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The simple answer: Compost is decomposed organic matter that you mix into your soil to improve structure, drainage and nutrient content. Mulch is any material you spread on top of soil to suppress weeds, retain moisture and regulate temperature. Compost feeds the soil beneath, whilst mulch protects the soil surface. They work brilliantly together but […]

After years of designing gardens and helping clients troubleshoot plant problems, I can tell you that watering confusion kills more plants than pests, diseases and poor soil combined. People either drown their plants with love or let them shrivel from neglect, and neither works particularly well. The answer: Push your finger one inch (2.5cm) into […]

After fifteen years designing gardens and presenting on BBC1’s Garden Rescue, the single question I’m asked more than any other is “when should I plant my vegetables?” It’s brilliant that so many people want to grow their own food, but getting the timing wrong is the fastest way to waste money and lose confidence in […]

Quick Answer To convert a lawn to a no dig bed, mow the grass short, lay overlapping sheets of plain cardboard directly on top, soak it thoroughly, then cover with 10 to 15cm of compost. Plant straight into the compost or wait 6 to 12 months for full decomposition. The grass underneath dies from lack […]

When most people think about growing fruit in the UK, they immediately jump to apples, pears and maybe the odd Victoria plum if they’re feeling adventurous. I’ve been designing gardens for over 15 years now and presenting on BBC1’s Garden Rescue. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a garden where someone’s […]

Artificial turf is now a serious competitor for real lawns in our gardens. One installer has seen a 200% year-on-year increase in the demand for artificial turf compared to living grass. A visit to a ‘Garden & Landscaping’ exhibition recently gave me first-hand experience of the sheer amount of artificial grass being pushed to consumers, […]

When it comes to garden design for children, you may have seen gardens turned into playgrounds with wood chips everywhere or worse, fake grass and the obligatory swing set. However, there are many better ways to subtly design a garden that makes it exciting for children without completely removing the attraction for grown-ups! Usually, people […]

Today, let’s dig deep into the fascinating world of allotment crop rotation. If you’re an avid gardener or someone just starting to get their hands dirty, you’ll quickly learn that successful gardening is not just about what you plant but also where you plant it each year. Enter the magic of crop rotation. The practice […]

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting a vegetable garden from scratch, based on my years of experience as an award-winning garden designer and what I’ve learned from growing my own veg. I’ll share the mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to repeat them!), the techniques that […]

Staring at your modest garden, wondering if there’s room for those magnificent trailing vines you see sprawling across allotments? Perhaps you’ve been put off by tales of pumpkins requiring acres of space, which only the hugest of pumpkins actually need. You might be concerned about whether the British weather will provide enough warmth for these […]