Grow Your Own Blog
5 unusual veg to grow in the UK
02nd May 2024
Lucy Hutchings from heirloom seed supplier She Grows Veg shares her top unusual veg to grow in the UK so you can add something a little different to your…Read More
5 gardening activities for children
04th April 2024
Have you got little ones at home, or are you looking after youngsters during the Easter holidays? There’s a huge amount of enjoyment to be had outside on the veg plot if you’re young and…Read More
Beginner’s Guide To Peas
25th March 2024
Peas are beneficial plants that definitely deserve a place on your plot. They are members of the legume family, with roots that fix nitrogen from the air and transfer it into the soil. This veg is not…Read More
The ultimate guide to sowing seeds
07th March 2024
Everything you need to know to achieve germination success
For many gardeners, nothing is more exciting than the first glimpse of brand new seedlings poking through the surface…Read More
Jobs for the plot for February
15th February 2024
Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, reveals five key jobs for your plot this month
As spring slowly approaches,…Read More
Gardening terms, explained
08th February 2024
Confused by horticultural terms and techniques? Our easy guide will help you get the most from your plot
If you are new to gardening, the terminology can be a bit confusing!…Read More
Make your own newspaper pots
08th February 2024
Save money and get your seedlings off to a good start with this wonderful upcycling method
The sowing season is starting up in anticipation for spring and what better…Read More
Best Christmas gifts for gardeners
14th December 2023
In need of a last-minute Christmas gift for the gardener in your life? We’ve rounded up some of our favourites…
Gardening Caddy Bag
Homegrown Christmas Decorations And Gifts You’ll Love
27th November 2023
When you talk about incorporating homegrown elements into Christmas, we automatically think of Christmas dinner – and understandably so – but there is so much more you can bring in from the outside…Read More
How To Make Your Own Compost
20th November 2023
Composting not only gives your plants a healthy medium in which to grow, it is also an environmentally-friendly way to deal with garden and kitchen waste. It doesn’t matter when you take on your plot,…Read More
Revamp Your Garden On A Budget
13th November 2023
Putting time and research into what you want from your garden in the coming year can help you to achieve the outdoor space of your dreams, on a manageable budget. There are plenty of great products…Read More
Smart Ways To Winter-Proof Your Garden
06th November 2023
Autumn and winter can elicit a wide range of feelings and emotions in us gardeners. Perhaps you’re feeling sad that the best part of the growing year is now over, or proud of your achievements on…Read More
How To Keep Your Garden Soil Healthy
30th October 2023
Soil is a key focus for us growers all year round, but especially as the season comes to an end. It’s important to replenish the ground so that your plot is ready and raring to go come spring. So,…Read More
Create An Orchard In Pots
23rd October 2023
If you have limited outdoor space, or perhaps don’t want to commit to putting a tree in the ground long-term, fear not! You don’t actually need a large space, or in fact, any space in beds at all,…Read More
5 Of The Best Pumpkins And Squash To Grow
16th October 2023
This season is associated with carved Jack O’Lantern pumpkins and spooky goings on, but here are some alternative gourd varieties to try, says GYO’s Laura Hillier
Always an impressive plant…Read More
7 Ways To Cook Butternut Squash
09th October 2023
Butternut squash are ready to harvest from September and October onwards – make the most of your autumnal crop with our delicious recipe ideas
1 Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Onions
From Allotment Grower to Career Changer
14th September 2023
After moving out of London to Maidenhead 10 years ago, Steve Wrelton had a decent sized garden for the first time, and that was when he started to get interested in gardening. He said, “I built some…Read More
Italian Brassicas and Herbs
07th September 2023
Apprentices at RHS Garden Bridgewater get their own vegetable plot to design, sow seeds and plant up as well as maintaining the plot throughout their time at Bridgewater.
Students are…Read More
Your Guide to Weeding
20th July 2023
Weeding is an almost year-round job on the veg plot – with spring and summer being the key months – and can end up being quite time consuming, too, if particularly invasive weeds take control. However,…Read More
Pest Prevention
18th July 2023
The idea of adding even more bugs to your growing space may seem odd, but many gardeners are beginning to discover the power of using biocontrols against pests that damage plants every year. Install…Read More
Top Tomatoes
13th July 2023
Afavourite with growers and cooks alike, tomatoes are an incredibly versatile crop. Thanks to the many different types now available, you can grow them in any space. There are also a range of colours,…Read More
Problem Pests
11th July 2023
Ask any veg-grower what the most frustrating part of gardening is, and we’d wager that garden pests are pretty high up on the list. When you’ve spent all winter waiting to get back outside,…Read More
How To Grow Strawberries
08th July 2023
A sought after crop, it is well worth growing strawberries at home to enjoy the greatest flavour – far superior to what you can buy at the supermarket. It is relatively easy to cultivate this plant,…Read More
Herb Growing for Beginners: Thyme
04th July 2023
Thyme is a perennial, aromatic herb that boasts a wonderful savoury flavour. Its taste makes a perfect match for many different dishes, making it a brilliant herb to grow in your garden or even on a…Read More
Keep Your Greenhouse Healthy
30th June 2023
Greenhouses are a saviour in our unpredictable weather, but they don’t come without their own issues. Here we take a look at some of the best ways to keep your glass-raised crops happy and healthy.
…Read More
Your Guide to Growing Sustainably
27th June 2023
When creating your growing space, it is worth keeping in mind the environmental impact of some of the practises we commonly use. Growing healthy fruit and veg for you and your family is hugely positive,…Read More
Growing in the Shade
24th June 2023
Finding an ideal place for your crops to grow can be a struggle in built- up areas – limited space where high levels of sunlight aren’t always available is a common problem, and many plants need…Read More
Create a Biodiverse Garden
21st June 2023
Biodiversity in the garden means encouraging all manner of natural life into your space, using natural predators to battle pests and encouraging the natural circle of life to take place. This has many…Read More
Beat Pests the Eco Way
17th June 2023
We all understand that garden pests are an important part of a healthy, biodiverse gardening space – but that doesn’t mean we want them eating all of our crops! Thankfully, there are plenty of ways…Read More
Double Your Harvests
15th June 2023
We all know what it’s like - you’ve sown your seeds, planted them out, watched the seedlings wiggle out of the ground, and when it’s time to harvest… you thought there’d be more brassicas,…Read More
Chickens for Small Spaces
09th June 2023
Taking care of chickens is a very rewarding venture, allowing you to enjoy fresh eggs and the companionship of feathered friends. Maintaining a beautiful garden and keeping poultry is not particularly…Read More
Your Complete Guide to Back Garden Growing
07th June 2023
Growing vegetables in pots is a great method for many gardeners. It means that even if you only have a small garden to grow in, you can still enjoy cultivating a wide variety of crops. You will also…Read More
Grow Like a Pro: Melons
02nd June 2023
Native to central Asia and typically grown in warm climes around the world, most gardeners will tell you that melons must be grown in a greenhouse. However, with the correct care, a hot, humid atmosphere…Read More
A Beginner’s Guide to French Beans
01st June 2023
If you’re looking for a reliable edible that can be grown in small space, then consider French beans this season. They can be sown from April through to July and there are a variety of colours available…Read More
Pest Focus: Flea Beetle
31st May 2023
If you have noticed tiny black beetles crawling over your brassica plants this month then flea beetle could be the cause. These tiny bugs are around 3mm long, and, true to the name, jump off affected…Read More
Love Your Weeds!
30th May 2023
Dealing with weeds on the plot is a never ending battle for many growers. Here at Grow Your Own we often offer advice on how, when and why to deal with weeds because a persistent weed problem can harm…Read More
Step-by-step: radishes
26th May 2023
Learn how to grow and make the most of these reliable roots in the kitchen garden and spice up summer salads!
Scour the shelves of your local supermarket for salad and you might be led to believe…Read More
Disease focus: apple sawfly
24th May 2023
This month, your apple trees may come under fire from these small, winged insects. As the blossoms begin to open, they will lay their eggs at the base of the flowers in preparation to feed on the eventual…Read More
Grow like a pro: plums
22nd May 2023
These fruits are easy to grow, prolific croppers and are sweet and juicy – all excellent reasons for you to plant a plum tree this spring!
The plum has experienced a recent revival in popularity…Read More
Urban Gardening for Beginners
18th May 2023
If you think you can’t grow your own because you don’t own an allotment or large garden, think again. Many city- dwellers are reaping the benefits of home- grown produce in their small spaces. Before…Read More
Common plant problems… and how to avoid them
16th May 2023
My seedlings are floppy… and covered in mould!
Ever heard of damping off? It sounds like yet another gardening technique, but this is a problem that affects young seedlings.…Read More
Grow like a pro: grapes
15th May 2023
Grown on vines of lush, maple-like leaves, these sweet or tart-tasting green, yellow or maroon fruits are produced in heavy bunches that can be crushed and made into wine, juices and jams. The clusters…Read More
How To Grow Chives
10th May 2023
If you’re looking for a herb with a multitude of uses in the kitchen, then look no further than chives. The long, thin leaves pack a massive flavour punch and can be sprinkled over, or mixed into…Read More
Garden Kit for Growers on a Budget
08th May 2023
There’s plenty of kit you can make yourself – it’s good for the planet and your budget!
Fertilisers
As with compost, making your own plant food is a great way to…Read More
Top Budget Gardening Tips
05th May 2023
Want to create a stunning outdoor space while working on a budget? Follow GYO’s handy tips for a picture-perfect plot
Start from the beginning
Grow edibles and flowers…Read More
6 Top Asparagus Tips
04th May 2023
If you are looking to grow this culinary treat, here are some things you should know…
1) As asparagus will be in the same site on your plot for many years, it is really important to do…Read More
5 ways to get the most out of your polytunnel
22nd March 2023
If you’re looking for polytunnel growing tips, you’ve come to the right place. Northern Polytunnels…Read More
Best of British: 4 gardening products you’ll love this year
23rd January 2023
With spring moving closer and closer, it’s a great time to start thinking about what equipment you’ll be using in 2023 to boost your gardening game. To get you in good stead for this year’s…Read More
A beginner’s guide to crop rotation
12th January 2023
Some annual vegetables benefit from being grown in a different area year to year. This is because different crops take varying nutrients from the soil, and these can become depleted in your…Read More
Improve your soil and watch your garden thrive with enriched biochar
09th January 2023
Have you ever looked at your garden and thought, “My soil could be better”? If so, you’re not alone. Many gardeners struggle to achieve the perfect balance of nutrients in…Read More
GIVEAWAY - Christmas with Grow Your Own
05th December 2022
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Win a Gardening Gift Set with 7 goodies for growing your…Read More
How to water more efficiently with Harvst
01st December 2022
With summers getting hotter by the year and droughts occurring more in the UK, it’s more important than ever to review how you use water in the garden and on the allotment. By reducing water…Read More
Keeping hedgehogs safe on Bonfire Night
03rd November 2022
Bonfire Night is the next seasonal event on the agenda, and for gardeners and non-gardeners alike, it’s the perfect way to spend time connecting with others outdoors. It’s the epitome of…Read More
5 Garden Essentials for Autumn
21st October 2022
There’s a chill in the air and golden-hued leaves are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean the growing season is over. Extend the life of your crops, maximise autumn harvests and keep growing…Read More
How to achieve the best water butt setup with Freeflush
07th October 2022
There has never been a better time to consider a water butt! With rising utility prices and drought bans becoming a regular occurrence, it makes perfect sense to collect precious rainwater and…Read More
Give hot composting a try, with HOTBIN
14th September 2022
If you are looking for a fast and efficient way to compost, hot composting is a great solution.
Hot composting bins use aerobic composting methods that are designed to heat up to high temperatures,…Read More
Why you should switch to organic and peat-free gardening with Natural Grower
06th September 2022
More and more people are growing organically and peat-free, whether it is to produce fruit and vegetables or to grow flowers. So, why is organic and peat-free gardening better for you and for…Read More
Rhino Greenhouses explain why you should grow in a greenhouse
19th August 2022
Have you been thinking about buying a greenhouse? Are you wondering what’s in it for you and your plants? Here, Rhino Greenhouses share their…Read More
5 reasons to start growing in raised beds with EverEdge
12th August 2022
Raised beds are a more popular addition to the kitchen garden than ever, and for good reason: they’re attractive, can be tailored to your crops’ needs, and can even extend your growing season.…Read More
5 reasons to buy a polytunnel this season with Polycrub
29th July 2022
Under cover structures can be a real game-changer on the plot, and polytunnels are an ever-popular choice. But why buy a polytunnel? You might be wanting to grow fruit and veg for longer than…Read More
How to safely keep wasps away from your food while eating outside
10th June 2022
Ever find yourself wondering how to get rid of wasps? At this time of year, many of us will be wanting to enjoy a summery meal outdoors, under the sun – but how do you stop wasps from ruining…Read More
#SunflowerChallenge2022: Top tips for growing sunflowers
19th May 2022
Sunflowers are the lifeblood of summer, loved by growers all over the world. There’s nothing quite like seeing the sunny heads bloom! Twitter’s Sunflower Challenge 2022 has been sweeping…Read More
Top tips for growing geraniums between summer and autumn
16th May 2022
Keep your geraniums looking as beautiful as they are in summer with Pelargonium for Europe’s expert advice for growing them on into autumn.…Read More
9 tips to help UK hedgehogs as the British Hedgehog Preservation Society celebrate their 40th birthday
30th April 2022
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) have been dedicated to raising awareness for the safety and security of UK hedgehogs since…Read More
How to create a bucolic garden inspired by Bridgerton
25th March 2022
As Bridgerton season 2 kicks off, Crown Pavilions’ Luke Dejehang is on hand with expert tips and inspiration for the most stylish garden of the…Read More
Knowles Nets’ top tips for sustainable gardening
04th February 2022
Take your sustainable gardening game to the next level with these super tips from Knowle Nets.
1. Take an eco-friendly approach…Read More
Knowle Nets shares 5 top tips for protecting your crops during the winter months
10th December 2021
Although the end of the year has been milder than many, there’s proper winter weather on the horizon for us all. Thoughts are turning to the best way to protect our gardens from frost damage…Read More
PlantGrow and #growwithgyo: Autumn advice from Brigitte Girling
22nd November 2021
This month, we’re taking advice from Brigitte Girling (@mossandstonefloraldesign on Instagram) on gardening in autumn. In this beautiful passage, Brigitte outlines the best ways to make the…Read More
Giant 758lb pumpkin grown using Nutrigrow showcased at Chelsea Flower Show
29th October 2021
A giant 758lb pumpkin grown in just 80 days has been showcased in the Great Pavilion at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. The pumpkin attracted a lot of attention at event, even from the likes…Read More
Get ready for winter mulching with PlantGrow and #growwithgyo
28th October 2021
We love looking through all the wonderful photos our readers share through social media. Following the release of GYO’s December issue, we’re reflecting on how to make the most…Read More
Ken Muir Recommends Top Container Fruit Trees for Growing Your Own Mini Potted Orchard
07th September 2021
If you have limited outdoor space, or perhaps don’t want to commit to putting a tree in the ground long-term, fear not! You don’t actually need a large space, or in fact, any space in beds…Read More
WhatShed.co.uk’s interactive map helps locate poisonous giant hogweed hotspots after man suffers third-degree burns from plant
02nd September 2021
WhatShed.co.uk, a UK review site for sheds, outbuildings and gardening, has launched a live map revealing the locations of the toxic plant Heracleum mantegazzianum, more commonly known as giant…Read More
How to save bees this summer
13th August 2021
Pollinators are absolutely crucial to a healthy, functional eco-system. They pollinate our plants, encouraging new growth and the new life. However, they’re under threat in the UK - so…Read More
Jane Perrone’s 10 tips for new growers
23rd June 2021
If you’re new to growing and you’re looking for some tips to get you started, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve teamed up with esteemed gardening journalist Jane Perrone, who writes…Read More
Save the bees this summer
16th June 2021
Bees work very, very hard for us in gardens, on allotments and on farms. These tiny insects pollinate all manner of plants and - guess what - they don’t cost a penny. That’s despite the…Read More
PlantGrow confident they can “replace peat products” by 2024
28th May 2021
The recent announcement that peat-based composts will be banned for gardeners to purchase, come 2024, has left UK growers looking for alternatives. Growing brand, PlantGrow are confident that…Read More
Get your garden guest-ready with Chris Beardshaw’s top tips
20th May 2021
With lots of outdoor - and some indoor - socialising made legal again in the UK, many of us are considering how best to entertain in our gardens. Do things need smartening up in the garden?…Read More
Peat compost banned in new ‘England Peat Action Plan’
19th May 2021
The growing pressure on gardeners to adopt peat-free composts has been ramped up to new levels - with the government banning all sales peat-based composts to gardeners from 2024. Ministers are…Read More
Frances Tophill: Improve your garden’s biodiversity
29th April 2021
Sowing and growing your own crops isn’t solely about the tasty harvest you get at the end, it’s also an opportunity to step away from screens and stress and get closer to nature. But, to…Read More
Soil improvement and growing with PlantGrow
23rd April 2021
Having healthy soil is essential for any grower. There are multiple ways to regenerate your soil, to bolster its nutritional profile and to grow amazing crops. We heard from the experts at PlantGrow…Read More
Why you should be using coffee grounds in the garden
22nd April 2021
Coffee and gardening. Unless you’re drinking a cup in the potting shed it’s an unusual combination, but the link goes much further than that. If you’re a coffee enthusiast with green fingers,…Read More
Jekka McVicar Q&A: Your herb questions answered
21st April 2021
Herb expert, Jekka McVicar is perhaps best known for her role as Jamie Oliver’s “Queen of Herbs” where she won over viewers with her expertise and down-to-earth style. Jekka’s achievements…Read More
Get children growing: Mark Lane’s top tips
20th April 2021
It’s not always easy to get children interested in gardening. Until they’ve had their first real successes - and tasted their own homegrown crops - it can be an uphill battle . Thankfully,…Read More
Five tips for an eco-friendly garden
31st March 2021
Each and every one of our gardens is a little piece of nature, so it’s important that we do our bit to make a positive impact, to encourage natural biodiversity and to maintain a healthy ecosystem.…Read More
Does the UK need a Minister for Horticulture?
15th March 2021
Horticulture is a hugely important industry in the UK - and not just because so many of you have taken up gardening during lockdown! The industry is worth billions to the UK economy and now…Read More
RHS Hilltop - New state of the art labs will combat climate change
05th March 2021
Today the RHS announced that it will be opening “the UK’s first dedicated gardening science hub” in June, at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey. The hub will be surrounded by four acres…Read More
Expert advice: Finding the “perfect balance” for your compost heap
01st March 2021
Compost is crucial in every garden, whether you use traditional or no dig techniques. This extract from Nicky Scott’s newly released book ‘How to Make and Use Compost’ offers…Read More
Get involved! #growithgyo
25th February 2021
We’ve loved discussing the progress our readers are making on their plots. We’ve asked plenty of questions online, via social media and on our forum ‘The Grapevine’. As usual, readers…Read More
Learn gardening skills online for free
16th February 2021
We’ve curated some of the most helpful tools to help you learn gardening skills online for free.
Interest in gardening skyrocketed across the UK during 2020 and into 2021.…Read More
How to introduce your child to farming and growing
15th February 2021
Life on the farm and around the plot can be great fun for youngsters, especially when they don’t have to carry out the most demanding jobs. But playing with the animals? Tending to some of the plants?…Read More
Gardening jobs in the February vegetable garden
03rd February 2021
Jo Jo Yee shares the gardening jobs that she’ll be getting done in her vegetable garden during February
February is an exciting time of year, when the activity…Read More
Vital vegetables to boost your immune system
29th January 2021
There’s plenty of talk about how to supercharge your immune system during any winter, but - with a global pandemic still running rampant - immunity is a hotter topic than ever. Thankfully, nature…Read More
The Must-see Gardens in the National Arboretum in Australia
25th January 2021
Australia’s National Arboretum has some of the finest gardens in the world. They’d make an idyllic post-lockdown holiday, so why not bag yourself a visa and experience them yourself?
…Read More
Winter gardening to boost your wellbeing
26th November 2020
Any experienced grower will tell you about the physical and mental transformations that occur when tending to plants in the garden or allotment. In fact, research earlier this year by Squire’s Garden…Read More
Chillies galore! The varieties you need to try to add heat to your dishes
20th November 2020
Sea Spring Seeds sells almost 100 chilli varieties, and we produce the seeds of about 80 of them on our nursery in West Dorset. We’ve been building…Read More
Gardening inspiration from social media star Karen Baron!
23rd October 2020
Catch-up on our social media takeover with Karen Baron (aka Wellies and Waffles) here!
For #takeoverthursday, we handed our social…Read More
How to grow in a greenhouse over winter
21st October 2020
Can’t bring yourself to down tools and stop gardening over the colder months? Here’s five things to bear in mind that will ensure successful winter greenhouse gardening!
…Read More
Getting the garden ready for autumn
09th October 2020
The poet John Keats referred to autumn as the “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” and we couldn’t agree more. The harvest season might be mellowing but it has not stopped…Read More
