Morris. 'If the weather is still wet or frosty, bare root plants can be ‘heeled  in’ by digging a V shaped trench and placing the roots in at an angle before filling in loosely with soil for up to a month. As soon as the weather is better, plant them in their growing positions.'

If you are planning on planting out rootball hedging or trees, meanwhile, Morris adds that these will need to be planted this month. 

'Rootball hedging plants are removed from the field with a ball of soil around the roots, giving them protection and less disturbance than bare roots. You can get larger, busier plants so they establish quickly, so try something like laurel, beech, or hornbeam,' he explains.

Morris says there is also the option of planting potted hedging or instant hedge plants, which can be planted any time of year. 

'If you’re looking to add some privacy to your garden, trees are a good option –including pleached trees which give a modern look, providing height and year round structure,' he explains. 

Lime, Cherry Laurel and Crabapple make superb pleached trees and can be planted now.

FAQs

What is the best plant to plant in April?

If you're wondering what to plant in April, there's plenty to choose from. Our favourites, however, include courgettes, strawberries, peas, beetroot, poppies, and sunflowers.

Can I plant bedding plants in April?

As a general rule of thumb, you can get most bedding plants out once all chances of frost have gone – which could be April or May, depending on the weather forecast.

Try sweetpeas, dianthus, marigolds and osteospermum, if you want things to look truly special.

What can you do in the spring in the garden?

If you're wondering what else to do in the garden this month, Morris advises that you start 'dividing clump forming perennials, such as hostas and daylilies, and re-plant where you’d like them to grow'. 

'This is a great way to reinvigorate older perennials, and get more plants for free.'

He adds that you should also 'keep an eye out for pests and diseases', too. 

'Slugs and snails are not horticulturally classified as pests anymore but that doesn’t mean they won’t be heading straight out to munch your young plants,' he says. 

'Consider using copper tape around pots, sprinkling eggshells or another rough surface around plants to stop them getting to your tasty plants!'

Now that you know what to plant in April, it's time to make sure your garden is ready for all of its new plant babies – which means, yes, you need to get weeding. Stat.

Good luck!

The grow your own movement might be one of the biggest things in gardening, but that doesn't mean you need lots of space to tackle the trend. In fact, it's surprisingly easy to learn how to grow vegetables in a small garden – which is good news for anyone who wants to hit their 5-a-day the homegrown way.

That's right: once you've sussed out how to start a small vegetable garden, you'll be able to grow your own vegetables, fruit, herbs and more in no time. Especially if you follow all of our expert tips and advice.

With that in mind, then, let's dive into the wonderful world of small space gardening, and get you on your way to a bountiful crop of tasty veggies.

How to grow vegetables in a small garden

'Vegetables can be grown in all size gardens – including patios and balconies, especially now there are many varieties available for smaller garden spaces,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

Noting that there are plenty of vegetables to grow in pots and in hanging baskets, Morris goes on to say that the first thing you need to consider is this: which vegetables you actually like to eat.

'Grow what you enjoy rather than just trying to grow anything, because this means you will be using your space to grow vegetables that you will actually use when harvested,' he says.

Keen to get started? Here, then, are all of our favourite ways to grow vegetables in a small garden.

1. Try hanging baskets

The hanging basket GYO trend is the new 'it' way to grow edimentals in a small space, so long as you choose plants that will fit the shallow root conditions.

'Look at the size of the space you have and the size space needed to grow each of the vegetables you want to grow,' says Morris, noting that herbs, strawberries, and tomatoes are both excellent options for hanging baskets. 

'Start with the ones that require less space and go from there.'

2. Think vertically

One excellent way to save space is to embrace all of the gorgeous living wall ideas out there and create a stylish vertical garden! 

'Many vegetables can be grown up a trellis such as squash and beans plus fruit such as tomatoes, cucumbers and melons,' says Morris, who says that using all available space will mean you're able to grow a lot more than you think in a small garden.

Patty Willems, PR manager of sustainable plant pot creator, elho, agrees. 'The sky is the limit, and the vegetables will be bountiful,' she says. 

'Aubergines, chillies, tomatoes, beans, and courgettes can all be grown upright, but some support for heavy vines might be necessary to prevent breakage.'

3. Take inspiration from the French

Companion planting is fast becoming one of the hottest garden trends around, but it's actually rooted (pun intended) in France's traditional potager gardens.

'Consider taking inspiration from potager gardens, where vegetables are planted in groups not rows, and flowers, herbs and fruit are also grown together in the same space,' suggests Morris. 

'This creates a lovely looking garden with a diversity of planting.'

4. Build a raised bed

If you don't have lots of garden space – or you just want to dedicate a small portion of your backyard to your Grow Your Own dreams – then it's time to learn how to build a raised garden bed.

'You can use raised beds, upcycled containers and lots of pots if you have little ground space,' says Morris. 

'Salads, herbs, carrots, potatoes, kale... there is so much that can be grown in containers, so there’s no need to feel limited if you have a small garden.'

5. Give grow bags a go

Whether it's growing tomatoes in grow bags or potatoes, these clever space-savers are a brilliant way to grow vegetables in a small garden.

'Growing in bags doesn’t necessarily mean less crops per plant either as the bag will soon fill up with fresh veg of various sizes – especially when it comes to potatoes,' says Morris.

6. Keep it compact

Don't put your greenhouse ideas to bed just because you have a small garden, because there's an array of compact innovations available to make growing your own vegetables a breeze – even on balconies and patios. 

'The compact-sized grow garden house from elho (as seen above) features adjustable compartments, ideal for dividing “cut and come again” salad leaves, fiery chillies or even flavoursome herbs and giving them enough space to thrive,' says Patty. 

'The transparent detachable lid fits snuggly on top to create a mini greenhouse environment and keeps the soil moist, while protecting the plants from damage caused by the weather and wildlife,' she adds.

'The large window also makes watering your precious produce easy!'

A pop-up grow greenhouse like this one from Asda would work just as well,

7. And finally... break the rules

It's easy to get bogged down by all of those oh-so-specific planting instructions, but (wait for it) you don't always have to pay attention to them – especially if you're working with a small garden space.

'The theory might say grow onions, for example, with 15cm space between each set,' says Morris, 'but if you don’t have that much space just plant them however close you need to and watch what happens.' 

He adds that you might get smaller crops, but that doesn’t mean they will be less tasty!

FAQs

What vegetables are easy to grow in a small garden?

If you're wondering which vegetables are easy to grow in a small garden, you'll be pleased to know that many of the easiest vegetables for beginners are ideal for teeny-weeny spots.

Think garlic, potatoes, onions, beetroot, chard, spinach, carrots, herbs, tomatoes, and beans, to name just a few.

How do you grow a lot of vegetables in a small area?

Whether you embrace the world of chaos gardening, start growing vegetables in pots, or try planting your crops in beds rather than individual rows to allow for closer spacing, there are plenty of ways to grow a lot of vegetables in a small area.

Focus on giving the gardener space to work, rather than the crops themselves; contrary to popular belief, a surprising number of plants don't need that much space to thrive.

Now that you know how to grow vegetables in a small garden, it's time to set to work and get planting. Because, whether you decide to fill your balcony with potted edimentals or build a raised bed, there are so many ways to get that 5-a-day magic.

Good luck, everyone!

Summer is slowly on its way, the sun is not due to set before 5.30pm from now until the end of October. With this great news comes a whole new list of what to plant in March from flowers to fruits and vegetables. 

March is very much the kick-off season for growing your own. Now is the time to be learning how to sow seeds and consider if you want to try to plant summer bulbs in your garden for a spot of colours. 

Most of our gardens will be starting to fill with the colour of spring bulbs this month, but if you want those colourful blooms to follow you right into the summer months you'll need to get planting. We've rounded up tips from experts for what to plant in March so you can get planning.

What to plant in March

Learning to grow your own fruit and vegetables, which is a job that begins in March.  Still, it's just as vital to take the time now to plan out your garden borders and flower bed ideas, too – especially as there are many summer flowers that you can start undercover in your greenhouse now.

'As colour and bird song return to the garden and spring bulbs fill gardeners hearts with joy, March has to be one of the most hopeful months of the year. The countdown to longer days and lighter evenings begins, windowsills become full of seed trays, newly sprouted seedlings and we all start marching forwards into the growing season,' promises Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

'March is a busy month in the garden,' he continues wisely, 'so having a plan can be helpful, even if that's just a list of seeds you want to sow and all the pots and compost you need for potting on.'

Still, even though there is plenty to be doing, it's still important to be wary of protecting your plants from frosts. 'Don't worry too much if it's too cold right now,' says Morris. 'There is still plenty of time to sow and grow.'

Best fruit and vegetables to sow in March

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables worth sowing in March, many of them are some of the easiest vegetables to grow too.

'It’s a big month for sowing vegetable seeds, including broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, lettuces, radish, peas, spinach, summer brassicas, salad leaves, leeks, chard, kohl rabi and turnips,' says Morris. 

'Try sowing these in modules or trays in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill, or some can be sown directly in the ground later in the month and given protection with horticultural fleece, a grow tunnel or cloche.'

As well as the above, it's also time to turn your attention to the following crops:

1. Potatoes

It's time to add 'learning how to grow potatoes in bags' to your to-do list, as tatties rule supreme on our list of what to plant in March.

'Spud lovers will be pleased to know that you can start planting your first earlies in late March – and chitted potatoes can be sown at the beginning of the month, too,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

Where to buy first early potatoes:

• Thompson & Morgan: plenty of first early potatoes to choose from, although the Potato 'Swift' is by far the fastest maturing tatty in the range.
• Crocus: a tasty selection of first earlies (try the Potato 'Rocket' for a more disease-resistant crop)

2. Tomatoes

If you're already dreaming of bruschetta and rich red sauces, you'll be pleased to know that March is an excellent time to learn how to grow tomatoes – whether in pots, learning how to grow tomatoes in grow bags, or directly in the soil itself.

'To give your tomato plants a head start and shield them from the unpredictable weather conditions, you should sow your tomato seeds in the greenhouse in early March,' advises Nelly Hall, brand director at bespoke greenhouse manufacturer Alitex. 

Noting you should opt for early maturing tomato varieties that can withstand cooler temperatures such as Sungold, Gardener's Delight, Black Opal, or Geronimo, she advises you fill seed trays or individual module trays for easier potting on, with a rich, well-draining potting soil, and sow seeds half an inch deep and one inch apart. 

'Top them with a thin layer of vermiculite, water thoroughly, and place in a heated propagator until they're ready to plant out.'

Where to buy tomato seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of tomato seeds to choose from
• Crocus: a wide selection of tomato seeds

3. Asparagus

You read that correctly, everyone: asparagus – prized for its tender and delicate flavour in restaurants and home kitchens alike – is on our list of what to plant in March, too!

'Asparagus is one the most sought after vegetables on an allotment so if you have space to grow them, March is a good time to plant the crowns,' says Morris. 

'You won’t be able to harvest for a year or two but they are worth the wait.'

Where to buy asparagus crowns:

• Thompson & Morgan: asparagus crowns aplenty!
• Crocus: a magnificent selection of asparagus crowns

4. Chillies

Spice fans, take note: now is the perfect time to learn how to grow chillis in pots, because, yes, they're often lauded as one of the very best things to plant in March.

'March is an excellent time to start planting chillies as it gives them enough time to mature before the end of summer,' says Nelly. 

'There are many chilli pepper seeds to choose from, each with unique flavours, heat levels, and colours so whether you prefer a mild taste or a fiery hot sensation, there is a variety for every preference!'

If you're keen to get started, she suggests you fill some small pots with a good quality potting mix, water well and place just one chilli seed just below the surface of the soil. 

'Then, place the seeds in a heated propagator at a temperature of 18-25°C to aid with germination. After seven to ten days, the seeds will start to sprout, and you can move them to a heated greenhouse.'

As well as watering the seeds well, Nelly adds that you must 'remember to label the seeds too, especially if you are planting different types of chillies with varying levels of spiciness, to avoid any unexpected surprises!'

Where to buy chilli seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: a wide selection of chilli seeds
• Crocus: lots of different chilli seeds, ranging from mild to sizzling

5. Alpine strawberries

Another great fruit to plant in March, now is absolutely the time to try your hand at alpine strawberries – also known as wild strawberries.

'These little beauties work just as well scattered in garden borders as they do in hanging baskets,' promises Christopher.

'Best of all they, can be left to their own devices in sun or light shade, so they're one of the easiest GYO crops around!'

Where to buy alpine strawberry seeds:

• Crocus: try the Fragaria Vesca seeds for clusters of alpine strawberries when the weather gets warmer
• Thompson & Morgan: these Woodland Strawberry Seeds produce an abundance of delicious fruits over the summer months

6. Onions and garlic

It's incredibly easy to learn how to grow garlic, not to mention grow onions from onion sets, and you'll be pleased to know that March is a great time to get started on this grow your own project in earnest.

'Plant onion and shallot sets out now, plus garlic cloves to get them off to a good start for the year ahead,' says Morris. 

'Place them into the soil with the neck just above soil level and protect with some netting or a cloche while they root, otherwise the birds are likely to pull them out.'

Where to buy onion sets and garlic bulbs:

• Thompson & Morgan: the Grow Your Own Onion & Garlic Collection is ideal for beginners
• Crocus: an abundance of onion sets to choose from, but be sure to try the French garlic collection for spring planting

7. Fig trees

That's right, everyone: the not-so-humble fig tree is absolutely on our list of what to plant in March, so long as you have a warm, sunny, sheltered spot for them. And, sure, you'll need to learn how to prune fig trees, but their tasty fruits will be more than reward enough for your efforts!

'March and April are excellent months to plant fruit trees, from apples and pears, to mulberry and fig trees,' says Morris.  

'There’s nothing as satisfying as picking your own homegrown fruit.'

Where to buy fig trees:

• Crocus: plenty of fig trees to choose from, including the delightful Little Miss Figgy
• Thompson & Morgan: an abundance of fig trees to delight over

Best flowers to grow in March

It may still be cold and dreary outside, but now is the perfect time to start plotting which flowers you'd love to see growing in your garden when the sun is shining brightly.

'You can create a wildflower garden, or simply fill a few pots and containers, by sowing wildflower mixes towards the end of March,' says Morris. 'These hardy little blooms prefer low quality soil, so they are a great option for filling in gaps and beds that haven’t been well prepared beforehand.'

If wildflowers aren't your cup of tea, though, there are still plenty more blooms to fill your garden with...

1. Dahlias

It's official: March is the perfect time to plant dahlia tubers if you want non-stop blooms all midsummer and autumn long.

'Dahlia tubers can be started off in pots at the end of the month and throughout April which will get them off to a good start,' says Morris. 

'If you have stored tubers over winter, take them out of storage, brush them down and trim off any straggly, rotted or dead material. Place them into a pot with the main stem above the compost and give them a light water.' 

All that's left to do is keep them in a greenhouse or conservatory, and they will soon start shooting.

Where to buy dahlia tubers:

• Thompson & Morgan: pick from any of the dahlia tubers on offer
• Crocus: glorious dahlia tubers in every colour imaginable

2. Roses

Make all of your cottage garden dreams come true and learn how to grow roses this month, as March is an ideal time to plant bare root rose bushes in your garden.

'Roses will forever be the most romantic flowers around,' says Christopher, 'and, while you can plant out container-grown roses all year round, it's far cheaper to work with bare root roses in March.'

Morris agrees, advising that you should 'avoid planting out in waterlogged or frozen soil'.

'If you need to wait until the conditions have improved, you can ‘heel in’ bare roots by digging a V shaped trench and placing the roots in at an angle before filling in loosely with soil for up to a month,' he says.

Where to buy bare root roses:

• Thompson & Morgan: a wide selection of bare root roses to choose from
• Sarah Raven: a gorgeous array of bare root roses

3. Zinnias

If you're still trying to suss out what to plant in March, you can't go wrong with brightly-coloured zinnias.

'Zinnias have become so popular recently because they are easy to germinate, great to grow and bring so much colour to the garden,' says Morris. 

'Pollinators love them, making them ideal for wildlife garden ideas, and there are many colours to choose from. Sow about 6 seeds per 9cm pot and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite before watering.'

Where to buy zinnia seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: a great selection of zinnia seeds to choose from
• Crocus: fill your garden with colourful flowers thanks to this wide variety of zinnia seeds

4. Strawflowers

Fancy planting something a little different this March? 'Strawflowers are another cut flower that has become more popular recently,' says Morris. 

'Not only do pollinators love them but they can be cut and cried for seasonal crafts later in the year.'

If you're tempted, sow strawflower seeds into pots of either seed compost or peat free multi purpose compost and keep them undercover. 

'Germination may be up to two weeks and when they are big enough to handle, remove the smaller seedlings to make way for the stronger ones to grow,' explains Morris, noting that you will need to harden them off when the weather warms up, and finally plant into their final position in beds and borders after all frosts have past. 

Where to buy strawflower seeds:

• Amazon: try the Helichrysum Strawflower Swiss Giant Mix seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: give the Helichrysum monstrosum 'Bright Bikini Mixed' seeds a go

Best hedging and trees to plant in March

If you've been busily researching the best hedging plants for your garden look this way: there are plenty of trees and hedges on our list of what to plant in March. 

'If you are thinking of moving evergreen hedging plants such as Elaeagnus, Escallonia and Holly these can gently be dug up during March, making sure the new planting hole is ready for the plants to be situated immediately,' says Morris.

'When you remove the plant try to disturb the roots as little as possible and water in.'

Noting that 'deciduous hedging can be moved through winter to March, making it a job to get done sooner rather than later,' Morris goes on to say that the window for planting bare root hedging is about to close.

'There is just enough time to still plant bare root hedging while the plants are still dormant,' he says. 

'Try planting Blackthorn, Common Privet, Elder and Berberis which will arrive without any soil and ready to be planted straight away.'

Of course, if you can’t wait for bare roots to grow, you have the option of planting potted hedging or instant hedge plants which can be planted any time of year. 

FAQs

What plants can I plant in March?

If you're wondering what to plant in March, there's plenty to choose from, although our hearts have firmly been won over by bare root roses, dahlia tubers, zinnia seeds, potatoes, asparagus crowns, broccoli, chillies, and tomatoes.

If you're feeling brave, be sure to plant a fig tree, too!

What bedding plants can I plant in March?

From sweet peas to marigolds, calendula to petunias, there are plenty of bedding plants that can be sown in March.

What seeds can I sow in March?

'If you have somewhere undercover such as a greenhouse, coldframe, heated propagator or warm windowsill, you can sow many seeds at this time of year,' says Morris. 

Think broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, tomatoes, lettuces, radish, peas, spinach, summer brassicas, salad leaves, leeks, chard, kohl rabi and turnips, to name just a few options.

'Keep an eye out for frosts to give seedlings extra protection if needed, ensure ventilation on warmer days and keep the compost moist but not overwatered to prevent disease such as damping off.' 

If you're planting your seeds outdoors, Morris adds that you must 'always check the weather before sowing and planting so you know if your plants and seeds can tolerate the conditions'. 

'Have some horticultural fleece on hand so you can quickly wrap up plants and seeds if and when the temperature drops low.'

Now that you know what to plant in March, it's time to turn your attention to your garden in earnest, and get it prepped and ready for the growing season ahead.

Which will you be tackling first?

Let's face facts: sometimes, just sometimes, size does matter – but it really doesn't have to when it comes to the grow your own movement. In fact, if you learn how to start a small vegetable garden, you'll be able to grow your own vegetables, fruit, herbs and more in no time flat.

What witchcraft is this, you ask? Well, it's a common misconception that you need lots of space to grow produce at home: there are so many vegetables to grow in pots, for starters, not to mention crops that will positively thrive in hanging baskets, too.

Throw in the fact that you can start growing anything from potatoes to tomatoes in grow bags, and you have plenty of space-saving hacks for your mini vegetable garden. There are, however, a few things to consider if you're planning on taking this route...

How to start a small vegetable garden

'New gardeners can be forgiven for thinking fruit and vegetables can only be grown on large allotments or in bigger gardens, because that’s what has often been shown in books, magazines and on TV in the past,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

'Thankfully, however, this is changing, with horticulture and social media accounts now showing just how fruitful a small space can be,' continues Morris.

While small garden ideas won't accommodate you growing as abundant an array of fruit and veg as you may in a large allotment, yield size isn't everything – and there is no reason why all crops can’t be grown in a small space. And by following the principles of crop rotation, you could make the most of the growing space you have.

In fact, there are many advantages to a small vegetable garden, including 'much lower maintenance crops, a greater use of vertical space, and far easier planting and harvesting,' promises Morris. 

What to grow in a small vegetable garden

Ah, the (ironically) big question: what can you grow in a small vegetable garden? Quite a lot, as it happens – including plenty of the very easiest vegetables for beginners. Hurrah!

'Growing potatoes in bags is a great space-saver, and even growing rhubarb, courgette or other squash is possible in a large container and allowing the vines to trail along the ground,' says Morris.

'Cucumbers, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers can be grown in a sunny, sheltered space or in a small cold frame designed to be placed up against a wall,' he continues, 'and salads such as lettuce, spinach, radish and spring onions can easily be grown in containers or raised beds.'

Finally, climbing beans can grow up a trellis on a wall, while parsnips and carrots can be grown in large containers or dustbins – and some smaller fruits, like tomatoes and strawberries, can thrive in hanging baskets.

Adding that companion planting is a great way to help keep pests and diseases at bay, Morris also advises you consider planting onions with carrots to keep carrot root fly away, and French marigolds with tomatoes to repel aphids.

How to build a small vegetable garden

Once you've worked out what you're going to be planting in your small vegetable garden, it's time to set to work building it – although it's worth remembering that the first part of this task is all about taking the time to really observe the space you're working with.

1. Choose where to place your vegetable patch

That's right, everyone: the very first step to starting your vegetable patch is working out where to place it. 

'You’ll need to seek out a sheltered spot, to help keep your vegetable patch protected through adverse weather conditions,' says Craig Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house gardening expert at Gardeners Dream. 

While some shelter is good, of course, Craig adds that you also need to ensure that you select an area that still receives plenty of sun and natural moisture.

'An area in front of a wall or fence is perfect as your vegetable patch will be protected, but will still receive the sun and rain it needs in order to thrive.'

2. Prepare and clear the area

Once you have selected your area, you need to make sure that your soil (if you plan on planting directly into the ground) is of the best possible quality to give your crops the chance to grow well.

'Begin by removing any larger weeds or debris from the soil and follow by treating the soil with a good quality weed killer,' says Craig. 

'You’ll then want to dig over your soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and rake until it is level. This will leave you with well-aerated soil, meaning oxygen and moisture can easily reach the roots of your plants.'

Finally, be sure to water your soil well, consider mulching, and work in a good vegetable fertiliser.

3. And don't forget the gadgets

If you want your small garden to thrive, Morris advises you think about installing a compost bin (there are plenty of hot composting bins made for small gardens) to make your own homemade compost.

'Also, consider where you will be able to store some gardening tools,' he says. 

If you can also fit in a water-butt and start rain harvesting, Morris adds that it's 'a great idea to have one, because it will make watering your vegetable garden easier and cheaper'.

'Plus, it helps keep everything self contained,' he adds.

FAQs

How do I start a small vegetable garden UK?

When starting a small vegetable garden, Morris explains that it's a good idea to 'take some measurements and watching how much sun the spaces gets', before sketching out what you want the patch to look like when you're done.

'Will you be growing directly in the ground or raised beds? Grow bags or pots? Consider access and what vegetables need sun and which can tolerate some shade. Plan in where they will grow and how to use your vertical space if you have some,' he says.

What is the best size vegetable garden for a beginner?

Some say that a good starting size for a vegetable garden would be between 75 and 100 square feet, but, quite honestly, even a very tiny balcony can do the trick, so long as you're smart about what you're planting.

Strawberries, cucumbers, chillies, tomatoes, and even rhubarb can be grown in pots – and hanging baskets make it easier than ever to take your GYO dreams higher, as you can pot up small fruits and herbs, too.

How do I protect my small vegetable garden?

While some plants will need netting or cages to protect them from hungry birds and other critters, it's just as important to protect your small vegetable garden from the elements.

'If it needs some shelter from winds, plant a hedge or trees around the edges as a wind break,' says Morris. 'Beech and holly can both work, or you could try lower hedging that will encourage lots of pollinators, such as lavender.'

Now that you know how to start a small vegetable patch, you've some hard work ahead of you – although, personally, we've always found the hardest task to be narrowing down exactly what it is we want to grow.

'The most important point to think about is what you love to eat,' advises Morris. 

'There is no point growing something and using up a small space with something you won’t enjoy, so write a list of all the fruit and vegetables you want to cook with and see how you can fit them in.'

Can you smell that? The whiff of spring is in the air (it's so close!) and all we can think about is what to plant in February to ensure our gardens are filled with flowers, fruits and vegetables when the sun starts shining again.

Sowing seeds, planting bulbs, and looking forward to brighter days are easily some of our favourite jobs to do in the garden in February — although there's no denying that it's just as vital to prepare raised beds, get composting, and clean out that greenhouse, too.

Once all of that garden admin is out of the way, though, it's time to get stuck into sowing season. So, what to plant in February?

What to plant in February

Whether you want to grow your own fruit and vegetables, fill your garden borders with flowers, or start sussing out the easiest fruit trees to grow for abundant harvests, you'd best believe that February is the time to get to work.

'By February, there is plenty to do in the garden, including sowing seeds and finishing planting bare root hedging and trees — very soon, winter will be a distant memory,' promises Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

With that in mind, then, it’s time to get your gardening gloves on and prepare your garden for the year ahead with our pick of what to plant in February.

Best fruit and vegetables to sow in February

Whether you're looking for the very easiest vegetables to grow — or interested in testing your skills with purple vegetables — there are plenty of fruits and vegetables worth sowing in February.

1. Rhubarb

If you've always fancied learning how to grow rhubarb, you're in luck: it's one of the best things to plant in February.

'If you're working with dormant rhubarb crowns, the best times to plant them are between February and March — so long as the soil is not waterlogged or frozen,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived.

Where to buy rhubarb crowns:

• Thompson & Morgan: The rhubarb goliath is an excellent choice.
• Crocus: A tasty selection of rhubarb crowns.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are prime planting fodder for February, no matter what size your garden is (yes, you can learn how to grow tomatoes in pots, too).

'Tomatoes can be sown towards the end of February by placing three or four seeds onto the surface of the compost in a small pot and covering them with a little compost or vermiculite,' says Morris.

'They will need some warmth, so if you can’t consistently keep them warm, cover with a clear plastic bag on a warm windowsill and uncover when the seedlings grow in a few weeks.'

Or, you could invest in a heated propagator.

Where to buy tomato seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: An abundance of tomato seeds to choose from.
• Crocus: A wide selection of tomato seeds.

3. Lettuce

Salad lovers, you're in luck: lettuce is on our list of what to plant in February, too.

'A lot of people think you have to sow lettuce outdoors from late March to late July, but that's only if you want a summer crop,' says Christopher.

'If, instead, you'd like to start eating salads even earlier, you can sow lettuce seeds indoors from early February to give them a head start, before planting them out in early March. Just be sure to pop them under a cloche to keep them warm if you do.'

Where to buy lettuce seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Plenty of different varieties of lettuce seed to choose from.
• Crocus: Go for something like butterhead lettuce seeds if you want a crop that thrives all year round.

4. Chillies

If you've been busy learning how to grow chillis in pots, it's time to put your skills to good use: these fiery little edimentals are also on our list of what to plant in February.

'Chillies need to be sown in February as they need a long growing season, so if there is one seed to sow this month, then it's a chilli pepper,' says Morris.

'Sow into small modules of compost and cover with vermiculite or a little compost. Place them on a bright, south-facing windowsill as they need warmth to germinate.'

Where to buy chilli seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide selection of chilli seeds.
• Crocus: Lots of different chilli seeds, ranging from mild to sizzling.

5. Broad beans

Another great vegetable to plant in February, broad beans can be sown directly outside at this time of year. It's one of the best jobs to do in a vegetable garden in February.

However, Morris cautions that germination can be more reliable if sown undercover.

'Even a cloche outside will do,' he says. 'Otherwise, try a warm windowsill or greenhouse,' he says. 'Sow them directly into pots of compost and water, and then keep them warm and with plenty of light.'

Where to buy broad bean seeds:

• Crocus: A good selection of broad bean seeds.
• Thompson & Morgan: Many varieties of broad bean seeds are available.
• Sarah Raven: Plenty more broad bean seeds to choose from.

6. Cucumbers

Not sure why cucumbers are on our list of what to plant in February? Well, while they are usually sown in a propagator between March and April, Christopher says you can start them off indoors this month if your greenhouse is heated.

Plus, learning how to grow cucumbers is easier than it sounds. 'Cucumbers are actually one of those crops that are better off being sown indoors, as they can be started off earlier to get an earlier crop — and successful germination is far more likely, too,' he adds.

Where to buy cucumber seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: More than enough cucumber seeds to shake... well, shake a cucumber at.
• Crocus: A good range of cucumber seeds.

7. Garlic

Anyone who knows how to grow garlic will tell you that planting individual cloves in cool soil is key to their thriving — so, yes, February is a great time to get to work (although we wouldn't leave it too much later).

Where to buy garlic bulbs:

• Thompson & Morgan: Try Garlic 'Cledor' for spring planting.
• Crocus: The French garlic collection is another great choice.

Best flowers to grow in February

February is absolutely the time to start thinking about which flowers you want to see in your garden when the weather warms up, especially as so many seeds and summer bulbs can be planted now.

1. Sweet peas

It's official: February is the perfect time to learn how to grow sweet peas from seed.

'Sweet peas are one of the most well-known and loved garden annuals,' says Morris.

'Sowing into root modules will help the roots grow long and strong. Or, use the biodegradable cardboard roll from toilet paper. The plants can then be planted out without any root disturbance when the weather is warmer.'

Where to buy sweet pea seeds:

• Amazon: Try something like Suttons Sweet Pea Seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: Take your pick from any of the sweet pea seeds on offer.

2. Cosmos

These sun-loving plants boast a long flowering season, so adding them to your list of what to plant in February is an excellent way to ensure your garden is filled with blooms come summer. Plus, learning how to grow cosmos is easy.

'Really easy to sow and grow, the feathery foliage of cosmos looks great in any garden, especially cottage gardens and meadows,' agrees Morris.

'Cosmos seeds germinate very easily, but they do need the light. Sow them onto your tray of compost and water lightly. Prick them out and pot on when they are big enough to handle.'

Where to buy cosmos seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide selection of cosmos seeds in different colours.
• Crocus: Choose from cosmos seeds aplenty.

3. Marigolds

Both Tagetes patula (French marigolds) and Calendula (pot marigolds) are on our list of what to plant in February.

'Once you start growing calendula, you’ll always have it,' says Morris. 'The seeds are prolific but they do grow easily and fill spaces in the garden that might otherwise be bare. Growing well in sun or part shade, the bright yellow and orange flowers are both medicinal and beneficial for pollinators.'

French marigolds are also ideal for companion planting in your vegetable plot.

Where to buy marigold seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A great selection of marigold seeds to choose from.
• Crocus: Fill your garden with flame-coloured flowers thanks to this wide variety of marigold seeds.

4. Hardy perennials

Oh yes, you'd best believe that some of our favourite hardy perennial plants can be planted in February.

You might like to consider:

• Hardy geraniums
• Lupins
• Japanese anemones
• Lily of the Valley

'Just give them a light watering in if needed,' says Morris, 'and a mulch of Monty Don's leaf mould or compost, too.'

5. Summer-flowering bulbs

February is absolutely the time to fill your garden with summer bulbs, especially if you want them to bloom when the sun starts shining.

'Lily bulbs can be planted anytime up to spring, so you still have time to get them in the ground,' says Morris.

'These can be planted directly outside in well-drained soil at a depth of about 15-20cm. Make sure they are in a sunny spot so you can enjoy the colourful blooms in summer.'

He adds that 'liatris are another colourful summer flowering bulb that can be planted outside up until spring. These should be planted about 5cm deep in well-drained soil in a sunny garden bed or pot.'

Christopher adds that begonias and agapanthus are also excellent summer bulbs to grow in February.

Best hedging and trees to plant in February

Whether you're looking for the best trees for small gardens, boosting your home's front kerb appeal, or swapping your fence for some amazing hedging plants, there are plenty of options on our list of what to plant in February.

1. Honeysuckle

If you're looking to create a romantic cottage garden, then you should absolutely consider planting some scented honeysuckle this February.

Why? Because, while these perfumed climbers can be planted all year round, Christopher says your best bet is to plant deciduous honeysuckle in winter and evergreens in spring or autumn.

'February is the sweet spot between winter and spring,' he adds.

Where to buy honeysuckle:

• Crocus: A good selection of deciduous and evergreen honeysuckle plants.
• Thompson & Morgan: Honeysuckle plants galore.

2. Witch hazel

Another one on our list of what to grow in February, Christopher says that witch hazels are best planted between October and April.

'They're often overlooked, but witch hazel explodes with delicate, fire-coloured flowers when the weather is at its coldest — so they're widely considered to be one of the best winter plants for pots,' he explains.

'You need to avoid planting if the ground is frozen or waterlogged, so you should be good to go from February. If the weather is dry, though, give them a careful water every so often to keep the ground moist.'

Where to buy witch hazel:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide range of witch hazel.
• Crocus: A good selection of witch hazel.

3. Bare-root hedging

If you're wondering which hedging plants are best to plant in February, you're in luck: the cost-effective and environmentally friendly bare-root hedging is ideal for growing at this time of year.

'The plants are dormant at this time of year and will establish well,' says Morris, noting that Prunus spinosa (blackthorn), Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) and Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) hedging can be planted, along with many others.

'Bare roots arrive without any soil on the roots and are delivered directly from the field, so they can be planted immediately on arrival,' he adds.

'They may take some time to grow but they are a cheaper way to establish hedging and tend to thrive well into the future.'

4. Rootballed hedging plants

Another great example of what to plant in February, Morris notes that rootballed hedging plants will benefit from being planted at this time of year.

'Rootballed hedging can be planted up until May,' he says, explaining that these are larger than bare root plants and arrive with soil and a root system.

'This is another great value option for a little more than bare roots,' he adds. 'Rootball hedging to be planted now includes Taxus baccata (yew), Thuja plicata (western red cedar) and Laurus nobilis (bay laurel).'

5. Trees

'No garden should be without a tree and no matter what size space you have, there is a tree for every garden,' promises Morris — and, as luck would have it, many trees can be counted among the best things to plant in February.

'This time of year is perfect for planting out trees, as, just like hedging, they will have time to settle in before the warmer summer months,' he says.

'Eucalyptus gunnii has become much more popular over recent years due to the silvery, blue leaf tones being superb for adding to a homegrown bouquet of cut flowers or using medicinally. And, as it's evergreen, eucalyptus gives interest all year round.'

FAQs

Is February too early to plant outside?

While February is a great time to plant things like witch hazel, garlic and rhubarb crowns outdoors, you'll be better off starting some of your seeds indoors — including your cucumbers, tomatoes, salad leaves, and chilli peppers.

Now that you know what to plant in February, it's time to fight your way to the checkouts at your local garden centre and get your mitts on all the seeds and bulbs you can carry.

Trust us: the effort you put in now will be more than worth it when your garden is in full bloom...

It's never been cooler to grow your own, as all of the waiting lists for allotments up and down the country have well and truly proven. This year, though, the grow-your-own trend is getting a mauve makeover, with purple vegetables proving the 'it' thing to focus your green-fingered efforts on.

Oh sure, you could limit yourself to the easiest vegetables to grow – or stick to the best vegetables to grow in pots – but it seems more and more people are being drawn to a monochromatic palette for their fruit and veg plots of late.

Why? Because the health benefits of vegetables with a natural purple hue just cannot be denied, for starters. And because breeders have begun introducing purple varieties that are genuinely easier to grow than traditional ones.

Purple vegetables are a major garden trend

One of the most popular new garden trend taking over vegetable patches are purple vegetables, they are absolutely having a moment right now.

'Amethyst fruits and purple vegetables are not only delicious and packed with nutrients and antioxidants, but they also look gorgeous growing in your greenhouse or garden, too!' says Nelly Hall, gardening enthusiast and brand director at premium bespoke glasshouses manufacturer, Alitex.

'They get their rich colour from natural compounds called anthocyanins which help prevent and repair cellular damage, making most purple crops a superfood.'

Is it any wonder, then, that 'gardeners and chefs can anticipate purple carrots, cauliflowers, broccoli, tomatoes, peas, radish, French beans and lettuces,' according to a spokesperson for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Without any further ado, then, here are the purple vegetables (and fruits) worth growing in your own garden or allotment this year...

1. Beetroot

When you hear the term 'purple vegetables', admit it: your mind gores straight to the humble beetroot, doesn't it? Especially as they're very easy to grow, resilient and usually trouble free. 

When to plant:

'Beetroot belongs in the sun,' says Sean Lade, director of Easy Garden Irrigation. 'The more sunlight, the better the harvest.'

Noting that it is better to wait until springtime to plant beetroot as they don't appreciate the cold weather, Sean adds that you should 'keep them watered and avoid letting them go dry'. 

'A good soaking every 10-14 days should be enough to keep them on track.'

Beetroot growing tips:

To ensure your first purple vegetables thrive, Sean urges you sow seeds shallowly and thinly for best results. 

'Submerge in soil and water well,' he continues, explaining it is best to plant the seeds about an inch deep and two inches apart, and water them regularly once the plants are established, thin them to four inches apart to give the roots room to grow. Once the plants are in their maturing position, mulch the ground to ensure all of the moisture is maintained.'

Where to buy beetroot seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: we particularly rate their Beetroot 'Boltardy' seeds
• Crocus: try the 'Beetroot of Chioggia' seeds for an unusual striped vegetable

2. Cabbage

Regularly counted among the best vegetables generally, it makes sense that cabbages – or brassicas, if you want to get fancy – are some of the best GYO purple vegetables, too.

When to plant:

While it depends on what season you're growing for (there are winter and summer cabbages), Sean notes that cabbage is a 'cool-season vegetable that can be grown in the spring or autumn'. 

'Red (Brassica Oleracea F. Rubra) cabbage seedlings can be planted out into beds at the beginning of April,' he says, adding that 'the colour of the plant varies according to the soil pH levels. 

'In acidic soils, the plant exhibits a red hue, while in alkaline soils, it adopts a blue tint. This intriguing trait serves as an informative indicator, offering insights into the pH levels of your garden soil.'

Tips for growing cabbage:

Sean says you should 'plant the cabbage seeds or seedlings about an inch deep and 18 inches apart, and water the plants well'. They are ready to harvest when the cabbage heads are firm and tight.

Where to buy cabbage seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: try the Cabbage 'Pretino' F1 seeds if you need the  perfect red cabbage for small gardens
• Crocus: you can buy seeds for the Cabbage 'Red Drumhead' if you're looking for a truly reliable crop

3. Purple Sun F1 Hybrid Carrots

Whether you sow them into a traditional vegetable plot, have a bash at chaos gardening, or learn how to grow carrots in containers, the purple version of these beloved root vegetables are incredibly easy to grow.

When to plant: 

'These purple beauties are a great addition to your garden and diet,' promises Sean, suggesting you 'plant the carrot seeds during the spring months, ideally from April to June'. 

'Sow the seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm (½in) in rows spaced 30cm (12") apart, taking time to choose a location in your garden that receives full sun to promote optimal growth and thriving carrots.'

Once you have taken these steps, germination should happen within 10 to 20 days.

Tips for growing purple carrots:

Sean says it's important to make sure the soil is airy and has a nutritious mix to help the carrots thrive. 

'Water regularly, but don't panic and overwater. Your first carrots should be ready to harvest approximately 10 to 14 weeks after the initial sowing – check their readiness by gently removing the soil mix around the base of the leaves and looking for a diameter of at least 2 to 3 cm.'

Where to buy purple carrot seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: try the Carrot 'Cosmic Purple' seeds
• Crocus: shake things up with the Carrot 'Mixed' seeds
  

4. Purple-sprouting broccoli

One of those purple vegetables that gives as good as it gets, purple-sprouting broccoli is extremely hardy and extremely delicious, making it an excellent choice for beginners to the GYO trend.

When to plant:

'Start by sowing the seeds in a well-prepared seedbed between March and June for a flourishing harvest of purple-sprouting broccoli,' says Sean. 

'Plant the seeds at a depth of 13mm (1/2") and space them 30cm (12") apart. Around five weeks later, once the seedlings boast four or five leaves, transplant them to their final positions.'

Tips for growing purple-sprouting broccoli:

'When cultivating purple sprouting broccoli, opt for a sheltered spot with firm, rich, and well-drained soil, basking in full sun,' says Sean. 

'Kickstart the growing season in early spring by enhancing the soil with plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure for improved structure and fertility. Covering them with protective netting or fleece is advised to ward off bird and insect threats.'

Just don't forget to give your plants a good watering after planting for a hearty start!

Where to buy purple-sprouting broccoli:

• Crocus: have a go with the Broccoli 'Claret' F1 (purple sprouting) seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: give us your best Prince impression with the Broccoli 'Purple Rain' F1 Hybrid (Purple Sprouting) seeds

5. Pacific purple asparagus

Why pay extortionate supermarket and restaurant prices for asparagus when you can grow it at home yourself? 

When to plant asparagus:

'Asparagus can be grown from seed or crown,' says Sean. 'Growing from seed requires more time than from crown - adding an extra year onto the 2-year growing process.'

Choose a spot in your garden with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, he goes on to advise. 'Asparagus plants can take a few years to mature, so choosing a permanent location is essential.'

Tips for planting asparagus:

Whether planting in the soil or a raised bed, you should start by removing any weeds and creating a shallow trench about 8 inches deep. 

'Plant the asparagus crowns 18 inches apart in the trench, spreading out the roots and covering them with soil,' says Sean. 

'Water the plants well and keep the soil moist. As the asparagus plants grow, they gradually fill the trench with soil to support the developing stalks. Once the plants are established, they will produce edible shoots for several years. Asparagus can be harvested when the stalks are about 6-8 inches tall.'

Where to buy asparagus seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: mix things up with the Asparagus Collection (Spring Planting) seeds
• Crocus: the Asparagus 'Pacific Purple' seeds are sure to add some drama

FAQs

What is a purple edible vegetable?

'There are all kinds to choose from, such as aubergine, beetroot and purple carrots, blueberries, blackberries, and plums,' says Nelly. 

'You can also consider growing unusual varieties of your favourites, such as the purple tomato 'Indigo Rose,' which are high in antioxidants and add a lovely, unique flavour to salads. '

How can I make a purple vegetable garden?

As well as filling your garden with purple fruits and vegetables, you might want to try a dash of purple companion planting, too.

'Consider making your garden even more eye-catching by pairing with companion plants to help attract pollinators and deter pests,' says Nelly. 

'Lavender or Nepeta will not only add even more purple to your patch, but will also attract bees and butterflies, making it an ideal neighbour for crops such as tomatoes and carrots,' finishes Nelly.

And just like that, we're off to make our own vegetable dreams a reality. Come join us, why don't you?

New year? New garden! And there's a long list of fruit and vegetables to grow in January, so you’ll be spoilt for choice this month.

Sure, it isn’t the peak season for growing your own fruit and vegetables, but adding sowing and planting to your list of jobs to do in the garden in January will reward you with tasty harvests later in the year.

'January is a brilliant time to plan your vegetable garden for the year ahead,' says gardening expert and writer Sarah Raven. 'It's also an ideal time to plant dormant fruit trees.'

Whether you’ll be sowing seeds under cover or learning how to plant bare root trees, we’ve rounded up a list of the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

You'll need to start growing most fruit and vegetables indoors in January before you plant them outside later in the year (that's where a heated propagator comes in handy), but a few can be sown or planted straight into the ground.

If you're on the hunt for the easiest vegetables to grow, or even the best fruit trees for a small garden, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the choice available this month.

Here are the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

1. Swiss chard

We're kicking off our list of the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January with Swiss chard. If you're wondering what to sow in January, you can start these seeds indoors this month.

It's one of Sarah Raven's favourites for an easy grow-your-own garden. 'Swiss chard is a particularly valuable addition to the garden — once it’s established, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it,' she says.

If you're a fan of bringing your home-grown veg into the kitchen, Swiss chard is a brilliant choice — it can be used in salads and various other meals.

'Its versatility makes it perfect for dishes like risottos, stir-fries, gratins, and soups,' Sarah adds.

Where to buy Swiss chard seeds:

• Sarah Raven: Grow the rainbow with these Chard 'Bright Lights' seeds.
• J. Parker's: Sow Swiss Chard 'Ruby Red' seeds under cover this month for classic red stalks.

2. Spring salad leaves

Spring salad leaves? For winter? Genuinely groundbreaking — but these tasty little morsels are among the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

Better yet? You can learn how to grow lettuce and other salad leaves on your kitchen windowsill for easy pickings.

'For a fresh touch, grow cut-and-come-again salad leaves on your windowsill,' says David Glass, head gardener at Bowood House & Gardens. 'It’s an easy way to enjoy homegrown greens throughout the year.'

For the best results, grow salad leaves on a sunny windowsill and keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.

Where to buy spring salad seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A bumper selection of salad seeds.
• Crocus: More than enough varieties of salad leaf seeds to shake a lettuce leaf at.

3. Onions

Keen to learn how to grow onions? You'll be pleased to know that they're considered to be among the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

'Later in the month, plant onion sets directly into the ground, provided the soil is workable,' says David. Alternatively, you can sow onion seeds indoors.

Onions require a long growing season, so starting them now is a great way to get a head start on the gardening year.

Where to buy onion sets and seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of onion seeds.
• Crocus: A selection of onion sets and seeds to choose from.
  

4. Garlic

Now is the perfect time of year to learn how to grow garlic, another bulb vegetable, because they thrive in cooler soil. In fact, a cold snap is exactly what garlic needs to form its cloves.

As long as the ground isn't frozen, you can add garlic to your list of fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

'January is great for planting garlic cloves in well-drained soil,' says Andrew O'Donoghue, co-founder of Gardens Revived.

Where to buy garlic bulbs:

• Sutton: A selection of onion and shallot sets.
• Dobies: More onion and shallot sets to choose from.

5. Broad beans

When it comes to sussing out the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January, you can't go wrong with broad beans.

'Broad beans are very hardy, so they can tolerate this month's colder snaps,' promises Andrew.

If it's especially cold outside, you could cover your sowings with a cloche or grow tunnel from Amazon. This is also a good way of warming the soil prior to sowing.

Or, you could start your seeds indoors. 'Look to plant broad beans in pots in the greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill,' advises David from Bowood House & Gardens.

Where to buy broad bean seeds:

• Suttons: Sow the ever-popular Broad Bean 'Aquadulce Claudia' this month.
• Thompson & Morgan: Plenty more broad bean seeds to browse through.

6. Chillies

Another surprising entry to the list of best fruit and vegetables to grow in January is chillies. It's incredibly fun and rewarding to learn how to grow chillies in pots, and you can sow them indoors this month.

'Sowing chillies as the first seeds of the year is a smart choice for gardeners,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'All you need to do to get started is sow your chilli seeds in a small pot of seed-starting compost and barely cover them.'

There are endless opportunities to grow your chillies on a windowsill, terrace, patio, window box, sunny conservatory, or greenhouse.

Where to buy chilli seeds:

• Sarah Raven: Try Chilli 'Hot Cayenne' for plenty of spicy chillies.
• Crocus: Lots of different chilli seeds, ranging from mild to sizzling.

7. Herbs

Herbs might be the forgotten saviours of most meals, but they truly are a fantastic way to add flavour and colour to any dish. And, thankfully, they're very easy to grow — even in the colder months — so now is the time to start prepping those herb garden ideas.

'Hardy herbs such as parsley, chervil and coriander can also be sown under cover now,' says Sarah Raven. 'Washing parsley seeds in warm water overnight before planting removes the germination inhibitor and speeds up sprouting.'

Where to buy herb seeds:

• Sarah Raven: Lots of different herbs are available, including these Parsley 'Moss Curled' seeds and Coriander 'Leisure' seeds.
• D.T. Brown: Stock up on chervil seeds for January sowing.

8. Peas

Should you give peas a chance when the weather is chilly? Absolutely you should — both Morris and Andrew count them among the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

'Peas can handle a light frost, but for an early start, try sowing them in a greenhouse or under cloches,' says Andrew.

Morris agrees, adding, 'Much like broad beans, starting pea seeds indoors in January allows you to transplant seedlings outside when the weather warms up in the spring.'

Where to buy pea seeds:

• D.T. Brown: Pea 'Meteor' is a great choice for early January sowing.
• Dobies: Pea 'Early Onward' is another tasty early variety.

9. Bare-root fruit trees

As long as the soil isn’t frozen, you can still plant bare root trees in January — which is good news for anyone who dreams about picking their own fruit in the hazy summer sunshine.

'Planting a fruit tree is easy to do, so if you’ve not grown one before, then we’d encourage anyone to have a go — they bring so many benefits,' says Alice Whitehead, communications officer at sustainable gardening charity Garden Organic via The Wildlife Trusts.

'They don’t need to be huge — dwarf varieties are suitable for large pots, or you can even train apple trees to be stepped over on an allotment!'

Where to buy bare root fruit trees:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of bare root fruit trees and fruit bushes, from blackcurrants to pears.
• Crocus: A good selection of bare root fruit, including gooseberries and peaches.

FAQs

What fruit is best to plant in January?

Most fruit trees and bushes can be planted in January, as long as the ground isn't frozen. That means you can go for the easiest fruit trees to grow, like apples, pears and plums, or invest in a raspberry or blueberry plant for tasty pickings throughout summer and autumn.

Gooseberries and currant bushes can also be planted during this dormant season, but you should hold off planting strawberries until spring.

What can I plant in January for spring?

If you're wondering what vegetables to plant in January for spring harvests, there's plenty to choose from.

Peas sown in January should be ready to harvest around May, but if you started them indoors, you'll need to harden them off and plant them outside when the weather is warm enough — usually around March and April.

Salad leaves and herbs sown in January will also be ready to harvest in spring, and even in the weeks before that, if you're growing them indoors or under a cloche.

With so many fruit and vegetables to grow in January, you have more than enough reasons to make 'grow my own food' one of your New Year's resolutions.

Wondering what to sow in January? It might be cold outside, but there's plenty to start now for flowers and harvests as early as spring.

Sowing new plants is one of the most rewarding jobs to do in the garden in January, and thankfully, there's a range of choices when it comes to the best fruit and vegetables to grow in January.

We've rounded up a list of what plants to sow in January to help you get a head start on this year's garden.

What to sow in January

If you’re looking for some winter gardening ideas, learning what plants to sow in January will earn you early spring and summer harvests.

We've asked the experts what to sow in January, from purely decorative options that will grace your garden with pretty blooms to practical ones that will be ready to harvest and cook come spring.

You'll need to start most of these seeds under cover before they're ready to be planted outside when the weather gets warmer. But more on that shortly...

1. Peppers

Peppers are a firm favourite of our gardens editor, Sophie's. They're hugely rewarding and fun to watch grow, and you can start them earlier in the year than many other fruits and vegetables — especially if you own a heated propagator.

'Peppers are perfect seeds for sowing indoors in January and February,' says Hannah Rowson, assistant garden centre manager at J. Parker’s. 'They thrive in warmth, so pop them in a heated propagator or greenhouse for the best results.'

Where to buy pepper seeds:

• J. Parker's: Hannah recommends Hot Chilli Pepper 'Cayenne Long Slim' and Hot Chilli Pepper 'Habanero Limon' for January sowing
• Dobies: Grow chilli pepper 'Basket of Fire' F1 for a profusion of spicy fruits

2. Dahlias

We're talking about the seeds here, not the tubers – so hang fire on learning how to plant dahlia tubers until later in the spring.

Dahlia seeds can be sown in late winter, but you'll need to sow these flowers indoors in January.

'January is the perfect time to start dahlia seeds indoors,' says Hannah. 'Keep them cosy until the frost clears, and move them outside later in the spring.'

If you're wondering when to plant dahlia seeds outdoors, you'll need to wait until the weather is warmer and add it to your list of jobs to do in the garden in May.

Where to buy dahlia seeds:

• J. Parker's: One of Hannah's go-to varieties for bringing a splash of colour to the garden is Dahlia 'Dandy Mix'
• Thompson & Morgan: Grow dahlia 'Starlight Mixed' seeds for open-centred flowers

3. Summer brassicas

Brassicas like cauliflower and summer cabbages also make our list of what plants to sow in January. They can be sown indoors this month for a head start on the growing season.

'Summer cabbage and cauliflower can be sown in pots and kept on a windowsill or in a greenhouse,' says Morris Hankinson, founder of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'They can eventually be potted up, hardened off and transplanted in spring after frosts have passed.'

Consider experimenting with companion planting ideas to keep pests away from your crops.

Where to buy cabbage and cauliflower seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Try the classic cauliflower 'All The Year Round'
• Suttons: Sow cabbage F1 'Mozart' for summer vegetables

4. Broad beans

Just as broad beans are on our list of the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December, they consistently remain one of the easiest vegetables to grow for beginners in January, too. But don't confuse them with runner beans, as the best time to sow runner beans is much later in spring.

'If you're wondering what to sow in January, broad beans can be sown into pots in milder areas of the UK and placed into a cold frame or greenhouse, ready for planting out in early spring,' says Morris.

Where to buy broad bean seeds:

• Growseed: Go for the classic 'Aquadulce Claudia' broad bean seeds
• Suttons: Sow 'The Sutton' broad bean seeds this month for tasty spring harvests

5. Snapdragons

Like dahlias, snapdragons are another flowering plant that can be sown in January for early spring blooms in the garden. You'll need to start them indoors, but when the weather gets warmer, you can plant them outside.

‘Flowering plants such as snapdragons should be sown in well-drained soil,’ says Jack Sutcliffe, gardening expert and co-founder of Power Sheds. ‘Eventually, they can be planted in flower beds, containers, or window boxes. They should be spaced about six to 12 inches apart and should be watered regularly.’

It usually takes between four and six weeks for flowering plants like snapdragons to start blooming.

Where to buy snapdragon seeds:

• Amazon: Stock up on mixed snapdragon seeds
• Suttons: Antirrhinum F1 'Madame Butterfly Mix' seeds produce azalea-like blooms

FAQs

What vegetable is best planted in January?

Besides the vegetables we've already mentioned on our list of what to sow in January, you can plant onions, shallots, leeks and herbs like basil this month.

Salad leaves, chard and summer lettuce can also be started indoors. Just make sure you choose a bright, sunny spot and keep the soil moist (but not soggy) to promote successful germination.

Happy January sowing!

Think December is a quiet time month in the garden? Well, you're not wrong – but if you know what to sow in December, it can be as busy a month as ever for gardeners.

Believe it or not, sowing is one of the top jobs to do in the garden in December. That's because there are plenty of fruit and vegetables to grow in December, and sowing seeds now could reward you with early spring harvests, or even winter pickings if you're lucky.

We've compiled a list of what to sow in December, with sowing tips from gardening experts to help us along the way. Whether you'll be starting the seeds outdoors, in a greenhouse or in a cold frame, there's plenty of choice...

What to sow in December

Sowing seeds in December can seem a little out of place, but some plants are hardy enough to endure the winter frosts. But, of course, picking the right varieties is the key to success here.

'Sowing flower and vegetable seeds in winter can help get a jump start on the growing season, especially in milder climates or in a greenhouse,' says Lynne Lambourne, ambassador for GARDENA.

Wondering what to sow in December, exactly? Here are our top picks.

1. Herbs

Before we take a look at what to sow in December outdoors, we should think about the plants that can grow happily inside during the winter.

Herbs can be grown indoors all year round, and they're an especially great choice if you're a fan of cooking. So, consider starting your very own herb garden indoors this month.

'Make good use of windowsills during winter with a mini herb garden for rosemary, parsley, and sage,' says gardening expert and author Sarah Raven. 'It’s a real treat to have fresh herbs close by for easy picking, especially with all the cooking at Christmas.'

Where to buy herb seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: This Herb Seed Collection includes sweet basil, mint and chives
• Suttons: Try the compact Parsley 'Favorit' for a flavoursome garnish

2. Broad beans

If you're wondering what to sow in December, broad beans are a great place to start. Sowing them now will stand you in good stead for tasty spring harvests.

‘Broad beans are easy to grow and can be planted indoors or outdoors (with a cover) during winter, as they can withstand cool temperatures,’ says Jack Sutcliffe, gardening expert and co-founder of Power Sheds. ‘It’s important to warm up the soil by covering it with polythene before sowing the seeds outside to help germination.'

Wondering which varieties to sow this month? ‘I recommend choosing a hardy variety like 'Aquadulce Claudia' or 'The Sutton', as these cultivars are known for better sustaining the colder temperatures,' says Steve Chilton, garden expert and director at LeisureBench.

'If conditions are mild, you will be able to sow your broad beans directly into the ground, but use cloches or fleece for protection. During particularly harsh winters, sow your broad beans in pots and place them undercover for the best results.’

Where to buy broad bean seeds:

• Growseed: Sow 'Aquadulce Claudia' broad bean seeds this month
• Suttons: 'The Sutton' broad bean seeds are a brilliant choice for December sowing

3. Sweet peas

According to Monty Don, October is the best time to sow sweet peas, but December is still a suitable time to start growing these pretty florals if you haven't yet.

'Sweet peas need to be started early in pots for a strong root system,' says Lynne from GARDENA. 'They will germinate and grow over the winter, encouraging a head start before planting outdoors in spring.'

Steve also recommends learning how to grow sweet peas from seed during December. 'Although sweet peas are a particularly hardy variety, they will still require some protection throughout the winter frost, so ensure you are planting them in cold frames,' he explains.

Where to buy sweet pea seeds:

• Sarah Raven: Grow beautiful blooms with this New Giants Sweet Pea Collection
• Gardening Express: This collection includes six different varieties of sweet pea seeds

4. Winter lettuce

Salad is one of the easiest vegetables to grow all year round, but there is a particularly hardy variety called the 'Winter Gem' lettuce which is very good at withstanding low temperatures. But, even so, they thrive the most in a greenhouse or a cold frame.

‘Lettuce 'Winter Gem' is a hardy variety, so it can be sown in low temperatures throughout December,' says Steve. 'You should ensure these seeds are sown in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame for protection, as frost, rain and snow can stunt their growth.

'For growing in a greenhouse, I recommend sowing the seeds directly into a grow bag and using a sprinkling of fertiliser to ensure optimal growth.’

Where to buy winter gem lettuce seeds:

• Dobies: 'Vailan - Winter Gem' lettuce seeds will produce sweet leaves
• Amazon: JustSeed Economy winter lettuce seeds can be sown this month

5. Spinach and kale

Also known as winter vegetables or winter greens, spinach and kale are hardy leaves that brave the winter temps.

'Spinach is a cold-tolerant leafy green that can withstand winter temperatures, and sowing it in December results in an early spring harvest when the temperatures begin to rise,' explains Petar Ivanov, gardening and plant expert at Fantastic Gardeners.

'Similar to spinach, kale is also a hardy winter vegetable that benefits from December sowing. It's rich in nutrients and can endure colder weather.'

Luckily, learning how to grow kale is pretty straightforward, and you can learn how to grow spinach in a pot in no time.

Where to buy spinach and kale seeds:

• Sarah Raven: If you're wondering what to sow in December, 'Giant Winter' spinach seeds are a trusty option
• Amazon: Mr Fothergill's 'Nero di Toscana' kale seeds are a classic choice for winter sowing and growing

6. Foxgloves

If you're wondering what other flowers you can sow in December, foxgloves are a great choice. You'll need to start them inside, ideally in a propagator where they'll germinate better.

'Foxgloves can be started in winter and will bloom in late spring or early summer,' says Lynne from GARDENA. 'They prefer cooler temperatures and can handle the winter chill, especially when started indoors.'

Where to buy foxglove seeds:

• Crocus: Go for unique white and maroon flowers with Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice' seeds
• J. Parker's: Mixed foxglove seeds in various shades

FAQs

Is it too late to winter sow?

Not if you pick the right seeds. As long as choose varieties which are suitable for winter sowing, they should germinate when sown correctly.

Of course, that doesn't mean all vegetables and flowers have varieties that can be sown in December. But winter lettuce, kale, broad beans and sweet peas are all examples of seeds that can be sown this month if you pick the right varieties. As ever, check the seed packet before buying to make sure.

Most seeds will need to be sown in a greenhouse or cold frame at this time of the year, but hardier vegetables like broad beans can be sown outdoors with a little frost protection if the weather is mild. With some plant covers for winter on-side, your sowings should stay protected.

Is December too late to plant bulbs?

If you're wondering whether you can plant bulbs in December, you might be in luck.

Even though you've missed the main planting window for planting spring bulbs, which is autumn, you can still get them in the ground if it isn't frozen. Just try to get the task pencilled in sooner rather than later to allow the bulbs to establish themselves before spring.

Happy December sowing!

Looking for the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December? Despite the colder weather, there's plenty you can plant now for delicious harvests in 2025.

Whether you're wondering what to sow in December or you're hoping to learn how to plant bare root trees for the first time, this month is your perfect opportunity to start mapping out next year's garden.

'Winter crops can be fully grown in December in milder climates and greenhouses,' says Mark Dwelly, head gardener at Audley Villages. 'These tend to be green vegetables like kale, spinach and leeks – but root-based vegetables like radishes are also robust enough to grow.'

We've rounded up a list of the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December to give you a little grow-your-own inspiration.

The best fruit and vegetables to grow in December

A surprising number of fruit and vegetables can be planted in December.

'If you want to continue gardening throughout the winter season, December is a great time to plant some cold-hardy vegetables perfect for an early harvest next year,' says Claire Hooper, plant area manager at Hillier Garden Centre in Winchester.

With that in mind, then, here's our expert-approved pick of the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December for a bumper winter crop and spring harvests.

1. Garlic

Wondering how to grow garlic? We have excellent news for you: it's incredibly easy and it's one of the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December.

‘Garlic can be planted at any time between the middle of autumn and later in the winter season,' explains Petar Ivanov, gardening expert at Fantastic Services. 'However, it produces the best harvest if it’s planted before Christmas, and traditionally, it’s planted during the shortest day of the year.'

Better yet? A cold snap is just the thing garlic needs to develop.

'Frost splits garlic into cloves, which is another reason it is best to grow them over winter,' says Claire.

'Planting at this time of year allows the cloves to have an extended growing period which can improve its overall quality and taste.'

Where to buy garlic bulbs:

• Suttons: Plant garlic 'Solent Wight' this month
• Sarah Raven: Garlic 'Early Purple Wight' is another popular option

2. Rhubarb crowns

Rhubarb is counted among the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December for a reason – award-winning garden designer Zoe Claymore says now is a great time to learn how to grow rhubarb and plant the crowns (pieces of root with a bud at the top).

'Whilst you should leave them for a growing season or two to establish before you start harvesting, now is the time to put these into your garden,' she explains.

'In future, you will be rewarded with an early spring crop of delicious rhubarb.'

Where to buy rhubarb crowns:

• Thompson & Morgan: Rhubarb 'Goliath' is an excellent choice
• Crocus: A tasty selection of rhubarb crowns

3. Broad beans

'Broad beans are one of the many fantastic vegetables that you can grow in December,' promises Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

Just don't confuse them with when to sow runner beans, which is around April and May-time.

'If conditions are particularly cold, try to sow your broad beans into pre-warmed soil and then cover them with a cloche from Amazon,' Morris continues.

'In more mild temperatures, though, you can sow them directly outdoors!'

Morris adds that the 'Aquadulce Claudia' variety is a 'very hardy broad bean variety, so absolutely perfect for sowing in December'. Consider us sold!

Where to buy broad bean seeds:

• Crocus: A good selection of broad bean seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: Many varieties of broad bean seeds
• Sarah Raven: Plenty more broad bean seeds to choose from

4. Bare-root fruit

Learning to plant bare root trees is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to grow your own fruit, and Zoe says now is the time to get to work – not least of all because the winter rains mean they won't need watering until at least early spring.

'We are in the dormant season, so not only will these trees and shrubs be cheaper, they are more sustainable, too,' she says.

'Bare-rooted plants also tend to be a bit hardier and establish better, so it's a win-win. I’m going to be planting a Malus tree on my plot this December as well as some fruit bushes.'

There's plenty of choice when it comes to buying fruit plants, whether you're looking for the easiest fruit trees to grow or the best fruit trees for a small garden.

Where to buy bare-root fruit trees and bushes:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of bare root fruit and fruit bushes, from blackcurrants to pears
• Crocus: A good selection of bare root fruit, including gooseberries and peaches

5. Winter greens

We're absolutely in winter mode, so it makes sense that winter greens are counted among the best fruit and vegetables to grow in December.

'Now is the perfect time to sow winter greens such as lettuce, mustard greens and corn salad (also called lamb’s lettuce),' says Morris.

'The 'Winter Gem' variety of lettuce is the best to sow in December,' he continues, adding that 'corn salad and 'Winter Gem' lettuce should continue to grow throughout colder weather.'

'Mustard greens may become dormant if the temperature gets too cold,' he adds, 'but don’t worry, because they’ll continue to grow once the cold spell is over.'

Where to buy winter greens:

• Thompson & Morgan: A good selection of lamb's lettuce seeds and 'Winter Gem' lettuce seeds
• Crocus: You can find mustard green seeds and 'Winter Density' lettuce seeds

6. Onions and leeks

As long as you choose the right varieties, December is a brilliant time to learn how to grow onions. You can how to grow leeks this month, too.

'If you want to sow onion and leek seeds in December, it’s best to sow them indoors and keep them on a windowsill with lots of sunshine,' says Morris. 'Once the colder weather has passed, you can then plant your onions into a sunny spot with well-drained soil.'

If you fancy a fun post-Christmas activity, Morris says that onions and leeks are traditionally planted on Boxing Day for the earliest crops and largest prize-winning specimens.

Where to buy onion and leek seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of onion seeds and leek seeds
• Crocus: More onion seeds and leek seeds
• Amazon: A selection of winter onion sets

FAQs

What vegetables grow in winter in the UK?

Wondering what vegetables grow in winter? Well, there's plenty of choice, from garlic and onions to broad beans and winter greens like lettuce and mustard.

Winter cabbages like 'January King' also grow throughout the winter, although those are planted earlier in the year.

What fruit and veg can you grow all year round?

Once planted, fruit trees and bushes can stay put in the garden all year round. Of course, you'll only get harvests during the fruiting months, and the plants enter a dormant phase in the winter, but other than that, they're pretty sturdy residents in the garden.

Herb garden ideas are also fun to experiment with if you want to grow your own food all year round.

'If your space is limited inside, herbs tend to grow easily in small spaces,' says head gardener Mark from Audley Villages. 'Thyme, parsley and rosemary are amongst the less demanding varieties.'

So, there we have it: there are plenty of fruit and vegetables to grow in December!

Time to wrap up warm, then, and get planting: you'll be grateful you put the effort in come spring harvest time...

Looking for the best fruit and vegetables to plant in November? Us, too – and there's a surprisingly wide selection for this time of year.

Whether you're searching for the easiest fruit trees to grow or you're wondering what vegetables grow in winter, planting certain fruit and veg now could reward you with a bumper crop next year.

While it might seem like an odd time to be planting, what with the winter weather on its way, it's actually one of the best jobs to do in the garden in November to set next year's garden in motion.

But what are the best fruit and vegetables to plant in November, exactly?

The best fruit and vegetables to plant in November

People tend to assume that the gardening season is over come November, but nothing could be further from the truth: from learning how to plant a magnolia tree to finally planting out your tulip bulbs, there are plenty of garden jobs best done this month.

Naturally, the same is true of our vegetable beds, so it's a good idea to get acquainted with the best fruit and vegetables to plant in November.

1. Broad beans

First on our list of the best fruit and vegetables to sow in November are a gardener's favourite: broad beans.

'Broad beans are a sure bet for planting in November or December for an early crop next year,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. 'Plant them in cell trays in an unheated greenhouse and plant them out later on, or if you have a well-drained veg patch, plant them straight outside.'

As with other vegetables, certain varieties are better suited to autumn planting. 'Varieties such as Broad Bean 'Autumn Light' can be sown in autumn for an early summer crop, meaning you have two or even three sowings in the year,' says heirloom seed company SheGrowsVeg.

'Help protect the seeds with a fleece or cloche through the colder months. You can harvest the pods once they are full but still small – regular picking will encourage more pods to form.'

Where to buy broad bean seeds:

• Crocus: A hearty selection of broad bean seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: Broad bean seeds aplenty
• Sarah Raven: More broad bean seeds that you can shake a supportive stake at

2. Bare root fruit trees

We've already explained all the reasons why you should plant a fruit tree this autumn, but now we have one more to add to the list: fruit trees are the cream of the crop when it comes to finding the best fruit and vegetables to plant in November.

'Bare root fruit trees are cheaper and more environmentally responsible than potted trees from the garden centre because they don’t need a plastic pot or compost, they demand less water, and they are cheaper to transport,' says Morris.

As well as learning how to plant bare root trees, you'll need to time it right. 'As a general rule of thumb, plant apple trees between November and February when trees are dormant, and avoid planting when the ground is frozen,' says Chi Chi Dunford, head kitchen gardener at Sculpture by the Lakes.

Where to buy bare root fruit trees:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of bare root fruit trees, from pears to apples
• Crocus: A good selection of bare root fruit trees, including blackcurrants and cherries

3. Salad leaves and winter lettuce

Easily one of the easiest and best fruit and vegetables to sow in November is the not-so-humble salad leaf.

'Salad leaves such as lettuce, mizuna, mustard, spinach, lettuce, and rocket can all be sown in pots or trays on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse for a winter crop of young tender leaves a few weeks later,' says Morris.

'You could also grow varieties of lettuce such as ‘Winter Gem’ in pots or in the soil.'

Where to buy salad and winter lettuce seeds:

• Crocus: A multi-pack of winter lettuce seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: A wide selection of salad seeds and 'Brighton' (Winter Butterhead) lettuce seeds
• Sarah Raven: Lettuce 'Best Winter Mix'

4. Blueberry plants

Blueberries are an antioxidant-packed superfood, so you'd best believe we consider them among best fruit and vegetables to sow in November.

'This is one of the best months to sow blueberry plants,' says Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived. 'And they grow well regardless of whether you choose to pop them straight in the ground or in pots.'

If you decide to give these nutrient-dense berries a go, just make sure you treat them to some ericaceous compost and a good watering to help them settle in.

Where to buy blueberry plants:

• Crocus: A good selection of blueberry plants
• Thompson & Morgan: A Staple Blueberry Duo

5. Peas

Not traditionally considered to be one of the best fruit and vegetables to sow in November, Morris also has his eye on some winter pea varieties this year.

'Peas are another candidate for winter planting,' he says. 'When buying your seeds, be sure to choose a ‘first early’ variety though, as these are varieties that have been bred to be hardy over winter and will crop early next year.'

Pea 'Meteor' is a favourite first early variety of Ideal Home's gardens editor, Sophie.

Where to buy pea seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Try Pea 'Meteor' seeds for delicious pickings from March
• Crocus: Pea 'Early Onward' seeds are another popular choice

6. Raspberries

It's definitely time to learn how to grow raspberries, as these little wonders are some of the best fruit and vegetables to sow in November.

'Nothing beats a raspberry picked straight from the cane,' says Christopher. 'And, thankfully, they're very easy to grow, even for total beginners.'

Plant yours between November and March, making sure the soil isn't frozen, for an abundance of juicy fruits next year.

Where to buy raspberry plants:

• Crocus: A wide selection of raspberry plants
• Thompson & Morgan: Another generous offering of raspberry plants

7. Onions and leeks

Planting onions and leeks in your vegetable garden this November is another great way to get an early harvest next year.

'Onion and leek seeds are traditionally planted on Boxing Day for the earliest crops and largest prize-winning specimens,' explains Morris.

'Start them off in pots or multi cell trays in the greenhouse, planting 2-3 seeds in each and thinning them out to leave the strongest plant as they develop. Plant them outside in well prepared soil in spring.'

Where to buy onion and leek seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of onion seeds and leek seeds
• Crocus: A range of onion seeds and sets and leek seeds
• Amazon: A selection of winter onion sets and leek seeds

8. Garlic

Garlic, particularly elephant garlic, is considered to be among the best fruit and vegetables to sow in November.

'Tis the season to plant garlic sets,' says Christopher. 'Grown from cloves, they actually prefer a cold snap or two to get them settled, so it's always a good idea to plant these in late autumn or even early winter – especially as they're a low-fuss, low-maintenance kind of plant!'

Where to buy garlic seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: 'Autumn Lovers' collection of garlic sets
• Suttons: Garlic 'Solent Wight' for autumn planting

9. Rhubarb plants

Rhubarb is synonymous with summer, but Morris assures us that rhubarb plants can be bought in November and December as crowns (pieces of root with a bud at the top).

'This is a great time to plant them, and they should establish and grow well next spring,' he says. 'However, it's best not to harvest any in the first year and just allow them to become well established.'

Where to buy rhubarb crowns:

• Thompson & Morgan: Rhubarb 'Goliath' is an excellent choice
• Crocus: A vibrant selection of rhubarb crowns

FAQs

Is November too late to plant a garden?

Not at all! As the list above demonstrates, there are plenty of fruit and vegetables to plant in November for a garden flourishing with harvests next year.

And it doesn't end with fruit and veg – lots of other plants can be planted in November, whether you're wondering when to plant bulbs for spring or looking for winter flowers that bloom at Christmas.

Is November good for planting?

While it's chillier, and there is always that risk of an early frost, November is considered a great time for planting out hardy vegetables and bare root fruit trees, as it is usually drier than late October.

Just make sure the ground isn't too soggy or frozen over when you get to work.

Hopefully, this bumper list of the best fruit and vegetables to plant in November has inspired you to fill your vegetable patch (or garden borders) with edimentals.

As ever, it's hard work now, but it'll pay off next year when you can tuck into your very own crop of delicious goodies...

October has arrived, and our gardens are slowly winding down for the winter. If you have a vegetable patch, chances are you'll be wondering what you can plant at this time of year – so we thought we'd take a look at the best vegetables to sow in October.

It might be autumn, but there are plenty of jobs to do in the garden in October. And rather than let our vegetable beds and planters fall dormant over the colder months, learning what to plant in October will keep our gardens thriving for a little longer.

We've rounded up a list of the best vegetables to sow in October to keep your green fingers busy this month.

The best vegetables to sow in October

October is a surprisingly busy month for gardeners – from deadheading dahlias to planting daffodil bulbs, there's plenty to be getting on with.

'With a little planning and ingenuity, it's possible to keep the fresh produce coming from your plot by planting right now into the gaps you have created from picking your crops,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.

It's important to note that autumn planting broadly falls into two categories – planting for a crop of fast-growing, tender baby veg to be harvested later the same year, or planting for an overwintered crop that will be ready early next year.

With that in mind, then, here's our pick of the best vegetables to sow in October.

Fast-growing vegetables for early autumn planting

If you're hoping to harvest your vegetables later this year (perhaps, say, in time for Christmas dinner), then these are the veg that you need to get planting:

1. Winter lettuce

Think salad is just for summer? Think again!

Christopher O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived, says that you absolutely can (and quite possibly should, looking at rising food costs!) plant winter lettuce varieties like 'Winter Density' or 'Arctic King' in the autumn.

'These lettuces are hardy and will continue to produce fresh leaves through the winter,' he adds. You can use something like the CHRISTOW Small Grow Tunnel from Amazon to protect them from the worst of the UK's weather.

'Lettuce 'Bronze Beauty' will add wonderful colour to your plate once grown to a good size,' adds heirloom seed company SheGrowsVeg.

Where to buy winter lettuce seeds:

• Crocus: A multi-pack of winter lettuce seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: 'Winter Butterhead' lettuce seeds
• Sarah Raven: 'Best Winter Mix' seeds

2. Winter radishes

Winter radishes are among the best vegetables to sow in October, as 'they will be ready in a matter of weeks,' says Morris.

Christopher, meanwhile, advises you keep an eye out for certain radish varieties, such as 'Black Spanish' or 'Watermelon', which develop a spicy flavour as they grow. They're just as great roasted as they are in salads.

Where to buy radish seeds:

• Crocus: Mixed radish seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: A wide selection of radish seeds
• Sarah Raven: A vast range of radish seeds

3. Winter carrots

We know, we know: you're too busy growing carrots from carrot tops at the moment. Still, it's always worth sowing some seeds, too – especially as carrots are a) excellent companion plants, and b) counted among the easiest vegetables to grow.

'Plant winter carrot varieties like 'Autumn King' or 'Sytan' in late summer or early autumn,' suggests Christopher.

'They can be left in the ground and harvested as needed throughout the winter.'

Where to buy carrot seeds:

• Crocus: Mixed carrot seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: Carrot 'Autumn King 2' seeds
• Sarah Raven: Carrot 'Purple Sun' seeds

4. Kale

Dark leafy greens give us a much needed vitamin boost over the winter months, so it's well worth taking the time to plant some now.

'Kale is a cold-hardy leafy green that thrives in winter,' says Christopher. 'Plant it in the autumn, and you can harvest its leaves throughout the winter months.'

Where to buy kale seeds:

• Crocus: Kale seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of kale seeds
• Sarah Raven: Winter Kale Collection

5. Spinach

Spinach is another fast-growing salad leaf, so it's definitely among the best vegetables to sow in October.

'Look for varieties bred for winter growth, such as 'Winter Gem' or 'Arctic King',' advises Christopher.

'They will provide you with fresh spinach leaves during the colder season.'

Where to buy spinach seeds:

• Crocus: Perpetual spinach seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: A variety of spinach seeds to choose from

6. Cress and alfalfa

Fast growing cress and alfalfa seeds are among the best vegetables to grow in October, even if you don't have any outdoor space! Simply plant them indoors on moist tissue, and cut your crop when it reaches an inch high.

Egg sandwich, anyone?

Where to buy cress seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Cress 'Extra Curled' seeds
• Crocus: Cress 'Common Plain' seeds
• Sarah Raven: Cress 'Curled' seeds

7. Turnips and spring onions

Morris has had some success with sowing turnips and spring onions in his vegetable garden over the early autumn.

'Planting sooner rather than later is certainly the way to go with this option,' he says, noting that 'the aim is to get an extra crop of tender young baby vegetables in double quick time while the weather and (most importantly) the soil is still warm.'

Morris adds that you can extend the season if you are lucky enough to have a greenhouse, cloches or a polytunnel (or even a sheltered south facing border next to a warm wall).

Otherwise, 'sow the seeds directly into the soil, there really is no need to start them in cell trays or pots first at this time of year.'

Where to buy turnip and spring onion seeds:

• Crocus: turnip 'sweetbell' seeds and spring onion seeds
• Thompson & Morgan: turnip 'golden ball' seeds and spring onion seeds

Vegetables for overwintered crops

You can get a head start on next year's harvest now if you start planting these vegetables in October.

1. Broad beans and peas

Broad beans and peas are among the best vegetables to sow in October, according to Monty Don.

'Sow ‘Aquadulce’ broad beans outside for an early harvest next May or June and sow sweet peas in pots and over-winter in a cold frame,' he writes on his popular gardening blog.

Be sure to choose a variety that’s suitable for autumn sowing (the seed packet will tell you this) and plant the seeds in October or November in good soil (not waterlogged). The seedlings will emerge within a few weeks.

Morris adds that these hardy veg 'won’t grow much more until the days start getting a little longer and less cold next spring, but by April they will be flowering and your harvest will be ready at least a month earlier than spring-planted crops'.

Where to buy broad bean and pea seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Pea 'Meteor' seeds
• Crocus: Pea 'Early Onward' seeds
• Sarah Raven: a wide variety of broad bean seeds

2. Onions and shallots

Planting onions and shallots in your vegetable garden this October is another great way to enjoy an early harvest next year.

'Buy them as sets (tiny young bulbs) and plant them any time from now until November,' says Morris, 'and remember to just cover the straw coloured tops so the birds don’t take them!'

If you do so, he adds, you will have a new crop of onions as early as June next year.

Where to buy onion seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of onion seeds
• Crocus: A broad range of onion seeds
• Amazon: A selection of winter onion sets

3. Garlic

How often do you you use garlic when you're cooking? Exactly! Keep vampires at bay and plant garlic sets this autumn, then, as they're one of the best vegetables to sow in October.

They should be ready to harvest in early summer, although you can absolutely pick off a few of the green leaves to use as a garnish or in salads as they're growing.

Where to buy garlic seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: Autumn garlic 'Eden Rose'
• Crocus: French garlic for autumn planting

4. Broccoli and spring cabbages

Can you sow broccoli and spring cabbages in October? Absolutely! Just be sure to keep them netted (it should keep hungry pigeons at bay), give them a good liquid feed after planting, and protect them from slugs at all costs.

You can expect your cabbages to be ready from (as the name suggests) early spring next year, while broccoli plugs will likely be primed for harvesting from May.

Where to buy broccoli and spring cabbage seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of broccoli seeds and Cabbage 'Durham Early' (Spring) seeds
• Crocus: A wide variety of broccoli seeds and spring cabbage seeds

5. Cauliflower

One of the most fashionable vegetables around, the humble cauliflower has been rocketed to cult foodie status, so you'll be pleased to know that they are among the best vegetables to sow in October.

While they have a reputation for being tricky to grow, you should be onto a winner if you sow your cauliflowers indoors and then transplant them after about six weeks, once they have at least four true leaves.

'They should be ready to be transplanted outdoors as soon as their roots fill their module or pot,' adds SheGrowsVeg. 'Cauliflower Romanesco 'Jesi' is a wonderful variety with a unique spiky shape and a deliciously mild, sweet, nutty flavour.'

Where to buy broccoli and spring cabbage seeds:

• Thompson & Morgan: A wide variety of cauliflower seeds
• Crocus: More cauliflower seeds to choose from

FAQs

What vegetables grow in winter in the UK?

A surprising number of vegetables are available in winter hardy varieties which continue growing throughout the winter. Take kale, perpetual spinach and winter cabbages, for example. It's even said that the taste of some winter vegetables, like swede, is improved by frosts. Who said the winter weather can't work for a gardener?

What vegetables should I sow in October?

If you're looking for the best vegetables to sow in October, it's worth considering when you'd like to harvest them. If you want them this winter, stick to fast-growing veg like salad leaves, winter carrots, radishes, turnips, and spring onions.

If you're happy to overwinter your veg, try planting peas, broad beans, broccoli, spring cabbages, garlic sets, and onions ready for the new year ahead.

It is also a good idea to sow green manures, such as crimson clover, to cover bare areas, prevent weeds, and improve the quality of your soil.

So, there's our list of the best vegetables to sow in October. There's plenty to choose from, but which veg will you be growing this winter?

Supermodel Kate Moss, who was practically the face of 90s fashion, is a changed woman now. She left the party girl persona behind along with her big city life in native London and swapped it for a more wholesome, quieter and slower style of living in the Cotswolds. There she focuses on her well-being – physical, mental, and spiritual – and her vegetable patch.

Her Grade II-listed country house comes with a generously sized garden, as one would expect, and Kate takes full advantage of it – both for gardening and moonbathing (a practice of fully exposing oneself to the moon and absorbing its supposed lunar energy). And she is all set to soon be dictating garden trends as she used to set them in fashion. 

In her recent interview with The Times, talking all things life, the model shared some essential garden ideas as she revealed what vegetables she’s currently growing in her vegetable patch – and we’re following suit.  

The vegetables that Kate Moss is growing in her vegetable patch

These days, Kate fully embraces her country lifestyle as she doesn’t only garden but also regularly goes wild swimming. ‘In a secret place, in the middle of lots of fields and only the villagers are allowed to use it,’ she said in her interview.

Kate’s garden influencer era is not all that new though. We’ve already been obsessing over Kate Moss’s gardening tool box. And now we’re all about the vegetables she grows. Incidentally, some of which happen to be the easiest vegetables to grow that are beginner-approved. So even if you’re not a gardening pro, you can safely have a go at these. 

So what are these vegetables that the now green-fingered Kate Moss is growing right now and makes Sunday lunches with for her daughter Lila? Apparently, it’s potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, lettuce, and rocket.

Ideal Home's Content Editor and gardening enthusiast, Kayleigh Dray, approves and says that some of these are the best vegetables to sow in October. Perfect timing!

'If you’re hoping to recreate Kate Moss's vegetable plot in your own garden, you’re in luck: the supermodel has actually picked out some of the easiest vegetables to grow for anyone new at gardening,’ assures Kayleigh.

'Better still, you can actually sow potatoes, onions, garlic and salad leaves over the autumn, too, which means you don't have to wait until next year to get started! You’ll have to wait until next year to harvest your onions and garlic, but you could get a good crop of potatoes ready in time for Christmas dinner if you’re quick – and lettuce and rocket are pretty fast-growing, too!'

So if you want to follow in the It girl’s gardening footsteps, it sounds simple and doable enough. 

What vegetables grow in winter, I hear you ask? Well, there’s probably more on this list than you’d think. And winter is their time to shine.

While it’s super easy to grow vegetables in pots, there’s nothing quite like having a designated vegetable patch in your garden. But when the temperature starts to turn, and the frost begins to form, what are you supposed to do?

Well, many people assume that they need to close their vegetable patches down and wrap their plants up in a warm blanket for winter, but that isn’t the case at all. There are many vegetables that thrive when the temperature plummets - and this produce can last all winter long if you take care of it.

But to ensure you have a bumper crop for your Christmas dinner, we asked our experts to share their best tips and tricks for what veggies to grow in winter.

What vegetables grow in winter

‘There are lots of vegetables you can grow in winter, as long as you work with the light and temperature levels in the UK, not against them,’ says Sam Smith, founder of grow-your-own subscription service Pot Gang. ‘Some plants can withstand harsher conditions, whilst others actually need them in order to thrive.’ 

So, without further ado, here are some of the best vegetables to grow in winter. 

1. Kale

Not only is kale extremely healthy, but it’s also extremely hardy and a great vegetable to add to your veg garden. The plants will grow throughout most of the year and will continue to give you an impressive harvest throughout the tougher winter periods.

But that’s not all. If you have a sweet tooth, growing in the winter is the best option for you, too. The starch molecules in the plant actually convert to sugar molecules when they’re affected by frost, so the vegetable tastes much sweeter - and arguably more delicious - in the winter.

Considering most kale varieties take around 50 to 60 days to mature, you can also sow it well into the autumn months.

2. Broccoli

Sown at the right time, broccoli has the ability to grow throughout winter and well into spring. They generally offer repeated harvest for around two months, giving you the chance to up your fibre and vitamin C intake. 

However, it’s important to note that broccoli is fairly slow-growing and will take around 8 months to mature (meaning spring sowing is essential). They also require a fair amount of space, so it’s probably best to give broccoli plants their own designated section of your vegetable patch. 

3. Parsnips

When searching for the best vegetables to grow over winter, it’s best to opt for cool-season growers - and parsnips are one of them. When you have these things on tap, they’ll be a perfect addition to your roast dinners or hearty winter soups.

As they are a relatively slow-growing crop, parsnips are best sown in spring for a winter yield. But when they’re in the ground, there’s not much you need to do in terms of care.

Parsnips tend to keep to their own devices, but they do require free-draining soil to grow their best. 

4. Beetroot

Although beetroot is a very wintery vegetable, many home growers tend to stick to supermarket-bought beetroot during the colder months due to the complicated nature of growing beetroot at home. However, it can be sewn outside right up to the end of August.

Ideally, beetroot should be left in-ground under the cover of a polytunnel during the winter period to keep it safe from frozen ground and frost. There is a hack for that, though. 

‘No polytunnel? No problem. Recreate the environment with cloches or fleece,’ says Chauntelle Lewis, AKA The Barefoot Planter. By doing this, you should be able to store your beetroot in the ground for a healthy winter harvest. 

5. Brussels sprouts

You probably don’t need me to tell you that Brussels sprouts are synonymous with the winter. No Christmas dinner would be complete without a sprout or two on your plate - whether you like them or not. 

But instead of buying them from the supermarket, why don’t you grow them yourself? Brussels sprouts are great contenders for overwintering, and the stalks are fairly hardy. The only downside is that they are fairly slow-growing. 

Despite this, Brussels sprouts often benefit from cold temperatures, with many claiming that exposure to frost can actually improve the flavour and make them taste sweeter. 

6. Leeks

Part of the onion family, leeks really come out of their shell during the winter months. And if you have leeks in the ground right now, you may have found that they’re already reaching maturity. However, they will continue to grow throughout winter if you don’t want to harvest them just yet. 

If haven’t added leeks to your winter veg patch just yet, though, we’re sad to say that you’ve missed the boat. It’s best to wait until March or April to sow them. This way, they will have time to establish themselves for a bumper winter crop.

Plus, leeks can survive the frost, so you can leave them to their own devices during this cooler period. 

7. Cabbage

No winter roast dinner would be complete without cabbage, and you’ll be happy to know that it’s very easy to grow your own cabbage at home. 

While cabbage can grow all year round, it’s best to sow in late spring for a winter harvest. And they can even stand in place for a few months if you don’t need them straight away. Be warned that cabbages do require a little maintenance, though.

Not only do they take up a lot of space and therefore need a larger area in your veg patch, but young cabbages can also be vulnerable to frost. Although they can handle a light frost, you might need to invest in a row cover if temperatures drop to the extreme. 

8. Garlic and shallots

Part of the allium genus, shallots, and garlic are from the same family. And if you’re a fan of either of these two veggies, you’ll be happy to know that they thrive in winter. In fact, they couldn’t grow without these cold conditions.

‘Rather than just surviving winter, garlic, elephant garlic and shallots actually need a period of cold in order to properly form,’ explains Sam from Pot Gang. ‘You plant them as individual cloves or ‘sets’, which then divide up underground into bulbs through winter, so get planting them around October/November.’

But if you don’t have space in your veg patch for garlic bulbs, check out how to grow garlic in pots instead. 

9. Carrots

Carrots are a popular root vegetable for veggie lovers and gardeners alike, largely because they’re easy to grow in containers. And as long as they’re sown before late August, you should be able to harvest carrots all year round - even in the winter. 

In fact, carrots are the best vegetables to sow in August. They prefer to grow in a cooler environment. But while they can be a welcome addition to any winter vegetable patch, just make sure that you give them a little TLC to protect them from unwelcome frost. 

You can do this by covering with a row cover - such as this JYCRA Plant Antifreeze Cloth from Amazon - or adding a layer of straw or cardboard to the ground during the winter months.

FAQs

Trying to suss out the best vegetables to sow in August? While it may seem as if it's time to put your GYO garden ideas into hibernation, nothing could be further from the truth – especially if you're smart about it.

For some of us, this might look like planting the last of our rooted strawberry plants. For others, it might be a case of pruning out fruited summer raspberry canes and tying in new ones.

And, for those of us who throw ourselves wholeheartedly into any and all garden trends, August is the perfect time to try our hand at some tasty new edimentals.

The best vegetables to sow in August

There is plenty to do in your garden this month, including learning how to take geranium cuttings (as well as fuchsia and hydrangea cuttings), how to prune wisteria, and when to cut back buddleja.

Don't, however, neglect your vegetable plot. 'There are so many sowing options in August for gardeners, if they only know where to look,' says Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived.

'They just need to make sure that the vegetables they're sowing are frost-hardy, as autumn can sometimes send an early cold snap our way – and, if this year has shown us anything, it's that we can't rely on good weather!' 

With that in mind, then, here's our pick of the best vegetables to sow in August.

You are very welcome.

1. Salad leaves

Fancy tucking into some autumnal salads when that inevitable Indian summer rolls around in a few months? You're in luck; when it comes to jobs to do in the garden in August, it's prime time for sowing hardy salad leaves.

'Sow hardy salad crops such as ‘Rouge d’hiver’ and ‘Winter Density’ lettuce and Corn Salad, Rocket, Land Cress, Purslane, Mizuna and Mibuna now for harvesting in October and November,' suggests Monty Don, writing in his popular blog.

Mustard Greens and Swiss Chard are also excellent options for this time of year. And if the temperature dips, don't worry: all 10 varieties of the aforementioned salad leaves can be protected with cloches or cold frames. Our personal pick is this purse-friendly grow tunnel from Amazon, if you're wondering.

Where to buy salad seeds:
Crocus: a wide range of salad leaf seeds
Thompson & Morgan: mixed and single type seeds
Sarah Raven: lettuce and salad leaf seeds

2. Radishes

Continuing our salad theme, don't make the mistake of thinking radish season is over, as they're actually one of the best vegetables to sow in August

'Radishes are quick to mature and can be planted in August for a harvest before the colder weather sets in,' promises Christopher.

Where to buy radish seeds:
Crocus: mixed radish seeds
Thompson & Morgan: a wide selection of radish seeds
Sarah Raven: a vast range of radish seeds

3. Carrots and turnips

Whether you grow carrots in containers or in the ground, you can sow your last batch of them (and your turnips) now. Because, as they are counted among the easiest vegetables to grow, you can sow fast-maturing varieties in August for a late fall harvest.

Remember, though, that they 'need around six hours of sunlight each day,' says Christopher. So it might be worth skipping this one if you're in one of the cooler, darker regions of the UK.

Where to buy carrot and turnip seeds:
Crocus: mixed carrot seeds and turnip 'sweetbell' seeds
Thompson & Morgan: autumn carrot seeds and turnip 'golden ball' seeds
Sarah Raven: carrot 'purple sun' seeds 

4. Sorrel, chicory and fennel

As per the advice laid out by the Royal Horticultural Society, you can still sow quick maturing salad crops such as sorrel, chicory and fennel in August. And, as some of the prettiest edimentals going, they're guaranteed to keep your vegetable plot looking its best.

Where to buy sorrel, chicory, and fennel seeds:
Crocus: sorrel seedsand fennel seeds
Thompson & Morgan: a wide variety of sorrel seeds, chicory seeds and fennel seeds
Sarah Raven: sorrel seeds, chicory seeds and fennel seeds

5. Kale and spinach

Dark leafy greens give us a much needed vitamin boost over the winter months, so it's well worth taking the time to plant some now.

'Fast-growing and cold-hardy, spinach can be sown for a late fall or early winter harvest,' says Christopher. 

Kale, too, is one of the best vegetables to sow in August so will will thrive in your garden over the next month or so if you plant some now. 

Where to buy kale and spinach seeds:
Crocus: kale seeds and spinach seeds
Thompson & Morgan: a wide variety of kale seeds and spinach seeds
Sarah Raven: the winter kale collection and spinach 'giant winter' seeds

6. Peas

Some peas, often referred to as 'second cropping' peas, can be sown in August for a late-season harvest. Just be sure to look for a quick-growing variety, such as Douce Provence or Meteor. 

Where to buy pea seeds:
Thompson & Morgan: Pea 'Douce Provence' seeds and Pea 'Meteor' seeds

7 Spring onions and Oriental vegetables

'You can sow spring onions in August for a late-season crop that can be harvested through the fall and early winter,' says Christopher, noting that Pak Choi and Chop Suey greens will also likely thrive if you set to work and plant them now.

We don't know about you, but we can't stop humming 'cauliflowers fluffy and cabbages green' under our breath. Time to gear up for Harvest Festival season, we think...

Where to buy spring onion and Oriental vegetable seeds:
Crocus: 'North Holland Blood Red' spring onion seeds
Thompson & Morgan: a wide variety of spring onion seedsand Pak Choi seeds
Sarah Raven: Stir Fry Autumn/Winter seed collection

'Which are the easiest vegetables to grow?'

If you, like so many others, have 'grow your own food' on your list of must-try garden ideas, it's time to stop worrying that you don't have the gardening skills to make all of your edimental dreams a reality. Right now.

While some cook's garden ideas are admittedly a little more advanced, there are actually plenty of beginner-friendly vegetables out there. Which means you can live out all your farmcore dreams even if you're not Monty Don himself.

The easiest vegetables to grow

So, are you ready to give one of the hottest garden trends out there a go? Of course you are!

Here's our list of the very easiest vegetables to grow, so that you're guaranteed a low maintenance crop and a bumper harvest...

1. Carrots

Whether you sow them into a traditional vegetable plot, have a bash at chaos gardening, or learn how to grow carrots in containers, these root vegetables are incredibly easy to grow.

'Sow carrot seed (such as Johnsons Chantenay Red Cored 2 Carrot Seeds)sparingly in drills on a regular basis, and you should have carrots all year round,' says Andrew O'Donoghue, one of the co-directors at Gardens Revived. 

These vegetables are drought-resistant and pretty self-sufficient, although you'll want to keep an eye on weeds – and consider covering them with horticultural fleece to protect them from carrot root fly, if you're not companion planting.

All being well, they should be ready about 12–16 weeks after sowing. 'Just be sure to thin them out every 3-4 weeks to give the plants enough space to develop their roots,' adds Andrew.

2. Lettuce

Not sure how to grow lettuce? Again, they are quick and easy to grow, even if you only have a balcony or garden border to spare. Simply sow them in fertile soil in a warm and sunny spot, water them well, and harvest the leaves regularly to keep a steady supply.

'Lettuce grows pretty quickly and it's a great continuous source of fresh greens,' says Nick Wood at GardeningExpress.co.uk

'Just be sure to protect your seedlings and young plants from slugs and snails.'

3. Radishes

 Radishes are another fast growing and low maintenance vegetable.

'They can be grown in the ground or a container,' says Andrew, 'and require little maintenance other than watering and checking so often for signs of pests or diseases.'

'This peppery salad vegetable can be harvested in as little as three weeks,' adds Nick. Just be sure to keep the soil consistently moist to ensure rapid, even growth.

4. Green beans

'Beans are fairly hardy and can be grown as bush beans or pole beans,' says Nick.

Whether you opt to grow one of its more compact fast-cropping dwarf varieties in pots, or train a classic specimen to climb up high above your plot, just be sure to keep yours well watered, especially once it starts flowering.

More importantly? Get ready for a lot of picking.

5. Tomatoes

I know, I know: these are technically a fruit but, let's face it, we all treat them like a vegetable. And, once you learn how to grow tomatoes in pots (and figure out how easy it is to do so!), there will be no looking back.

'Tomatoes require some more maintenance but are a popular choice with many beginners,' says Nick. 'Cherry tomatoes tend to be easier to manage.'

6. Courgettes

If you thought cucumbers were easy to grow, courgettes are even easier – largely because they don't need a frame, instead growing along the ground like a pumpkin.

'These tasty vegetables can be grown in fertile soil,' says Nick, 'but just be sure to water them frequently.'

Andrew, meanwhile, is a big fan of courgettes – although he warns that they may get bigger than you might expect.

'Always plant them 90cm apart,' he says. 'The dimensions of the courgette plant tend to expand and take up a lot of space!'

7. Spinach

Like so many leafy greens, spinach is a great low maintenance vegetable and tends to be pretty hardy. And, if you time it well, you can plant them outside in batches every few weeks, so you have a steady supply throughout the season.

Even better? It is one of those vegetables that grow in shade, making it ideal for those without a sunny backyard.

8. Peppers

Whether you are looking to grow a glut of bell peppers, or trying to figure out how to grow chillis in pots, peppers are definitely a beginner gardener's friend.

'Just be sure to keep them in a warm and sunny spot,' says Nick.

9. Peas

While it's best to opt for 'shelling peas' or 'English peas', peas are very easy: simply plant them in well-draining soil and give them plenty to drink.

'Peas can tolerate cooler weather, and even partial shade. Just be sure to provide them with support; bamboo canes should work fine,' says Nick.

Is anyone else suddenly struck by the urge to grow their own vegetables...?

Are you on the hunt for some seriously pretty vegetables to plant in your flower beds? You aren't alone: the buzzword for the summer is 'edimentals', which means – yes, you guessed it – plants that are both edible and ornamental.

One of our favourite garden ideas around, the concept is simple enough: gardens don't just have to be beautiful, they can be functional, too. Which, when you consider the fact that so many of us have jumped aboard all of the grow your own garden trends during this ongoing cost-of-living crisis, is no small thing.

Jon Davies of Wild City Studio, who created The Balance Garden for the Centre for Mental Health at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, made sure to incorporate some seriously pretty vegetables (and vegetables that grow in shade, no less) into his design.

'We wanted to showcase that there's a different way of gardening,' he tells us at Ideal Home. 

To achieve this, Jon adds, 'we planted some fantastic perennial edimentals [that] you can just cut and harvest again and again.

'They're always going to be here.'

Edimentals to plant in your flower beds

Of course, growing edimentals isn't exactly a new concept. As Dan Ryan, parks and garden manager for The Gatton Trust points out, 'they were growing beautiful vegetables in mixed beds long before the days of Instagram.'

'Look up the French potager style of garden,' he adds meaningfully, referring to the traditional jardin de curé's romantic, informal style that allows vegetables, fruit, flowers, and herbs to coexist.

With that in mind, then, here are some of the prettiest vegetables to add to your list of garden border ideas.

1. Nasturtiums

'A popular edimental favourite are Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) because of their versatile peppery flavour, says Chris Francis, director of Hillier Garden Centre. 

'They are one of the quickest and easiest annuals to grow and come in a variety of shades, from a light yellow to a vibrant orange and a dark crimson. The Nasturtium Firebird mix are perfect to add a striking pop of colour to a hanging basket or the Milkmaid variety provide a more neutral palette. 

'Every part of the plant can be eaten, the flowers are the ideal salad addition, and the leaves can replace basil in a traditional pesto recipe.'

2. Swiss chard

Swiss chard is, on paper, known as a leafy green. In reality, though, their showy stems come in a bold and beautiful spectrum of colours, from candy pink to cherry red. What a brilliant way to add some colour to your vegetable plot, eh?

3. Globe artichokes

'Globe artichokes can be both costly and difficult to find in some supermarkets, so growing your own can be not only cost-effective but also a decorative addition to a kitchen garden,' says Chris. 

'Their eye-catching buds are mainly free from all pests and contain antioxidants and probiotics that can protect the liver, gut, and cardiovascular systems. 

'These perennials have flexible uses and are great as a pizza topping, in pasta dishes or paired with a meat dish.'

4. Chicory

Whoever knew that chicory was quite so beautiful? With blue flowers on graceful stalks, this edimental's slightly bitter leaves are packed with nutrients: cook them up as a green vegetable, or use them in salads.

5. Garlic chives

'If you’re looking for an all-round herb that can elevate almost any dish, garlic chives are a great choice,' says Chris. 

'Ideal for border planting or growing in small containers, the herb is easy to look after and results in a pretty, star shaped bloom. 

'Garlic chives are excellent additions to salads, stews, fish, or meat dishes and can be eaten raw or stir fried.'

6. Aubergines

Aubergines, particularly those that yield smaller fruits, are becoming increasingly popular to grow in the UK. 

Fair warning, though, as these pretty vegetables (which come in all sorts of colours, as an FYI) need lots of warmth and sun to crop successfully. Treat them as you would a particularly delicate tomato, an you'll see yourself in good stead.

7. Kalettes

'Popular and nutritious, Kalettes are both a winter-hardy favourite and a source of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants,' says Chris. 

'They produce attractive rosettes with pretty, frilly edges and are ideal for growing in firm ground and well-draining, heavy soil. 

'This edimental combines the best characteristics of kale and Brussel sprouts to create a sweet and nutty taste for stir fries and salads.'

8. French beans

French beans are surprisingly beautiful, whether you opt to grow one of its more compact fast-cropping dwarf varieties in pots, or train a classic specimen to climb up high above your plot. Just be sure to keep yours well watered, especially once it starts flowering, and get ready for a lot of picking.

9. Hosta 'Patriot'

'Many gardeners are surprised to learn that Hosta ‘Patriot’ are not only edible but truly delicious,' promises Chris. 

'This hardy perennial is ideal for under-planting in shady areas, and it produces attractive green leaves with bold white margins and lovely lavender flowers in the summer. 

'Hosta’s new shoots can be harvested and cooked in the same way as asparagus and have a similar flavour just a tad more bitter.'

A few other edimentals to consider:

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It might also, then, be worth considering the following edimentals when it comes to sketching out your cook's garden ideas:

• Yarrow
• Rosemary
• Society garlic
• Chives
• Apples
• Crab apples
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Beets
• Brassica
• Sage
• Salsify
• Carrots

Whatever you decide, remember to commit. After all, 'with the current cost of living crisis and increased concerns about food security, growing your own edible plants is the perfect way to reduce your supermarket bill and ensure a regular supply of herbs or vegetables are just a few feet away from your kitchen,' says Chris. 

'Edimental plants are both a source of nutrition and visually appealing, making them the perfect garden additions to create a productive yet beautiful landscape.'

Gardening experts weigh in on this front garden idea gaining more popularity recently – and it's a garden trend that we think is perfectly in line with the onset of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show currently ongoing as we speak: a front garden vegetable patch.

If you have a small garden that lacks the space or sunlight to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs at home, rest assured that it's not all doom and gloom because sometimes all you need is to switch things up – and it's as simple as taking your green thumb to the front garden instead.