Thompson & Morgan Gardening Blog

Our gardening blog covers a wide variety of topics, including fruit, vegetable and tree stories. Read some of the top gardening stories right here.

Propagation, planting out and cultivation posts from writers that know their subjects well.

Pear trees masterclass: best expert content

by | Nov 24, 2022 | , , , | 0 Comments

Singular pear 'Doyenné du Comice' from T&M on a tree

Pear ‘Doyenné du Comice’ produces deliciously soft fruit in autumn
Copyright: Alamy Stock Photo

Here’s everything you need to know to grow your own bountiful pear tree. Whether you want an old heritage variety or a newer hybrid, if you follow the advice from these independent bloggers, YouTubers and Instagrammers you’ll be on the right path to a healthy tree and bumper crops.

Browse our collection of apple and pear trees to find the perfect variety for your garden. From dwarf patio fruit trees to full-sized orchard specimens, there’s something for everyone.

read more…

How to plant a bareroot hedge

by | Nov 20, 2022 | , | 0 Comments

Cooper hedging protecting smaller plants in garden

Hedging creates natural boundaries in your garden
Image: Copper Beech (Hedging) from Thompson & Morgan

Late autumn and winter is the time to plant your bareroot hedge. That’s because from late November through to March, most hedging plants are in their dormant phase and can be moved without causing undue stress. If you wait until budburst you’ll have lost your opportunity for the year, so don’t leave it too late! Planting a hedge is a satisfying job which will keep you warm on a chilly winter’s day. Here’s everything you need to know to tackle the task successfully. 

Looking for inspiration? Check out our full range of hedging plants.

read more…

How to force rhubarb and the best early varieties

by | Nov 18, 2022 | , | 0 Comments

Rhubarb crops growing with forcers

Forced rhubarb provides you with early, sweet-tasting crops
Image: Shutterstock

Forced rhubarb is an early spring treat at a time when there’s little in the garden that’s ready to pick. It’s also an easy and enjoyable process which, when done correctly, won’t cause your rhubarb any lasting harm. Here’s how to force rhubarb, with a quick look at some of the best early varieties to try.

In the meantime, browse our entire range of rhubarb crowns for traditional favourites and flavoursome new varieties.

read more…

7 plants to brighten up your balcony this winter

by | Nov 17, 2022 | , | 1 Comment

Pink heathers growing in containers

Winter heathers add splashes of colour to containers over winter
Image: Shutterstock

What better way to brighten up the dark and gloomy months of winter than by planting a balcony full of colourful winter-flowering shrubs and bedding plants? 

Here are seven of our favourites, all of which are suitable for planting in patio pots and containers. Winter may be upon us but, with this little collection, your balcony will be a beacon of loveliness to brighten even the gloomiest of grey days. For more ideas on bringing a splash of colour into your home and garden, browse the information and advice over at our winter flowers hub page.

read more…

Amaryllis masterclass: best expert content

by | Nov 16, 2022 | , , , | 3 Comments

Red and white striped petals

Amaryllis ‘Dancing Queen’ has eye-catching ruffled double flowers
Image: Amaryllis ‘Dancing Queen’ from T&M

If you want to fill your winter home with bright tropical flowers, look no further than amaryllis. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best independent content to help you choose your amaryllis bulbs, plant up a gorgeous display and troubleshoot any problems. 

Inspired to grow your own? Take a look at our amaryllis bulbs and tubers to find flamboyant red, yellow and white blooms. Our pre-potted, twinkling amaryllis with lights also makes an extra-special gift.

read more…

Growing rhubarb on a shady plot

by | Nov 14, 2022 | , | 0 Comments

Closeup of rhubarb stalks on wooden table

Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ is an early variety that is ideal for forcing
Image: Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ (Spring/Autumn Planting) from T&M

Having waited more than five years for an allotment, guest blogger Richard Mulcahy decided that a shady plot was better than none at all. But choosing what to grow is a bit more tricky when you don’t get unfettered access to the sun. 

Having decided to plant rhubarb crowns, here’s what he’s learnt about growing different varieties of this delicious crop in the darkest corner of his allotment.

read more…

House plants masterclass: best expert content

by | Oct 24, 2022 | , , , | 0 Comments

Aloe vera next to Chinese money plant

House plants like Aloe vera brighten indoor spaces
Image: Aloe vera (House Plant) from T&M

Here’s everything you need to keep your house plants looking fresh. Whether you’re caring for lush tropical foliage or tending to a stylish bonsai, these independent bloggers have plenty of advice to share.

Looking to fill your home with an abundance of greenery? See our full range of house plants to find unusual orchids, carnivorous plants, succulents and much more.

read more…

Cherry tree masterclass: best expert content

by | Oct 17, 2022 | , , , | 1 Comment

Wicker basket full of Morello cherries

There’s nothing better than a basket of fresh cherries
Image: Cherry ‘Morello’ from T&M

Here we’ve brought together experienced cherry growers to help you choose the best variety of cherry tree for your outdoor space. These Instagrammers, YouTubers and bloggers share their wisdom, growing tips, fruit protection ideas and even recipes to help you make the most of your crop.

Ready to order a cherry tree? Browse our online selection of stone fruit trees to find the perfect variety. Choose bare root whips for autumn and winter planting, or potted trees that are already in leaf if it’s spring or summer. Whether you have a small patio, regular garden or an entire orchard, we’ve got you covered.

read more…

Colour in the cold: 5 wildflowers for winter gardens

by | Oct 14, 2022 | , , | 0 Comments

Giant snowdrops against purple and yellow backgrounc

Giant snowdrops add interest to winter gardens
Image: Visions BV, Netherlands

Winter is often regarded as a time of quiet dormancy in the garden. But with warming winters, some wild flowers now come into bloom as early as December, a trend which is set to continue. Here are five native and naturalised wildflowers that provide colour and interest during the cooler months. 

For more inspiration, see our full range of winter flowering bulbs and enjoy a succession of cheerful flowers all year round.

read more…

Spiced pumpkin soup with bacon

by | Oct 11, 2022 | , | 0 Comments

 

Pumpkin and bacon soup in open pumpkin

Spiced pumpkin soup with bacon

Avatar photoRebecca Tute
If you're growing your own pumpkins this year and want to use them for more than just a spooky Halloween decoration, this delicious soup is perfect!
Rebecca from the T&M team says: "This is a really warming soup, perfect for a chilly day. We often add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for an added kick. For vegetarians, simply leave out the bacon and use vegetable stock. And for something a bit special, why not use the pumpkins themselves as the bowls? Just remove the tops and scoop out the flesh."
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course, Soup
Servings 4

Equipment

  • A pestle and mortar
  • Food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 50 g butter
  • 900 g pumpkin
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 small dried chillies (to taste)
  • 1 L stock (either vegetable or chicken)
  • 4 rashers smoked bacon (optional)
  • 100 ml single cream or Quark

Instructions
 

  • Start by peeling and roughly chopping the onion and slicing the garlic. Gently cook in the melted butter until soft.
  • Peel and chop the pumpkin, but keep the seeds to toast later as a healthy snack.
  • Add the pumpkin flesh to the onion and garlic. Cook until the pumpkin browns at the edges.
  • In a separate frying pan, toast the coriander and cumin seeds over a very low heat for about two minutes.
  • Grind the aromatic spices with a pestle and mortar. Keep the pan for later.
  • Add the spices and chopped chillies to the onion, garlic and pumpkin mix. Cook together for a minute and then add the stock.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft.
  • In the meantime, fry the bacon in the spice pan until it’s really crispy, then chop into small pieces and set aside.
  • Pour the soup into a food processor or use a hand blender to blitz until smooth.
  • Return the soup to a pan to warm through, stir through the cream, and add salt and pepper.
  • Ladle into large bowls (or the pre-prepared pumpkins), sprinkle over the crispy bacon, and serve with lightly toasted sourdough bread.

Notes

Find out how to grow your own pumpkins from seed through to harvest at our pumpkin and squash hub page.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Meet the experts

The T&M blog has a wealth of knowledgeable contributors. Find out more about them on our "Meet the experts" page.

Award-Winning Plants & Seeds

Create a show stopping display in your garden with our award-winning plants and seeds.

Recent Comments

Archives

Pin It on Pinterest