Grow Your Own Blog
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
Easy garden favourites
16th September 2020
Want to grow fruit and veg but not sure where to get started? Check out our easy garden favourites growing guides!
Here at Grow Your Own, we want to make gardening as…Read More
Five of the best summer essentials
10th August 2020
We are a nation of garden lovers, which means our gardens deserve some TLC from time to time. However, sometimes working out what gear, gadgets and accessories to purchase can be confusing and at times,…Read More
Growing advice from social media star Ingrid grows and eats!
30th July 2020
Catch-up on our social media takeoever with Ingrid (aka Ingrid grows and eats) here!
On Tuesday 28th July, we…Read More
Last chance to visit The Grow Show
25th June 2020
It’s been an incredible month thanks to our thriving online hub: The Grow Show. But, all good things must come to an end! And, with under…Read More
Your essential allotment rulebook
22nd June 2020
Give some consideration to the allotment with this essential allotment rulebook - your crops will thank you!
Making the decision to cultivate crops on an allotment for the first…Read More
Top 5: Garden pests and how to avoid them
19th June 2020
You’ve worked hard getting your seeds sown, they’ve germinated, you’ve potted them on and perhaps moved them outdoors now. Everything is going to plan, when ‘BAM!’ - an infestation…Read More
5 tips for decorating an outdoor space
04th June 2020
Our yards, gardens and flowerbeds are precious spaces that take time to create and grow. The pleasure one can get out of these outdoor spaces is infinite and having an area where you can relax to enjoy…Read More
How can you get the best from strawberries? Our GYO community is on hand to help
20th April 2020
Strawberries are a real crowd-pleaser – and if they’re freshly-picked ones, all the more so. As soon as those warm summer months hit, we get a craving for popping nature’s delicious red…Read More
First year growing potatoes? Here is what our readers think you need to know to get started
09th April 2020
Potatoes can be enjoyed in myriad ways in the kitchen; when it comes to versatility, it really doesn’t get much better than the humble spud. So if you’re looking for a crop that offers high…Read More
Forage like a pro with these five golden rules
07th April 2020
First time foraging? Here are five things to keep in mind and the kit you’ll need to get started
Plant finding and identification is a skill that takes patience and…Read More
New to gardening? Here’s what our readers want you to know
03rd April 2020
If this is your first year growing your own, let our growing community give some advice from their experience
“I’ve sowed carrots in flinty soil before, they all came up…Read More
How to stop joint pain getting in the way of your gardening
03rd April 2020
Don’t let joint pain stop you in your tracks!
The prospect of self-isolating can be a daunting one to some, but new research has revealed that happiness can be found at the…Read More
9 hidden gems of the gardening Instagram world that you should be following
01st April 2020
GYO deputy editor Blake reveals the Insta accounts that he’s taking inspiration from this spring
More time at home is meaning more time on Instagram – or perhaps…Read More
How gardening is great in challenging circumstances
31st March 2020
A recent article published in GQ magazine revealed that the British racing car driver, Max Chilton, gardens to keep…Read More
Alan Titchmarsh: My advice to first-timers in the garden
26th March 2020
Think back to when you were taking those tentative initial steps onto your allotment plot or turning over the dirt for the first time in your newly acquired garden. You probably had that warm,…Read More
Growing advice from social media star Joe Harrison!
25th March 2020
Missed our social media takeover with Grow With Joe? Don’t panic! You can catch-up here
On Tuesday 24th March, self-confessed gardening addict, garden writer and social…Read More
5 easy ways to stay connected to the gardening community during self-isolation
17th March 2020
As the coronavirus outbreak continues, many people are being asked to self-isolate for extended periods. For some, especially the social butterflies amongst us, this may seem quite daunting and like…Read More
How to get into the spirit of The Chelsea Flower Show 2020
04th March 2020
How to get into the spirit of the Chelsea Flower Show 2020
The Chelsea Flower Show 2020 is still a little while off but it won’t be long before the fragrant florals, daring…Read More
A beginner’s guide to moon gardening
18th February 2020
Before we begin – no, we’re not talking about growing fruit and vegetables on the moon! Even though this is a serious subject, moon gardening is about growing in accordance with the path of…Read More
Join #growwithgyo, in partnership with the RHS
31st January 2020
If you haven’t already signed up, now is the perfect time to join our nationwide grow-along #growwithgyo, which we are running in partnership with the RHS. Each month we will be sharing the top…Read More
Keeping hens and mental health
27th January 2020
We speak to Rachel Bull (aka @thegoodlifeainteasy) and experts from the British Hen Welfare Trust about why keeping…Read More
What to think about before purchasing a greenhouse
23rd December 2019
Ultimately, the purchasing of a greenhouse is not for the grower, but for your plants and crops. Although, we can’t deny that there’s nothing…Read More
Garden vs compost worms
19th December 2019
We help to decipher the difference between garden worms and compost worms
Any keen gardener will tell you that worms play an important part in keeping your garden healthy. Not…Read More
Behind the scenes: Will Young
04th December 2019
The popstar-turned-gardener tells Blake Roberts his unconventional tomato growing advice and how being in the garden eases his anxiety
“I’ve become quite…Read More
The reasons why you need worms in your garden
30th October 2019
Worms - are they really that important? We find out!
Put down your shovels and spades and listen up as the most important workers of the soil are worms! Scientific research…Read More
How to become a city gardener
09th October 2019
Get a slice of the good life, even if you live in a built-up urban area
As growing your own continues to gain popularity, space in which to grow is at a premium, with large waiting…Read More
5 of the best pumpkin varieties
01st October 2019
Discover some of the fascinating varieties of pumpkins on show during October
Large, orange pumpkins, carved with strange faces are traditionally associated with October and…Read More
Why you should let your garden run wild
25th September 2019
We explore the pros and cons of wild gardening
Just as music and fashion adapts to culture and society, as does gardening. The style of gardens we see today vary drastically…Read More
The essential guide to artificial grass
30th August 2019
Spend all of your time growing fruits and vegetables, so you’ve got no time for your lawn? Learn why you should get artificial grass
Do you care about how you’d…Read More
How to harvest fruits and vegetables
28th August 2019
When the time comes around, harvesting your fresh fruit and vegetables is one of, if not the best, thing about growing your own. It’s not just the phenomenal taste of homegrown produce that makes…Read More
National Allotments Week 12-18 August 2019
22nd August 2019
Forgot to celebrate National Allotments Week? Catch-up on these posts all about allotments from some of our favourite Instagram stars
Each year, the National Allotment…Read More
How polytunnels support crop growth all year round
13th August 2019
There are people up and down the country looking to use the garden as a route towards self-sustainability. The growing and planting of crops ensures a regular supply of healthy food, which is both organic…Read More
Beat the heat in your greenhouse with Bayliss Autovents
29th July 2019
Discover how Bayliss Autovents can help to keep greenhouse temperatures under control
It’s important that gardeners regulate the temperature inside their greenhouse during…Read More
The top 6 gardens to visit this summer
26th July 2019
Struggling to think of which gardens to visit to make the most of summer? Take inspiration from our top picks below!
THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN, CORNWALL
…Read More
Container growing with EverEdge
17th July 2019
Find out how to grow crops in containers to maximise space
Growing your own has come back into fashion in recent years ever since it has become more recognised as a means of…Read More
The hidden harvests you didn’t know your crops offer
16th July 2019
Discover the lesser-known pickings you can get from your plot
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Many of us grow fruit and veg for their traditional yields that can be used in many dishes.…Read More
20 crops to sow in July
02nd July 2019
July is a month of barbecues and bountiful harvests. New crops are ripening every day to leave our kitchen tables wobbling under their weight. Autumn can be just as abundant. Sow these 20 veg…Read More
How to grow a summer salad
27th June 2019
Learn how to grow a summer salad in one pot!
You can’t beat the flavours of a fresh salad – crisp lettuce, partnered with cooling cucumber and juicy tomatoes. Lettuce,…Read More
Growing advice from social media star Ellen Mary
26th June 2019
Re-live our takeover with social media star Ellen Mary for #worldwellbeingweek
On Tuesday 25th June, vegan gardener, radio show host, TV presenter, and social media whiz Ellen…Read More
Herb growing for beginners: chives
05th June 2019
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
Top Tips for Choosing the Right Garden Building
05th June 2019
There are a number of considerations to be made when choosing the right garden building to help you make sure it is going to be fit for purpose and fulfil it’s potential. If you make the right decisions,…Read More
The RHS 5 best plants for pollinators
30th May 2019
Discover the 5 best plants to attract pollinators to visit your plot this summer
Bees and other pollinating insects are vitally important, and it’s thanks to them that we…Read More
BBC’s Mark Lane: Gardening changed my life
29th May 2019
Blake Roberts speaks to the TV presenter about how he’s using his experiences to help others, the daunting prospect of working with Monty Don and his favourite fruit to grow
…Read More
WIN GREAT GARDEN PRIZES!
27th May 2019
Give your garden a boost with this great selection of goodies! For your chance to win, simple cast your votes in the Great British Growing Awards…Read More
6 herbs to grow this summer
14th May 2019
On the hunt for herbs to grow this summer? Find out Herbal Haven’s top 6
As far as the popular herbs are concerned, the old rhyme Scarborough Fair ‘parsley, sage, rosemary…Read More
Growing Community
08th May 2019
How community edible gardens can help you to make friends and build networks
Community-led growing projects are a great way of getting to know the neighbours, especially if…Read More
10 reasons why gardening rocks
25th April 2019
We take a look at the reasons why we should all keep on gardening
Now that the weather is starting to get warmer (we hope!) and the evenings are lighter, the green-fingered among…Read More
Growing advice from social media star Kirsty Ward
17th April 2019
Catch up on our takeover with Instagrammer My Little Allotment
On Tuesday 16th March, social media star Kirsty Ward (AKA My Little Allotment) took over Grow You Own’s social…Read More
The Great British Growing Awards 2019 and why you should vote
04th April 2019
Make sure your favourite wins at this year’s awards
The Oscars of the gardening world are back and they’re bigger than ever. Over the past few months, Grow Your…Read More
April’s Jobs on the Plot
03rd April 2019
This month is filled with longer days, complete with rays of spring sunshine, as well as the occasional April shower. Take joy in sowing seeds, as it is a bumper time for gardeners when varieties of…Read More
GBBO’s Jane Beedle: Venturing into garden design
28th March 2019
Former Great British Bake Off finalist and garden designer, Jane Beedle talks growing, cooking and turning your passions into your career
Jane Beedle rose to the challenge of…Read More
Growing advice from social media star Michael Perry
27th March 2019
Catch up on our takeover with Mr Plant Geek
On Tuesday 26th March, social media star Michael Perry (aka Mr Plant Geek) took over Grow You Own’s social media
Herb growing for beginners: fennel
25th March 2019
If you enjoy cooking up a range of fish dishes then fennel would make the perfect addition to your garden or allotment. With its aniseed flavour, the leaves of this perennial plant will add a wonderful…Read More
How to grow super strawberries
22nd March 2019
There is nothing quite like a sun-warmed strawberry, plucked fresh from your own garden. And the good news is, they are really simple to grow. A summer favourite for many gardeners, strawberries bring…Read More
Your complete guide to successful seed sowing
21st March 2019
Sowing seeds is a practice that many keen growers use in order to enjoy healthy, productive crops. There are other options available, including buying in young plug plants and mature edibles that will…Read More
The health-boosting benefits of horticulture
19th March 2019
David Domoney delves deeper into how growing your own is beneficial for more than just your fitness
If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ll have noticed that incredible…Read More
The Instagram accounts every gardener should be following
12th March 2019
We round-up the green-fingered folk who are bringing horticulture into the social media age
Photos of delicious fruit and vegetable harvests, endless inspiration and tips from…Read More
5 influential women in the world of horticulture
08th March 2019
Take a moment to celebrate 5 influential women in the world of horticulture on International Women’s Day
On March 8th, women are being celebrated across the world for International…Read More
5 top fruits to make tasty compote and how to grow them
01st March 2019
Learn which fruits are best to make fruit compote and how to grow them
It’s National Fruit Compote day! Fruit compote is a simple sauce made from pieces…Read More
Growing advice from Instagram star ‘mrsbeesgarden’
27th February 2019
Take a look at our social media takeover with ‘mrsbeesgarden’
On Tuesday 26th February, Debbie aka mrsbeesgarden…Read More
6 winter herbs to fill your food with flavour
25th February 2019
Continue to enjoy these aromatic harvests even during the colder months of the year with GYO’s tips
The winter season can see little green foliage visible in your veg patch,…Read More
Why you should add a greenhouse to your garden
19th February 2019
Discover the abundant benefits a greenhouse can bring to your plot
Visit a garden this spring and you might come across one of these glorious glass-windowed structures. Step…Read More
5 celebrities you’d never guess love gardening
18th February 2019
Take a break from the plot and discover which celebs love to get stuck in to gardening, too.
Oprah Winfrey
Queen of talk shows, queen of the media……Read More
Valentine’s day gifts for the special gardener in your life
11th February 2019
Spoil the gardener you love with this selection of fantastic garden-themed gifts
Tis’ the season of love! If you’re stuck for ideas this Valentine’s day, then…Read More
From seed to harvest: How to grow tasty carrots
01st February 2019
Follow our simple advice for producing bigger and better carrots
Carrots are a classic addition to any veg plot. They’re easy to grow, and will reward you with sweet and…Read More
Enjoy a FREE guide to simple step-by-step to peas
30th January 2019
This month, we’re providing a FREE download from our March issue to give you a glimpse of what Grow Your Own magazine has to offer! Here you’ll find a fantastically simple step-by-step project to…Read More
Strapped for time? Try growing these 5 speedy crops
28th January 2019
Discover which veg you can sow and harvest in a short period of time
Sometimes when growing crops it can seem like an age has passed between sowing and harvesting, as with many…Read More
How to protect your plot from the cold this winter
23rd January 2019
Defy the cold and keep your crops safe from the season’s cold and windy weather
It’s true that the winter can put us off spending time gardening on our plots, but…Read More
5 simple ways to cut down on your garden plastic usage
11th January 2019
Make your plot more eco-friendly by moving to plastic-free gardening
Many growers are becoming more conscious of the impact of plastics on the environment. Cutting down your…Read More
How to look after wildlife in your garden this winter
09th January 2019
Read our 4 simple steps on how to provide the best help to garden-visitors this winter
We all struggle in winter, but so do our garden-visiting friends. Whereas some animals…Read More
