Blog

Are you staring at your Buddleja, wondering if you should reach for the secateurs? Perhaps you’ve inherited some towering, leggy butterfly bushes that look more like botanical disasters than the compact, flower-laden shrubs they should be. Maybe you’re nervous about potentially ruining this year’s butterfly magnet with an ill-timed snip, or confused by conflicting advice […]

September is often overlooked as a month for taking a breather rather than planting, with many gardeners thinking the growing season is winding down and focusing primarily on tidying up summer’s glorious chaos by cutting back. Knowing what to plant during September is where the experienced gardeners beat newbies! September is the prime time for […]

If you’ve ever wondered why some of your prized perennial seeds refuse to germinate despite perfect conditions, warmth, and endless patience, you’ve likely encountered nature’s cleverly built-in safety mechanism called seed stratification. Understanding this fundamental process can transform your seed-starting success and unlock a world of beautiful plants that would otherwise remain frustratingly dormant in […]

When temperatures soar and hosepipe bans loom, the sight of a browning lawn can cause considerable anxiety for gardeners. However, understanding how grass responds to extreme heat and drought conditions can transform your perspective and help you make informed decisions that benefit both your lawn’s long-term health and the environment. This guide will show you […]

If you’ve been following my pruning adventures, you’ll know I’m not one to shy away from a good tool or ladder review to help me with my plant maintenance. But when I first clapped eyes on these Henchman tripod ladders, I must confess I was somewhat sceptical. Regular Garden Ninja visitors will know I’m a keen pruner, […]

This raised bed guide will explain exactly when and how to build raised beds for successful gardening. Raised beds can be used in nearly all gardens regardless of the condition of your soil. It allows you to build up away from poor, stony ground and choose the soil you need for the types of plants […]

August often gets dismissed as a month for garden maintenance rather than creation, with many gardeners assuming the growing season is winding down and focusing solely on watering, deadheading, and harvesting existing crops. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Whilst others are taking their gardening foot off the pedal, I’m ramping up propagation activities […]

As someone who has spent countless hours with secateurs in hand, transforming overgrown gardens and reviving plants, I can tell you that your choice of pruning tool will make or break your gardening experience. After years of testing everything from budget snips to professional-grade tools, I’ve narrowed down the premium market to two standout secateur […]

Did you discover your prize tomato plants looking like their leaves are turning into crispy claws? After years of helping countless gardeners troubleshoot their tomato troubles, I’m here as the gardening expert to help reassure you and provide the fix for curling tomato leaves in the greenhouse or if your tomatoes are planted outside. Whether […]

Nothing quite ruins the joy of indoor gardening like discovering your beloved houseplants have become a five-star hotel for unwanted guests. Whether it’s the cotton wool clusters of mealybugs, the annoying dance of fungus gnats around your favourite fiddle leaf fig, or the microscopic menace of spider mites turning your leaves into Swiss cheese, houseplant […]