Compost, fertilisers and even turf may all contain plastic elements. Slow-release fertilisers can contain plastic (Alamy/PA) For many gardeners, the plastic elements used in horticulture are obvious – black plastic pots and seed trays, artificial grass and some membranes, to name but a few. But what about the hidden plastics in your garden, the microplastics we don’t really consider which might eventually leach into our soil? And how can we ditch them? So, where are the hidde

Keep on top of things as summer continues. There is still work to do in the garden in July (Alamy/PA) July may seem the month where all your hard work pays off and you can finally sit and admire your garden. Flowers will be in full bloom, some fruit and veg are ready to harvest and patios will be looking their best. But don’t let things slide – because some jobs just won’t wait. 1. Keep watering (Alamy/PA) July is often dry, so it’s important to keep on top of watering. If yo

Compost, fertilisers and even turf may all contain plastic elements. Slow-release fertilisers can contain plastic (Alamy/PA) For many gardeners, the plastic elements used in horticulture are obvious – black plastic pots and seed trays, artificial grass and some membranes, to name but a few. But what about the hidden plastics in your garden, the microplastics we don’t really consider which might eventually leach into our soil? And how can we ditch them? So, where are the hidde

Water butts, solar-powered irrigation and mists can all help. The Hozelock Solar Select automatic irrigation system is perfect for when you go away (Hozelock/PA) After an extremely dry spring in some parts, gardeners may now be heading for their hosepipes to try to keep their beloved flowering plants, fruit and vegetables happy. We may choose to plant drought-tolerant plants, although they are still likely to need watering-in until established, and use mulch to cover the grou

Think organised with a loose hand, says an expert. A small cottage garden (Alamy/PA) The vision of a cottage garden may be one of a countryside scene in a rural retreat like the Cotswolds, with clouds of peonies, roses, lupins, delphiniums and all other manner of classic blooms wafting in the summer sun. “When we think of cottage gardens we do often think of small spaces which are quite heavily planted but with a loose hand,” says writer and gardener Joff Elphick, whose new b

Leaf through some of this season’s finest offerings. (Timber Press/Cool Springs Press/Frances Lincoln/PA) As the weather starts to close in, if you’ve finished raking the leaves, cutting your hedge, and weeding and mulching your borders, put your feet up with an autumn gardening book to offer inspiration for the seasons ahead. Whether you’re looking for terrific planting combinations, some mouth-watering recipes utilising your own home-grown produce, or creating a vintage par

Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives us his top tips for growing our national flower....

Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives us his top tips for beautiful gardens. (Roger...

As summer bedding wanes, plant up some autumn pots. (Dobbies Garden Centres/PA) If your summer pots are starting to look tired as plants...

Whether you’re revamping your bathroom or giving your garden a summer glow-up, Multi Choice Tiles has the quality products and expert...

Change your pots, trays and other accessories for plastic-free versions. Make sustainable swaps when it comes to your gardening tools...

Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives us his top tips for growing hedges. (Pugh's...

Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives us his top tips for growing beautiful roses. ...

Tableware, outdoor lighting and cushions to create a welcoming space. By Sam Wylie-Harris. The best outdoor decor for summer hosting...

Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives us all the tips and tricks to help bees thrive....

For nearly 40 years, GreenThumb has been leading the way in lawn care innovation, helping homeowners create lush, green spaces that are...

Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives you all the tips and tricks to make your garden...

Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives you all the tips and tricks to make your garden...

Light, soil and what you want from your outdoor space are all important, says an expert. Now is the perfect time to think about any...

Max Freeman-Mills breaks down the technology behind robotic lawnmowers. If you’re tired of mowing and trimming your lawn all the time,...