April 2024 - BBC Gardeners' World Live

Spring Show

Apr 17, 2024

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See who's on when and where at the Spring Fair this May! It’s not long now until we return to Beaulieu for the Spring Fair – what better way to prepare for your visit than discovering who’s on the stages and when! Below you’ll find the timetables for all of our expert talks, so you won’t miss your favourite gardening experts on stage.Sessions marked with (S) will be signed by a British Sign Language professional on Friday 3 May. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper,.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container{position:static}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-container .swiper-slide figure,.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper .swiper-slide figure{line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-image-carousel .swiper-slide{text-align:center}.elementor-image-carousel-wrapper:not(.swiper-container-initialized):not(.swiper-initialized) .swiper-slide{max-width:calc(100% / var(--e-image-carousel-slides-to-show, 3))} BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage Hosted by Gardeners’ World Magazine Editors & David Hurrion, find out ‘what to do now’ in your spring garden.Enjoy daily talks from the editors, plus special guests, to get practical tips, topical advice, and the ultimate growing guide to get the best out of your garden this season. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-accordion{text-align:left}.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item{border:1px solid #d5d8dc}.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item+.elementor-accordion-item{border-top:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title{margin:0;padding:15px 20px;font-weight:700;line-height:1;cursor:pointer;outline:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon{display:inline-block;width:1.5em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon svg{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon.elementor-accordion-icon-right{float:right;text-align:right}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon.elementor-accordion-icon-left{float:left;text-align:left}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon .elementor-accordion-icon-closed{display:block}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon .elementor-accordion-icon-opened,.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-accordion-icon-closed{display:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-accordion-icon-opened{display:block}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-content{display:none;padding:15px 20px;border-top:1px solid #d5d8dc}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title{padding:12px 15px}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon{width:1.2em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-content{padding:7px 15px}}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-accordion,.e-con>.elementor-widget-accordion{width:var(--container-widget-width);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)} Friday 3 May 11.00am – Gardens of the World with Regents Seven Seas Cruises & David Hurrion 12.00pm – Pots of Spring Colour with Frances Tophill & Kevin Smith (S)1.00pm – Charles Carr, Hillier with David Hurrion 2.00pm – Grow Something Different with Frances Tophill & Kevin Smith (S)3.00pm – Surreal Succulents & David Hurrion 4.00pm – Easy Edibles with Frances Tophill & Kevin Smith Saturday 4 May 11.00am – Sue Kent with Emma Crawforth 12.00pm – Pots of Spring Colour with Adam Frost & Emma Crawforth1.00pm – Charles Carr, Hillier with David Hurrion 2.00pm – Grow Something Different with Adam Frost & David Hurrion 3.00pm – Gardens of the World with Regents Seven Seas Cruises & David Hurrion 4.00pm – Easy Edibles with Adam Frost & Emma Crawforth Sunday 5 May 11.00am – Gardens of the World with Regents Seven Seas Cruises & David Hurrion 12.00pm – Pots of Spring Colour with Rachel de Thame & Cat Mansley1.00pm – Charles Carr, Hillier with David Hurrion 2.00pm – Grow Something Different with Rachel de Thame & Cat Mansley3.00pm – Kim O’Brien with David Hurrion 4.00pm – Easy Edibles with Rachel de Thame & Cat Mansley /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block} With thanks to stage sponsor Get Growing Stage Hosted by Ellen Mary, this stage will be home to grow-your-own gurus of the Fair. Head over to the stage each day of the Fair to soak up seasonal advice and top tips on how to begin your growing journey. Friday 3 May 10.30am – Kim O’Brien: Dahlia propagation – A cuttings masterclass (S)11.30am – THE PIG: Recipes from our Kitchen Garden with Kelvin Mullins, Group Pastry Chef & Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener1.00pm – Cloud Gardener: Small Space Gardening & Creating A Community Alleyway Garden2.00pm – The Beardy Gardener: Gardening for wellbeing3.30pm – THE PIG: Garden Cocktails with Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener & Sam Vesey, Group Bar Manager Saturday 4 May 10.30am – THE PIG: Recipes from our Kitchen Garden with Kelvin Mullins, Group Pastry Chef & Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener11.30am – Caley Brothers1.00pm – Cloud Gardener: Small Space Gardening & Creating A Community Alleyway Garden2.00pm – THE PIG: Garden Cocktails with Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener & Sam Vesey, Group Bar Manager3.30pm – Sue Kent: Winning the weed war on the allotment Sunday 5 May 10.30am – Caley Brothers11.30am – THE PIG: Recipes from our Kitchen Garden with Kelvin Mullins, Group Pastry Chef & Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener1.00pm – session to be confirmed2.00pm – The Beardy Gardener: Gardening for wellbeing 3.30pm – THE PIG: Recipes from our Kitchen Garden with Kelvin Mullins, Group Pastry Chef & Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener Victorian Kitchen Demos in Palace HouseEnjoy live cooking demonstrations, hosted by Chris Bavin and featuring fresh local produce.Be inspired by live demos with professional chefs, in the fully restored Victorian Kitchen inside the historic Palace House, and leave with plenty of ideas for your next meal. Friday 3 May 11.00am – Luke Holder, Lime Wood 12.00pm – THE PIG: Simple dessert recipes from our Kitchen Garden with Kelvin Mullins, Group Pastry Chef & Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener 1.00pm – THE PIG: Garden Cocktails with Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener & Sam Vesey, Group Bar Manager 3.00pm – Luke Holder, Lime Wood Saturday 4 May 11.00am – Luke Holder, Lime Wood 12.00pm – 1.00pm – Luke Holder, Lime Wood 3.00pm – Sunday 5 May 11.00am – Session to be announced12.00pm – THE PIG: Simple dessert recipes from our Kitchen Garden with Kelvin Mullins, Group Pastry Chef & Alex Coutts, Kitchen Gardener 1.00pm – THE PIG: Recipes from our Kitchen Garden with Kelvin Mullins, Group Pastry Chef & Alex Coutts , Group Head Kitchen Gardener3.00pm – Session to be announced Club Lounge BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Subscribers and Hillier Gardening Club Members can enjoy extra talks each day of the Fair. Hear the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine editors with special guests in the Lounge, alongside additional seating and refreshment options. Friday 3 May 11.30am – Frances Tophill with Kevin Smith, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine12.30pm – Woodland Trust with David Hurrion2.30pm – Charles Carr, Hillier with David Hurrion 3.30pm – Frances Tophill with Kevin Smith, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine (S) Saturday 4 May 11.30am – Adam Frost with David Hurrion 12.30pm – Sue Kent with David Hurrion and Woodland Trust 2.30pm – Sue Kent with Emma Crawforth, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine3.30pm – Adam Frost with Emma Crawforth, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Sunday 5 May 11.30am – Rachel de Thame with Cat Mansley, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine12.30pm – Woodland Trust with David Hurrion 2.30pm – Charles Carr, Hillier with David Hurrion 3.30pm – Rachel de Thame with Cat Mansley, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine With thanks to Club Lounge sponsor Discover what else is on at the Fair Join a workshop hosted by Plant Experts

Spring

Top 10 must-have house plants

Apr 12, 2024

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Top 10 must-have house plant Looking to add a touch of green to your home that you’ll love for years to come? Look no further! The House Plant Market at BBC Gardeners’ World Live will be awash with a wide variety of indoor plants to browse and buy. We’ve teamed up with Mint Plants, a regular exhibitor in the House Plant Market, to create the ultimate guide of the best house plants to give a green fingered loved one. From the heart-leaf fern (Hemionitis) to the delicate pink of the Polka Dot Plant (Hypoeste), these plants are sure to bring happiness and vibrancy into your home. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect botanical companions! 1. Agalonema A very easy houseplant , which was particularly popular in offices in the 1970s and 1980s. Agalonema will tolerate lower light and long periods of drought – perfect for those wanting a splash of gorgeous colour without too much maintenance! Find out more 2. Dieffenbachia A beautiful large leaf tropical plant, loves super bright light. Happy to go dry inbetween waterings too, making it a lovely addition to those brighter spots in the home Find out more 3. Dracaena An absolute staple in the houseplant world, and very easy. Forms a chunky stem as it grows and happy to go long periods without repotting, making it a very easy plant Find out more 4. Ficus Ruby Another easy plant with stunning variegation for those looking for something a little different. The rubber plant loves to go completely dry between waterings, and prefers bright light, making it a good plant for those hotter but drier spots in the home. Find out more 5. Hemionitis (heart leaf fern) Hemionitis (heart leaf fern) is a ridiculously adorable little fern, producing textured heart shaped leaves on long fuzzy stems. It is hard not to fall for this one. Find out more 6. Homalomena Maggy An underrated plant with deep burgundy stems and stunning glossy heart shaped leaves. These are a little like a peace lily in that they will flop when they are thirsty, making them a very understandable plant! Find out more 7. Hoya Carnosa Another variegated plant we think is ridiculously beautiful, and much easier than your variegated philodendrons and alocasias.And the Hoya is so easy! Much like the ficus, it prefers bright light, but is happy to go completely dry between waterings Find out more 8. Hypoeste This little beauty is commonly known as the polkadot plant for its spotted foliage. It loves moisture, so is perfect for the overwaterers in your life! Find out more 9. Philodendron: Brasil Aka heart leaf pothos – comes in multiple beautiful varieties but our favourites are those with bright yellow variegation. The brasil is an absolute classic, with random, striped variegation across the whole leaf. And the micans lime is a newer variety with completely yellow leaves. They require moderately bright light to keep the yellow colouring strong, but are very easy to keep as they prefer to go completely dry in between waterings. Find out more 10. Philodendron: Lime The micans lime is a newer variety with completely yellow leaves. Each require moderately bright light to keep the yellow colouring strong, but are very easy to keep as they prefer to go completely dry in between waterings. Find out more /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-divider{--divider-border-style:none;--divider-border-width:1px;--divider-color:#0c0d0e;--divider-icon-size:20px;--divider-element-spacing:10px;--divider-pattern-height:24px;--divider-pattern-size:20px;--divider-pattern-url:none;--divider-pattern-repeat:repeat-x}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider{display:flex}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{font-size:15px;line-height:1;max-width:95%}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__element{margin:0 var(--divider-element-spacing);flex-shrink:0}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-icon{font-size:var(--divider-icon-size)}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider-separator{display:flex;margin:0;direction:ltr}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator{align-items:center}.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text .elementor-divider-separator:before{display:block;content:"";border-block-end:0;flex-grow:1;border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-left .elementor-divider__element{margin-left:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-right .elementor-divider__element{margin-right:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:first-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider-separator:before{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-start .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-start:0}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider .elementor-divider-separator>.elementor-divider__svg:last-of-type{flex-grow:0;flex-shrink:100}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider-separator:after{content:none}.elementor-widget-divider--element-align-end .elementor-divider__element{margin-inline-end:0}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_text):not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon) .elementor-divider-separator{border-block-start:var(--divider-border-width) var(--divider-border-style) var(--divider-color)}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern{--divider-border-style:none}.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern.elementor-widget-divider--view-line .elementor-divider-separator,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:after,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not(.elementor-widget-divider--view-line) .elementor-divider-separator:before,.elementor-widget-divider--separator-type-pattern:not([class*=elementor-widget-divider--view]) .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;min-height:var(--divider-pattern-height);-webkit-mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;mask-size:var(--divider-pattern-size) 100%;-webkit-mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);mask-repeat:var(--divider-pattern-repeat);background-color:var(--divider-color);-webkit-mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url);mask-image:var(--divider-pattern-url)}.elementor-widget-divider--no-spacing{--divider-pattern-size:auto}.elementor-widget-divider--bg-round{--divider-pattern-repeat:round}.rtl .elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{direction:rtl}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-divider,.e-con>.elementor-widget-divider{width:var(--container-widget-width,100%);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)} Even more plants to buy… Find 1000s of plants to browse and buy at the BBC Gardeners’ World events. Book your day out, now, and get ready to tick off your whole shopping list!BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden, Essex (on sale March) BBC Gardeners' World LIVE TICKETS spring fair tickets

Rosy Hardy: Perfecting Propagation

Apr 05, 2024

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Rosy Hardy Perfecting Propagation Not sure where to start when it comes to propagation? Rosy Hardy of @hardysplants has you covered, with 3 handy tips! You can learn more from Rosy at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring, with a place in one of her Peat Free Propagation workshops. book tickets > /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-widget-video .elementor-widget-container{overflow:hidden;transform:translateZ(0)}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper{aspect-ratio:var(--video-aspect-ratio)}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper iframe,.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper video{height:100%;width:100%;display:flex;border:none;background-color:#000}@supports not (aspect-ratio:1/1){.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper{position:relative;overflow:hidden;height:0;padding-bottom:calc(100% / var(--video-aspect-ratio))}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper iframe,.elementor-widget-video .elementor-wrapper video{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0}}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-open-inline .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;background-size:cover;background-position:50%}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay{cursor:pointer;text-align:center}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay:hover .elementor-custom-embed-play i{opacity:1}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay img{display:block;width:100%;aspect-ratio:var(--video-aspect-ratio);-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;-o-object-position:center center;object-position:center center}@supports not (aspect-ratio:1/1){.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay{position:relative;overflow:hidden;height:0;padding-bottom:calc(100% / var(--video-aspect-ratio))}.elementor-widget-video .elementor-custom-embed-image-overlay img{position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0}}.elementor-widget-video .e-hosted-video .elementor-video{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-video,.e-con>.elementor-widget-video{width:var(--container-widget-width);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)} And learn more about Rosy Hardy Adam's 'Chefs Table' headline Show Garden find out more NEW! Adam's talks in the BBC Gardeners' World Live Theatre Find out more book tickets >

Autumn

Rosy Hardy: Perfecting Propagation

Apr 05, 2024

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Duck egg custard with forced rhubarb

Apr 05, 2024

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Duck egg custard with forced rhubarb This recipe was provided by The Pig. Forced Rhubarb Although you can harvest rhubarb throughout the summer, nothing quite beats the rush of trying those tender shoots of the first forced rhubarb of the year. The process of forcing rhubarb, is as simple as putting a forcing pot over the crown in the late winter, which in turn warms the soil up slightly, which promotes growth, and blocks all light from the plant. Keeping your rhubarb in complete darkness can seem counter-intuitive when you are trying to get an early harvest, however by doing this you are quite literally “forcing” the plant into focusing all of its energy into trying to find a light source, and as a consequence it forms long straight shoots. These long, straight shoots are particularly desirable to our chefs, as without light, the shoots do not produce oxalic acid or chlorophyll, meaning that they are sweeter and more tender than those grown without being forced.If you would like to try forcing rhubarb yourself, there are many varieties of rhubarb that can be forced, but our favourites are Timperley early and Victoria. And don’t worry if you don’t have a purpose built forcing pot, an upside down plant pot or bucket will do the job, in the past I’ve even used an old chimney pot with slates laid on the top to block out the light.Yorkshire is famous for producing forced rhubarb, where it is grown in huge barns, that have all of their windows blacked out to remove any natural light. In fact, even the staff who pick the rhubarb have to do it by candlelight. For the custard:Ingredients375g Double cream8g Good quality vanilla paste, or a fresh vanilla pod, split and scraped3 duck egg yolks (approximately 90g) or 4 medium hens egg yolks (approximately 90-100g)50g Caster sugar MethodBring the double cream and vanilla to the boil in a suitable pan.Whisk the yolks and sugar together.Pour one third of the cream on to the yolks and whisk together, then pour into the remaining cream and mix well. If using a vanilla pod, remove it now.Return to the heat and stir constantly until the custard starts to thicken – if you have a temperature probe, remove it from the heat when it reaches 820c.Divide the custard into suitable serving dishes and allow to cool at room temperature, then chill for six hours. For the rhubarb: Ingredients 200g Forced rhubarb stalks 100g Water 50g Caster sugar (or to taste) Zest and juice of one orange A shot of Grenadine (optional) MethodTop and tail the rhubarb stalks and then wash in cold water.Chop the stalks into 2cm chunks, and place in an oven-proof shallow pan with the remaining ingredients, cover with clingfilm and bake @ 1400C/2840F/Gas mark 1, for approximately five minutes, or until softened.Alternatively, poach the rhubarb on a very low heat, on the hob.Allow to cool before chilling.To serve:Take the custard from the fridge, one hour before eating, and just before serving top with the cooked rhubarb, and the juice. /*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 07-02-2024 */ .elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px} BOOK BBC GARDENERS' WORLD LIVE TICKETS BOOK SPRING FAIR TICKETS Find more grow your own recipes Find out more about the Fair

Autumn

Duck egg custard with forced rhubarb

Apr 05, 2024

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Top 5 spring plug plants

Apr 05, 2024

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Top Five Spring Plug Plants Discover the Top Five Spring Plug Plants! From the elegant Bellis to the fragrant Lavender, these perennial favourites promise vibrant blooms and easy care for your spring garden. Join us as we delve into their unique qualities and growing tips, perfect for all levels of gardening enthusiasts. With thanks to British Garden Centres 1. Bellis A spring perennial, boasts vibrant hues and delicate petals, thriving in cool, moist soil. Easy to grow, it’s a favourite of both novice and seasoned gardeners, offering continual blooms for elegant spring gardens. 2. Erysimum Erysimum, or the wallflower, is a spring perennial, known for its long vibrant blooms and scent. Thriving in well-drained soil and sunlight, it adds colour to beds and containers with shades ranging from purple to yellow, making it ideal for spring and beyond. 3. Dianthus A sought-after spring plant, has silver foliage, vibrant blooms and fragrances, perfect for garden beds and containers. Low maintenance and adaptable to different soils, it’s great for quick impact. Its compact size suits pathways and pollinators love it! 4. Primroses Primroses are iconic spring bloomers, thrive in cool temps and partial shade and are perfect for early planting. Their vivid colours adorn beds, containers, hanging baskets, and troughs. Low maintenance, they need only water and well-drained soil. Cluster them together for a visually striking spring display. 5. Lavender Loved for its fragrant, purple blooms, is hardy and thrives in diverse climates, enduring cold and heat, and ideal for spring gardens. Fast-growing, and fuss-free, it adds beauty to gardens and containers, enticing bees. British Garden Centres are sponsoring BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre. Experience an inspirational talk or practical demos from your gardening hero BBC Gardeners’ World Events 2024: BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 13-16 June at Birmingham’s NECBBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 3-5 May, Beaulieu HampshireBBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, 30 Aug-1 Sept, Audley End House & Garden BOOK NOW VIEW THE THEATRE TIMETABLE

Autumn

Top 5 spring plug plants

Apr 05, 2024

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International Carrot Day: How to grow ca...

Apr 05, 2024

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How to grow carrots: Everything you need to know Discover the vibrant world of home-grown carrots, where flavor reigns supreme, and diversity thrives beyond the confines of the typical grocery store fare. From the familiar orange to the exotic hues of purple, yellow, and white, and even the charmingly rounded varieties perfect for container cultivation, there’s a carrot for every palate and every patch of soil.Embarking on a carrot-growing journey is refreshingly straightforward with a few essential considerations: soil preparation, fending off pesky carrot root flies, and selecting the right varieties tailored to your space and preferences. By sowing seeds successively and mastering storage techniques, you can relish your home-grown bounty nearly year-round. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cultivating carrots from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: Sowing Seeds: Plant carrot seeds sparingly in prepared soil from March to June. Create shallow drills, cover the seeds lightly with sieved soil, and water gently. Within a couple of weeks, you should see the seeds germinate. Avoid thinning to deter carrot root flies, but ensure the area remains weed-free and water as needed. Depending on the variety chosen, expect to harvest fresh carrots in approximately 10-16 weeks post-sowing. Soil Preparation: Pot on into individual pots when the first true leaves appear. Keep potting on if growing in pots or plant out into the greenhouse when night temperatures exceed 10ºC – ensure the soil or compost is free-draining. Feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser once plants have started flowering, and harvest chillies as and when they appear. Variety Selection: Choose between early and late varieties based on your preferred harvesting timeline. The prime sowing season spans late March to June, but adjustments can be made for earlier or later sowings using protective structures like greenhouses or cloches. Successful Sowing: Extend your harvesting window by sowing seeds every two weeks. Opt for a diverse selection of carrot varieties to stagger your harvest throughout the season. Container Cultivation: Carrots adapt well to container gardening, particularly in environments with heavy or stony soil. Select containers with a minimum depth of 30cm, filling them with well-draining soil or compost. Ensure regular watering, especially during dry spells, and cover containers with fleece to deter carrot root flies. Care and Maintenance: Keep the soil weed-free and water occasionally, aiming for deep root growth. Avoid overwatering to prevent stunted growth. Monitor for bolting, which indicates the plant has flowered and become inedible. Thinning Practices: Sow seeds thinly to minimise the need for thinning, which can attract carrot root flies. If thinning becomes necessary, follow proper techniques to minimise disruption and scent release. Pest Management: Carrot fly infestations pose a significant threat to crops. Consider resistant varieties or employ physical barriers like fine-mesh netting or companion planting with aromatic herbs like onions or garlic to deter pests. Harvesting: Harvest carrots when the soil is moist to prevent breakage. Gently lift them from the ground, and water afterward to settle the soil around remaining roots. With these guidelines in hand, you’re poised to embark on a rewarding journey into the world of home-grown carrots, from seed to harvest and beyond. Enjoy the bountiful flavours and vibrant colours of your labour, knowing you’ve cultivated a taste of freshness right in your backyard. Find more grow your own recipes Find out more about the Show