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Chillies and sweet peppers masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Feb 29, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Chillies and sweet peppers both pack a colourful flavour punch
Image: Chilli Pepper ‘Fresno Mix’ F1 from Thompson & Morgan

If you want to grow your own chilli and sweet pepper plants indoors on a sunny windowsill or outdoors in the garden, here’s the best advice from some of our favourite Instagrammers, YouTubers and bloggers. These independent posts and videos give you step-by-step guidance on how to grow your own crops of colourful peppers – both fiery and sweet.

Browse our full range of chilli and sweet pepper seeds for inspiration.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 29 February 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Petunia masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Feb 22, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 1 Comment

This climbing petunia has been trained up an obelisk to create a spectacular focal point
Image: T&M

Here you’ll find the best expert content on raising petunia seeds or growing petunia plug plants. We’ve scoured the web to bring you insights from the experts who know petunias best – the experienced, green-fingered garden bloggers who love to grow them. Here’s a wealth of information and advice to help you successfully grow your own perfect petunias.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 22 February 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Strawberries masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Feb 14, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 3 Comments

Homegrown strawberries taste better than anything you can buy in a supermarket
Image: Strawberry ‘Vibrant’ from Thompson & Morgan

If you like growing delicious strawberries we’re delighted to bring you a collection of the best advice from the internet. These bloggers, YouTubers and Instagrammers are people who practise what they preach, growing heavily-fruiting strawberry plants season after season, and sharing their knowhow so that you can enjoy a bumper crop too. Read on for some great strawberry-growing tips…

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 14 February 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Perennials masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Feb 14, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 2 Comments

Perennials brighten up all beds, borders & containers
Image: Nurseryman’s Choice Perennials from Thompson & Morgan (©Customer – Susan Edwards)

Perennial plants are the trusty stalwarts of our beds, borders and containers. Thriving for many years before they need renewing, they’re a vital part of every well-designed planting scheme. To help you get the most from your perennials, we’ve searched the internet to bring together this comprehensive list of excellent blog posts and YouTube videos. Here are some top tips from expert gardeners who, when it comes to perennials, really know their stuff.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 14 February 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Tomatoes masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Jan 23, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 2 Comments

Try Tomato ‘Gourmandia’ F1 Hybrid for gorgeous texture and flavour
Image: Tomato ‘Gourmandia’ F1 Hybrid from Thompson & Morgan

Do you want to grow your own fresh tomatoes? Here’s a collection of the best online content to get you started and refine your technique. From sowing and germinating tomato seeds through to dealing with a glut, this comprehensive mix of expert content includes articles, how-to videos and Instagram posts to help you grow your own bumper crop of sweet and juicy tomatoes, whether you have a greenhouse or not.

This article was reviewed by the T&M horticultural team and updated on 23 January 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Geraniums (pelargoniums) masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Jan 19, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 2 Comments

Ideal for borders, pots, baskets and window boxes, geraniums fill your garden with colour
Image: Geranium ‘Jackpot Mixed’ F1 Hybrid from Thompson & Morgan

If you love pelargoniums (often referred to as geraniums) and want to grow your own from seed, cuttings or plug plants, we’ve scoured the internet for helpful content. With advice on overwintering, taking cuttings and troubleshooting tips, these experienced garden bloggers have a wealth of knowledge to share. Here’s everything you need to know about growing pelargoniums.

In the meantime, browse our full range of geranium and pelargonium plants for inspiration.

This article was reviewed by the T&M horticultural team and updated on 19 January 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Fuchsia masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Jan 2, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Standard fuchsias make a striking feature on doorsteps and patios
Image: Fuchsia ‘Angela’ (Hardy) from Thompson & Morgan

If you love fuchsias and want to fill your borders, hanging baskets, and patio containers with elegant flowers, we’ve scoured the internet to find the most helpful online content. With advice on overwintering, taking cuttings, troubleshooting, and suggestions for new varieties to try, these experienced garden bloggers have a wealth of knowledge to share. Here’s everything you need to know about growing your own fabulous fuchsias.

This article was reviewed by the T&M horticultural team and updated on 2 January 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Potatoes masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Jan 2, 2024 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 2 Comments

Homegrown potatoes have a flavour unlike anything you can buy in a store
Image source: Potato ‘Picasso’ from Thompson & Morgan

In this masterclass, you’ll find some of the very best advice on choosing, planting and chitting your seed potatoes. It comes courtesy of gardeners who not only produce bumper crops at home or at their allotments, but also share their potato wisdom through their blogs, Instagram accounts and YouTube channels. If you want to get the best from your spuds this year, you’ve come to the right place – our round-up of expert tips to help you grow perfect potatoes.

This article was reviewed by the T&M horticultural team and updated on 2 January 2024.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Begonias masterclass: best expert content

by Sophie Essex | Dec 14, 2023 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Try ‘Funky Pink’ begonias for masses of large, unusually-shaped, double flowers
Image: Begonia ‘Funky Pink’ from Thompson & Morgan

Here you’ll find the best begonia-related articles, videos, and Instagram stories from across the web – in fact, everything you need to know to help you grow your own beautiful begonia plants.

With so many different begonias to choose from and myriad ways to grow them successfully, we’ve turned to the true experts for advice – professional gardeners, garden designers and gardening bloggers who grow begonias. Here’s what they have to say…

This article was reviewed by the T&M horticultural team and updated on 14th December 2023.

Sophie Essex

Sophie Essex is a freelance garden writer with a passion for horticulture and environmental conservation. With a BSc in Botany/Plant Biology from the University of Plymouth, she further honed her expertise through a Masters of Science in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants from The University of Edinburgh.

Sophie has also worked as a professional gardener and landscaper, showcasing her practical skills by transforming outdoor spaces. Her commitment to fieldwork is further evident in her acquisition of a Certificate in Field Botany from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and over the years, she has interned at the Eden Project, Cornwall, the National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Find more information about Sophie over at LinkedIn.

Hydrangeas masterclass: best expert content

by Thompson & Morgan | Mar 17, 2023 | Blogs we love, Gardening Masterclasses, Gardening Posts | 0 Comments

Hydrangea ‘Euphoria Pink’ is perfectly suited for containers or borders
Image: Hydrangea serrata ‘Gotemba Nishiki’ (EUPHORIA PINK) from T&M

There’s so much more to hydrangeas than meets the eye. And to help you grow show-stopping specimens, we’ve pulled together this selection of practical hydrangea-growing tips from our favourite bloggers, Instagrammers and YouTubers.

Whether you’re looking for scent, shade-tolerance, climbing plants, container varieties or magnificent colour-changing blooms, this diverse genus of garden shrubs has something for everyone. Browse our award-winning hydrangea shrubs now for inspiration.

Thompson & Morgan

Since the first seed catalogue was published in 1855, Thompson & Morgan has grown to become one of the UK’s largest Mail Order Seed and Plant companies. Through the publication of our catalogues and the operation of our award-winning website, Thompson & Morgan is able to provide home gardeners with the very best quality products money can buy.

Chillies and sweet peppers masterclass: best expert content

Petunia masterclass: best expert content

Strawberries masterclass: best expert content

Perennials masterclass: best expert content

Tomatoes masterclass: best expert content

Geraniums (pelargoniums) masterclass: best expert content

Fuchsia masterclass: best expert content

Potatoes masterclass: best expert content

Begonias masterclass: best expert content

Hydrangeas masterclass: best expert content

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