Gardening Posts Archives | Page 4 of 123

Understanding plant seeds: F1 hybrids vs open-pollinated varieties

by Rob Smith | Feb 28, 2024 | Flowers, Gardening Posts, plant identification, Vegetables | 0 Comments

Image: T&M

Most gardeners take huge satisfaction in raising fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers from seed. In the world of horticulture, two main types are often discussed: F1 hybrid seeds and open-pollinated seeds. To help you make a fully informed choice, we asked allotmenteer Rob Smith to explain the difference. Here’s what he said…

In the meantime, if you’re looking for new ideas to try, browse our full range of seeds for inspiration.

Rob Smith

Winner of BBC2’s Big Allotment Challenge, Rob Smith writes for Thompson & Morgan providing practical growing tips from his allotment. A gardening columnist and kitchen gardener, Rob’s debut book ‘Grow to Eat: Growing Colourful And Tasty Vegetables From Seed’ is due to be released in March 2024.

robsallotment.com/

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.

Mother’s Day gifts much better than a bouquet!

by Jen Rudd | Feb 21, 2024 | Flowers, Gardening Posts, House plants | 0 Comments

This windowsill herb-growing kit is great for gin-loving mums
Image: Thompson & Morgan

Ditch the daffodils this Mothering Sunday and give a growing gift that will provide many years of enjoyment!

Our range includes the perfect plants for mum’s home or garden, with many delivered ready to display.

From pretty pinks to perky pineapples, fragrant flowers or fresh herbs to garnish their G&Ts, browse our special collection of Mother’s Day Gifts for ideas that every mum will love.

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.

Win Summer Bedding Plants worth over £50 from Thompson & Morgan

by Thompson & Morgan | Feb 9, 2024 | Competitions, Gardening Posts | 27 Comments

This competition has now closed, but thank you for entering. A huge congratulations goes out to our winner ‘Jill G’. Please keep an eye on our competition page for future giveaways, and if you’re interested in how to give your garden a glow-up this summer with bedding plants, read on..

Thompson & Morgan

The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. 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.

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.

Win the ultimate bird feeding bundle worth over £80!

by Thompson & Morgan | Jan 19, 2024 | Competitions, Gardening Posts | 27 Comments

This competition has now closed. Congratulations goes out to our winner ‘Frances H’. We hope you enjoyed this giveaway with Happy Beaks, and please keep an eye on our competition page for future competitions.

And whether you’re taking part in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, or just love to fill your garden with feathered friends, here are some helpful tips…

Thompson & Morgan

The Thompson & Morgan horticultural team produces a wealth of content around gardening and food production. 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.

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.

Thompson & Morgan Gardening Blog

Understanding plant seeds: F1 hybrids vs open-pollinated varieties

Petunia masterclass: best expert content

Mother’s Day gifts much better than a bouquet!

Strawberries masterclass: best expert content

Perennials masterclass: best expert content

Win Summer Bedding Plants worth over £50 from Thompson & Morgan

Tomatoes masterclass: best expert content

Win the ultimate bird feeding bundle worth over £80!

Geraniums (pelargoniums) masterclass: best expert content

Fuchsia masterclass: best expert content

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