'Pricking out' is one of those common horticultural terms often bandied about when discussing growing techniques, and plant propagation. But what does it actually mean, and what is the reason behind this essential technique? Let's take a quick look: Defining Pricking Out Pricking out refers to the technique of 'rehoming' progagating plants from their initial growing space - usually open or modular seed trays - so that they have more room and refreshed nutrients to establish a strong root system and new sturdy growth. When .....

The Edible Garden accompanies Alys Fowler's television series of the same name, and like the latter's colourful, vivid visual production, the photography in this book is nothing short of stunning. In essence, 'The Edible Garden' serves as an inspirational read for those looking to add a touch of Alys' avant-garde take on the traditional flower and kitchen garden. In fact, if there's one word to describe this book, I'd opt for 'pretty'. 'Pretty' encompasses the book's look, feel, ethos and aspirations, but that's not to say it doe.....

We previously posted about chitting your seed potatoes - and now is the time to start thinking about growing as March heralds the beginning of the potato planting season. Reduced risk of frosts means that first and second earlies can be planted out, ready for lifting from June onwards. Main crop potatoes can be planted any time from now until April, and will be ready around August or September for harvesting. So if you're keen to start growing potatoes on your own veg garden, no matter how big or small your plot, there's always.....

If you'd like to create a non-stop supply of rich liquid feed for your garden and veg plots, then you should definitely consider the merits of a wormery. What is a Wormery? A wormery is essentially a habitat for Tiger worms (composting worms, also known in the UK as Eisenia foetida), with a system of special composting chambers. Your ordinary kitchen cooked and uncooked scraps, such as vegetable peelings and eggshells, can be combined with other compostable waste such as tea bags, vacuum bag dust, hair, small garden leaves, .....

March hails the beginning of spring and the new growing season - but the risks of frost have not yet passed, so sowing is restricted to hardy (frost resistant) plants, or sowing under glass. Here's some ideas for what to plant in March to get you going: Under glass: Chillies Peppers Tomatoes Aubergines Cucumbers Lettuce Early cauliflower varieties Parsley Frost-resistant half-hardy plants: Radishes Onion Sets Seed Potatoes Brussels Sprouts Summer Cabbages Kale Garlic (last.....

As a rule, I tend to think about collecting rainwater when it's too late - when prolonged sunny, dry weather is threatening to reduce my home grown veg to flaccid, shrivelled stalks, crispy leaves and withered fruits. But getting water collection and storage in wetter months can see you through dry spells, droughts and hosepipe bans, as well as providing completely free supplies of water for all manner of household and garden jobs. Although they make collection and using rain water easy, you don't necessarily need to use wat.....