In most parts of the UK, sow outdoor cucumbers directly in late May or early June, when the soil is warm and nights are reliably mild. Cucumber seed needs warmth to germinate and can rot if it spends too long…
The best neighbours for tomatoes are usually plants that stay relatively low, do not steal too much light and leave air moving between tomato leaves. Basil, lettuce, radishes, some onions and ornamental flowers can fit well. Avoid crowding tomatoes with…
For outdoor tomatoes in the UK, start seed indoors from late March to early April, then plant out only after frost risk has passed. Plants intended for a greenhouse can usually be started earlier, from late February to mid-March, if…
Well-rotted or properly composted cattle manure is usually a versatile organic soil improver before growing tomatoes. Well-rotted horse manure can also work, while poultry manure is much more concentrated and requires particular care. No manure should be applied simply because…
Blueberries need acidic, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, steady moisture and a sunny position. For UK gardens, aim for a soil pH of about 4.5-5.5 when measured using a method compatible with that recommendation. If your ground is…
You can check the pH of garden soil at home using a soil test kit, indicator strips or a properly calibrated pH meter. The important part is taking a representative sample. A quick reaction with vinegar or bicarbonate cannot tell…
After the last harvest, remove diseased plants and seeding weeds, check how wet the soil is, and cover empty beds. You do not need to dig every vegetable bed or add lime and manure automatically. In a typical UK autumn,…
Sow green manure as soon as a suitable bed becomes free and conditions allow reliable germination. Late summer generally offers more warmth and growing time than late autumn. Mustard and phacelia can establish fairly quickly, but even fast-growing plants need…
Garlic is best planted in the UK during October and November. Planting in autumn gives the cloves time to establish roots and exposes them to the cold period needed for reliable bulb development. In mild areas, planting can continue into…
The best time to lime a vegetable garden is in autumn or winter, after crops have been cleared. Test the soil first: for most vegetables, a useful target is around pH 6.5. If the soil is already close to that…