Grow Your Own Blog
Wormy cherries: what caused it and how can I save this year’s crop?
02nd June 2026
Q: Why did my cherries rot with little worms last year and what can I do to save them this year?
A: Spotted wing drosophila, a tiny fruit fly native to east…Read More
Gooseberries shredded by caterpillars – will they recover?
27th May 2026
These are more likely to be gooseberry sawfly larvae than caterpillars and although the plants will be weakened they usually recover. The sawfly may well return. Three species of sawfly can be involved…Read More
Nature’s secrets to success
23rd May 2026
While many edible gardeners focus on fruit and veg, there are plenty of reasons why flowers deserve their own place on the plot
Flowers may seem to just be a decorative feature in a productive…Read More
Under cover
13th May 2026
Get the best from your greenhouse and polytunnel this month and reap the rewards later
This month we may feel the urge to make the most of the increasing possibilities outdoors…Read More
Create a Chelsea Flower Show-inspired garden
06th May 2026
We take a look at the elements of this inspiring show you can utilise in your own
home space
Obviously, the stunning Chelsea Flower Show gardens offer inspiration in abundance,…Read More
Spring soil care
29th April 2026
The foundation of a successful season, now is a great time to give your earth some TLC
As winter fades and days begin to lengthen, spring is the perfect time to give your garden…Read More
Potting on plants
23rd April 2026
If you are unsure when or how to move your crops on to new pots, we’re here with
the answers!
It’s not always obvious when a plant is quietly asking for a little more…Read More
Ready, set, sow – outdoors!
17th April 2026
Opportunity expands in the garden this month, with sowing now being made directly into the soil – here’s what you need to know
Making outdoor sowings of fruit and veg in spring is one of…Read More
Rekha Mistry: Chilli peppers
08th April 2026
Rekha is taking a closer look at this fiery fruit with a global legacy
In the 15th century, thanks to the voyages of Christopher Columbus, a fiery little fruit made its…Read More
HOW TO GROW: Spinach
01st April 2026
Healthy, delicious, versatile – and, easy to grow! There’s lots to love about this humble little leaf
Spinach is an excellent vegetable for dependable harvests all year round,…Read More
Welcome to the Greener Skills garden at RHS Wisley
25th March 2026
RHS horticultural engagement manager, Lewis George, introduces us to the wonderful Greener Skills project
Officially opened in October 2025, the Greener Skills garden at RHS Garden Wisley is…Read More
How to grow: Beetroot
18th March 2026
Packed with goodness and tasty, too, we share our must-know tips on growing beetroot
Far away from the bottled and pickled varieties you find in the supermarket, beetroot is…Read More
Signs of spring in the garden: Mark Lane tackles weeds, seed beds and a lawn rethink
11th March 2026
Mark Lane is soaking up all the signs of new life in his garden, and is overhauling a section of lawn
I’m already starting to see new life in my new garden. February’s cold chills…Read More
Plan Your Perfect Plot with VegPlotter - The Smart Way to Garden!
11th December 2025
*Sponsored content*
Dreaming of an abundant vegetable patch but feeling overwhelmed by planting dates, crop rotation, and spacing? Meet VegPlotter, the revolutionary garden planning tool that…Read More
Christmas Gifts for Gardeners
04th December 2025
Stuck for what to buy a green fingered friend or family member? Don’t despair! We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Christmas gifts for gardeners below…
Homegrown Christmas decorations and gifts you’ll love
01st December 2025
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
A beginner’s guide to crop rotation
26th November 2025
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
How to take cuttings of your plants
11th November 2025
Boost your green collection in a pocket-friendly way in autumn, and learn how to take cuttings of plants
Propagating plants from your own cuttings is a fantastic project,…Read More
How to overwinter broad beans
04th November 2025
Get to get started with this gardener’s favourite in October and November? We’ve got you covered with our handy guide on how to overwinter broad beans
Broad beans…Read More
How to grow wasabi
08th October 2025
Add this fiery root to your growing repertoire for big, flavour-packed returns
Wasabi (otherwise known as Japanese horseradish) is a fantastic choice for growers looking…Read More
September Planting Guide: Bulbs for the Kitchen and Garden
17th September 2025
September is the perfect month to get bulbs in the ground, both kitchen staples and flowers. Here’s how to do it.
Onions and garlic are allotment essentials in the autumn…Read More
How to deal with wasps in your garden
14th August 2025
Are wasps causing a problem in your garden? These pollinators can be aggressive to gardeners and have a tendency to feast on harvests, so it’s important to keep yourself as well as your edibles…Read More
How to keep your plants watered in summer
12th July 2025
As we enjoy the warm, sunny weather, it’s important to keep up with your garden’s irrigation needs – here’s how to enjoy happy plants, in a stress-free way
All being…Read More
Bee-friendly flowers to attract pollinators
02nd July 2025
Create a buzz by planting flowers to attract pollinators and bees to your garden
We’ve all seen the news stories over the last few years about declining insect numbers,…Read More
How to grow catch up crops
02nd July 2025
Rely on the power of speedy veg this year – they can ensure you have a productive season, even if you’re only starting this month!
For gardeners who have started the…Read More
How to Deal with Garden Pests and Diseases
26th June 2025
We put some common garden pests and diseases under the microscope and learn how to deal with them.
It can sometimes feel like you have to battle on many different fronts…Read More
Your guide to plant feeds
26th June 2025
Nurture your soil and learn the conditions your crops love – you’ll enjoy healthy harvests and happy plants year after year.
Even if you’ve prepared your soil perfectly…Read More
How to Grow Melons in the UK
15th May 2025
Think it’s impossible to grow melons outside in the UK? Think again! We reveal how to produce these sweet and fleshy fruits in your own backyard with ease.
Native…Read More
5 of the best carrot varieties to grow
15th May 2025
Keen to add carrots to your plot? Here are some of the best varieties to grow…
Carrots are often what spring to mind when we think of a traditional vegetable patch. What many…Read More
The crops that will save you £££s
01st May 2025
There are plenty of crops you can grow for a steal that are really costly to buy – here are some of our favourites!
Saffron
The saffron crocus…Read More
Growing vegetables in pots
01st May 2025
There are so many benefits to growing vegetables in pots and planters (and fruit, too!), but how can you make the most out of them? Here are some pointers to get your container crops thriving this season.
…Read More
How to make a new-build garden your own
17th April 2025
Just moved in to a new build and wondering what to do in the garden? The experts at Pye Homes share ways in which new build owners can take full advantage of their home’s blank canvas garden…Read More
How can I improve my soil, naturally?
17th April 2025
Boost your plot in an eco-friendly way with these simple solutions
Having the knowledge to improve your own soil is a powerful tool for any gardener. It allows you to amend…Read More
5 of the best courgette varieties
03rd April 2025
With so many to choose from, it’s a job to know which are the best courgette varieties to try. But you’ve come to the right place – here are some of our top picks…
Affectionately…Read More
Naturally protect your garden from deer this season with TRICO® Garden
24th March 2025
Sponsored Content
As gardeners, we invest time, love and effort into creating beautiful outdoor spaces. For some of us, deer can quickly undo all that hard work – nibbling…Read More
Edible flowers to grow at home
23rd March 2025
Beautiful and delicious, edible flowers are a must-grow this year
Edible flowers tick many boxes in the garden – as well as looking gorgeous on the plot, they are stunning…Read More
How to deal with wet soil
19th March 2025
Healthy soil leads to healthy plants, so what can you do if extreme conditions leave your earth soaking wet? Here’s how to deal with wet soil on your veg plot…
Your guide to The Three Sisters planting method
19th March 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or an allotment beginner, this technique is a simple way to maximise space and enjoy healthy crops. Lucy Hutchings of Shegrowsveg…Read More
How to sow seeds for bumper crops
27th February 2025
Wondering how to sow seeds? Discover the secrets to germination and happy seedlings with this expert advice
Sowing seeds is a practice that growers use in order to enjoy…Read More
What’s the Difference Between Heritage and Hybrid Seeds?
19th February 2025
Learn about heritage and hybrid seeds, their benefits, and which type is right for your garden in this comprehensive guide.
When it comes to gardening, one of the most…Read More
Make your Garden a Bird Feeding Station this Winter
30th January 2025
Garden Organic head gardener Emma O’Neill shares why it’s important not to overlook your garden birds this winter – and easy ways to turn your garden into a bird feeding station
…Read More
How to Chit Potatoes
30th January 2025
Get your spuds off to a flying start with our simple guide on how to chit potatoes
The question of whether or not to chit potatoes before planting out is of great debate…Read More
How To Properly Store Your Vegetable Seeds
23rd January 2025
Lucy Hutchings from heirloom seed company She Grows Veg is on hand to share her expert tips on preserving your precious seeds
Gardening enthusiasts and vegetable growers understand…Read More
The best Christmas gifts for gardeners 2024
21st November 2024
Looking for some ideas for Christmas gifts for gardeners? We’ve got you covered!
Christmas is fast approaching, and along with the joy of this time of year comes the often-tricky…Read More
Drip irrigation systems: Everything you need to know
23rd July 2024
Looking for a way to keep your plants happy and healthy, and well-watered? Sean Lade, from Easy Garden Irrigation, shares his advice on drip…Read More
Starting a vegetable garden over a bank holiday weekend
22nd May 2024
If you’ve been dreaming of growing your own vegetable garden, why not use this bank holiday weekend to make it a reality? Read this handy guide to starting a vegetable garden over a bank…Read More
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
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
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
