Grow your own garlic tips for flavoursome fritters Calling all garlic lovers! Have you ever tried growing your own? We’ve paired some helpful tips from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, with a tantalising fritter recipe, as seen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022, to bring fantastic flavours to your winter table. /*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 08-05-2024 */ .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)} This December, why not try sowing garlic for a crop that makes a delicious seasoning to your cooking all year round. Plus, garlic takes up very little space and is an easy crop to grow. Make sure you always buy bulbs at the garden centre or order them from a seed supplier – don’t use bulbs from the supermarket. Ready to use your freshly grown garlic gloves in a delicious recipe? If you’re bored of roast and mash potatoes this winter, why not try making sweet potato and saltfish fritters to put a kick back into your dinner time. Find out more about the recipe below… How to growPlot garlic in a warm, sunny spot in well-drained soil that doesn’t get too wet in winter – dig in some home-made compost or well-rotted manure for best resultsSow in small pots, a large container or directly in the ground 15cm apart, leaving 30cm between rowsBreak the bulbs into separate cloves and plant the large ones with the fat end downwards and the pointy end 2.5cm below the soil.TIP! Lay bird netting or fleece over new plants until the shoots are 5cm tall to keep the birds at bay whilst your garlic grows. Caring for garlic Water regularly in spring and early summer Reduce watering once you see the foliage turning yellow – this is a sign that the bulbs are reaching maturity.  Weed between the plants to reduce the competition for water and nutrients.  Remove any flowers, or ‘scapes’ the plants produce – you can eat these in stir-fries. Time to harvest!When the leaves have turned yellow, gently lift out bulbs with a fork or trowel, taking care not to damage them. Leave the garlic to dry out for a couple of days, by laying it out on a table or tray, in full sun.Once the bulbs are dry and feel papery to touch, you can either store them loose or plait their foliage to make a traditional string of bulbs. Store in a cool, dry place. Take care not to bruise the bulbs, as any damage can make them deteriorate in storage.  White sweet potato and saltfish fritters, ackee cream and green seasoning oilThis recipe is from the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022, as seen on the Big Kitchen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer with chef Andi Oliver. Serves 6-8.IngredientsFor the ackee cream:165g canned sweetcorn180g canned ackee200ml oat cream For the green seasoning oil:1 handful of mixed herbs (such as sorrel leaves, chervil and tarragon)2 thyme sprigs10g Christmas bush or bay leaf1 small bunch of flat leaf parsley1 small bunch of coriander4 spring onions10 garlic gloves1 green chilli or 1 scotch bonnet chilli (depending on how hot you’d like it)6 little Caribbean seasoning peppers, or a mix of red, yellow and green mini sweet peppers1/2 white onion400ml cold pressed rapeseed oil For the fritters:250g white sweet potato, grated120g skinless and boneless saltfish, twice oiled, drained and rinsed110g grated white onions4 garlic cloves, finely grated15g finely grated ginger 1sp turmeric1tsp cumin seeds1tsp chilli flakes40g self-raising flour30g fine cornmeal1 thyme sprig, leaves only8g finely chopped chives500ml oil (vegetable/rapeseed/sunflower) Method 1.To make the seasoning oil, blend all the ingredients together, add seasoning, and blend until smooth. Sieve the mixture to create a green oil.2.In a bowl, combine the fritter ingredients (minus the oil) plus a big pinch of salt and pepper and mix thoroughly using your hands, squeezing the mixture so it all sticks together. Cover and set aside.3.Heat the oil in a wide pan to 150-170C. Test the heat of the oil by dropping a pinch of the potato mixture into it – if it rises and starts to golden quickly, it’s ready to fry. Slip 1 tbsp of mixture at a time into the hot oil until golden. Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate or bowl lined with kitchen paper to get rid of any excess oil.4.To make the ackee cream, gently toast sweetcorn until it’s slightly charred. Add the ackee and cook for 1-2mins and mix. Blitz the mixture with the oat cream in a blender until smooth and season.5.To serve, divide the ackee cream between six-eight shallow bowls or plates, top with two or three fritters and drizzle the seasoning oil over the top. Find out what's on at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2023 Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer

Make someone's day merry & bright this Christmas! It’s time to write up that list of names and start the hunt for the perfect gift! Whether treating a veteran horticulturalist or someone who’s only just taking root in the gardening world, there’s something for anyone with a green-thumb below. Featuring products from exhibitors who will be attending BBC Gardeners’ World Live Events in 2023, get ready to tick names off your list and ease your festive shopping worries.  Please note that all gifts are subject to availability and delivery times of independent suppliers may vary.  The gift of a day out  Tickets make a great gift for anyone with green fingers, a day to look forward to!  With BBC Gardeners World Live at Birmingham’s NEC, 15-18 June, and the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair in the stunning grounds of Beaulieu in Hampshire, 28-30 April, there are plenty of days to choose from. Plus, save the date for the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair at Audley End House & Garden in Essex, 1 – 3 September (on sale Feb).  BOOK TICKETS Luxury Gardening Gifts Hydria Life – Hydria Christmas Bundle £179.99 Hydria is the latest in garden tech, having won the prestigious Glee New Product Award and their brilliant bundle comes with the Fountain Kit, Premium Planter and a Christmas Collectible. Harnessing new battery technology, this remote-controlled water feature with lights can run for a 2-month period between charges. Assembled in minutes in any planter wider than 30cm, it will bring the relaxing sound of water to gardens and balconies.   Buy Now Ecosure – 180 Litre City Water Butt Planter£215 Doubling up as an elegant planter, this water butt is one that won’t be hidden away in any garden – it could even become a focal point! With extra-large capacity, collect naturally soft rainwater to sate any garden’s thirst. 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You can get access to ALL of them in 2023 with the Do What You Love Annual Pass. With 17 events to choose from across the year, they’ll be spoilt for choice! Quote DWYL15 for 15% off the annual pass – that’s entry to 17 events for just £68 (worth over £320).*Offer valid for a limited time only. Buy Now Caley Brothers – The world is your oyster mushroom tote bag £12  Show the world your loved one is the champion of growing their own! With this tote bag, the world is truly your oyster (mushroom).  Ever tried growing your own mushrooms? At the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, the Caley Brothers will be running a workshop to show you the ropes. Find out more here… Buy Now BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine special edition guidesFrom £7.99The BBC Gardeners’ World special edition guides are the perfect treat for every gardener. 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Top tips for homegrown onions and a tasty home-made tart Sink your teeth into some grow your own inspiration and try growing your own onions. With some gardening advice from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, you’ll be able to make a delicious tart, using Nadiya Hussain’s recipe as seen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022. From soups and salads, to warming onion gravies, curries, tarts and much more, onions find their way into a huge variety of dishes, giving you all the more reason to get them into your plot this November. Read below for some great growing tips, and for a tasty tart recipe, perfect for your homegrown produce.  TIP! In autumn, common onion planting varieties include ‘Autumn Champion’ and ‘Electric’ – these are more tolerant to the colder conditions.  How to growPlant a small onion set 10-15cm apart in moist, fertile soil in a sunny spot, with the tips showing out of the soil surface. Allow 30cm between rowsKeep the area weed freeGrowing onions from sets is usually a little easier and quicker, but you can also grow from seed. Sow these indoors 1cm apart in moist compost in January. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, transplant them into multi-purpose compost. You’ll be able to plant them into the garden come spring. Help with problemsStop birds from pulling up your onions by covering them with horticultural fleeceWatch out for drooping yellow foliage – this could be a sign of fly larvae. Planting parsley with your onions can help prevent thisBe careful of neck rot – this can be prevented through not overcrowding when planting When the leaves droop over and turn brown, it’s time to harvest your onions! Loosen the soil with a fork and lift out your produce. To store, leave your onions on a drying rack or on newspaper. Their outer skins will rustle when they’re dry, and you can then hang them in a cool, dark, dry place to store. Feeling hungry? Why not try making a delicious tart with your home-grown produce, as seen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer at the 2022 Show. Find out more below… French onion and blue cheese tartThis recipe is from the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022, as seen on the Big Kitchen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer with chef Nadiya Hussain. The recipe is from Nadiya Bakes by Nadiya Hussain.Ingredients2 tbsp butter2 large lemon thyme sprigs, leaves picked1 garlic clove, grated5 onions, thinly sliced (about 1kg)2 tsp caster sugar1 sheet ready rolled pastry1 egg, lightly beaten150g blue cheesesmall handful of chipped chives, to serve Method 1.Melt the butter in a large non-stick frying pan, and add the onions, garlic and lemon thyme leaves, mixing everything together. Mix in the sugar, 1 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp salt. Stirring occasionally, leave to cook for 30 minutes on a medium heat.2.Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line a baking tray using parchment. Roll out the pastry onto the tray.3.Score a smaller rectangle 1cm inside the pastry rectangle gently with a knife. Make sure you don’t cut the pastry all the way through. Next pierce the inner rectangle with a fork, to allow steam to escape. Brush the edges with the egg, and bake for 20 minutes.4.With the back of a spoon, push down the puffed-up pastry of the inner rectangle to leave you a neat border.5.Crumble the blue cheese and onions into the pastry and bake for another 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before eating and sprinkle your chives on top. Find out what's on at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2023 Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer

Grow your own pears and tuck into a delicious tarte tatin Pears make for a lovely addition to any garden, bearing delicious fruit, and an attractive ornamental look. We’ve paired some growing tips from BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and a tantalising tarte recipe as seen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer. If you’ve already got pear trees, you are probably enjoying the reaps of your harvest already. With some help from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, we’ve put together some top growing tips for pear trees to inspire you to get growing at home. What’s more, we’ve also got a delicious recipe in store for your pear produce as seen on the Big Kitchen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022. Find out more below about how to make your own homegrown pear tarte tatin from John Torode and Lisa Faulkner. How to growPear trees like moist but well-drained soil in full to partial shadeMulch annually with manure or compostTo protect your trees from frost, plant them against a south-facing wall or fenceWhen planting, dig a square shaped hole to allow the roots to spread out evenly. Dress the top of the soil generously with mulchSimilar to apple trees, most varieties of pear trees rely on a pollinating partner. For the best results, make sure to plant two pear trees to help them pollinate successfully.Bare-root pear trees should be planted when dormant, between November and March. Potted pear trees can be planted in other times of the year.  Caring for your pear treesWatch out for frosts and provide fleecing to protect from cold snapsMulch annually in spring and water in dry spellsPear trees can be pruned when dormant in midwinter – remove any dead, diseased or dying branchesIn summer, improve air circulation by pruning to enrich the shape and health of your tree, making sure fruits can develop and ripenYou should be able to harvest your pears from late August. Pick them when the fruit is still firm to the touch. Cup the fruit in your hand and twist off gently. Store in a cool dark place where the fruits will ripen. Feeling inspired? Why not try making a warming pear tarte tatin, as seen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer at the 2022 Show. Find out more below… Pear tarte tatinThis recipe is from the BBC Good Food Show Summer 2022, as seen on the Big Kitchen at the BBC Good Food Show Summer with John Torode and Lisa Faulkner.Ingredients100g salted butter4 pears, peeled and cut  into quarters lengthways100g caster sugar1 vanilla pod or 1 heaped teaspoon vanilla bean paste1 pack ready-rolled puff pastryice cream or crème fraiche, to serve Method 1.Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. In an ovenproof heavy-based frying pan, melt the butter and add the sugar, pears, vanilla seeds and pod. Cook for about 10-15 minutes and keep stirring so the pears don’t stick to the pan. Then, turn the heat up and cook for another 10-15 minutes. The pears and sugary butter should turn a lovely golden caramelised brown. Be careful not to let it burn – keep watching and shake the pan to prevent any sticking.2.If you don’t have an ovenproof pan, transfer the pears and sugary butter to a 20cm pie dish. Next, roll the pastry out to just slightly larger than your pan or pie dish to around 1cm thick. 3.Lay the pastry over the pears and tuck it around the edges to form an upside-down tart. Bake for 30-40 minutes in the oven.4.Once out of the oven, use a large serving dish to place over the top of the tart and turn the tart over.5.Serve warm with ice cream or a dollop of crème fraiche. Delve into garden inspiration from the 2022 Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer

Top tips for a budget friendly garden Spending quality time in your garden is a great way to extend the comfort of your living space – and make the most of your home. Whether your entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoy gardening, your outdoor space will offer several opportunities to take pleasure in, no matter how big or small. And, what’s more – you don’t need to have a huge budget to create a garden that you want to spend time in. We’ve teamed up with Marshalls, who supply garden products to our Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, to give you five top tips to make the most of your garden on a budget – so you can enjoy it with friends and family all year round. Written by Marshalls Be self-sufficientConsider building your own planters or outdoor seating using waste wood from another project, or you can access timber from your local builders’ merchant. Take inspiration from social media and online guides– there are plenty of tools available online to truly “do it yourself”. You could also think about creating your very own kitchen garden – and we don’t mean a high-flying al fresco restaurant! Convert a section of your garden into a vegetable patch and “grow your own”, so you can enjoy a new past time while watching the pennies too. Create a biodiverse spacePerhaps the easiest and cheapest way to give your patio a quick boost is to add new  plants for a pop of colour, they can look especially great in a mix of different sized pots set at angles on natural coloured paving. Whether you go for pansies, or you opt for swathes of violet lobelia, good old-fashioned begonias, prolific geraniums with their distinctive scent, or sweet busy lizzies, you’ll enjoy vibrant colours which will freshen up any patio. You can also be safe in the knowledge that you’re creating a beautifully biodiverse space in your very own home. Sitting prettyThe key to spending time outdoors is to make it comfy; and the right set of furniture can do wonders when you want to update your patio on a budget. Buying your furniture second hand is a great way to save money and make it more affordable, a fresh lick of exterior paint will give it a new lease of life. Whether you buy from local shops or take a browse on Facebook marketplace, there are a range of furniture sets waiting to be the perfect addition to your garden space. Become ‘wasteless’With the ever-growing change to our climate, investing in a wasteless garden can benefit you for years to come. Think about the drainage of your garden, and perhaps consider a landscape that needs little (or a mix) of watering. Investing in a patio area may save you money in the long term when considering up-keep of large, grassy areas. Permeable paving is also a great option for your front garden, to ensure your drive has sufficient drainage when needed. Mix and matchThis energetic trend provides plenty to catch the eye. Planting at different levels and using a mix of paving sizes and colours in a clever composition with a bit of creative flair, provides an impressive and affordable outdoor space. Choose a paving that’s available in a variety of sizes and/or colours to create extra interest and contrast. Richmond Utility Paving is one affordable option that can be used to great effect in a mixed media patio, or Organa is another popular option. If you have any advice you’d like to ask our friends at Marshalls, make sure to find out more on their website here. Plus, did you see the Marshalls Sustainability Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2022? Find out more here. With thanks to: BBC Gardeners’ World Live will be back alongside the BBC Good Food Show Summer from 15-18 June 2023. Find out more below… Delve into garden inspiration from the 2022 Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer

The proof is in the pruning Pruning stimulates dense growth and reduces the plants natural tendency to grow as rapidly as possible, which would lead to a thin, sparse hedge. When to prune? How to prune? How often to prune? Am I cutting too much? Am I cutting too little? What are the best tools to use? …These are just some of the questions our friends at Hedges Direct get asked, so we thought we’d team up and explore the complicated world of hedging pruning.Find out more about pruning below from our friends at Hedges Direct, who supply garden products to the Show Gardens at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Written by Hedges Direct Deciduous hedging Deciduous hedging is pruned in the summer to stop plants becoming unruly. This is considered maintenance pruning. In winter, deciduous shrubs, which shed their leaves, can be reshaped by cutting back hard. Most deciduous woody plants, including beech and hornbeam put on two flushes of growth in a year, one main flush during spring, and a second, smaller spurt, during late summer. Ideally, they should be trimmed back after each flush to keep them tidy.Beech and Hornbeam (carpinus betulus) hedging is best trimmed in August or September, as this will enhance the winter appearance and help to keep leaves on the branches for longer. Cut both hedges again in February if you want to keep them crisp. Tackle any major pruning as the plants go dormant and don’t prune in very dry weather.Deciduous flowering hedging plants such as Rosa Rugosa are pruned in spring, when you simply thin out any leggy growth. Hedges such as Hawthorn and Hazel can be trimmed between June and September. Evergreen Hedging Evergreen plants like box and privet are often grown as hedging plants for their ability to cope with close trimming to create a dense stable mass of woody stems covered in foliage.Most evergreen hedging plants are vigorous shrubs and trees, which can be pruned at least twice a year, though more frequent cutting will create a denser hedge. By trimming in late spring and early summer, the young soft growth is targeted, which us easy to cut using shears or a powered hedgetrimmer. You could also cut later in summer, though this will result in a looser hedge which needs a more time-consuming cut with secateurs.Our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine have some further tips on how to trim an Evergreen hedge here. Tools of the trade Most people say it’s best to use secateurs or hand shears, so you don’t tear into the leaf, making it turn brown. Whichever tool you choose, prune back the new long shoots at an angle to two or three leaves from its base.Take a look at some of Hedges Direct’s garden shears here, from their Five Acres garden tools. Finesse your technique When you start pruning a large hedge, trim from the bottom to the top. This is very important, as it allows more sunlight to reach the bottom of the plants.You’re aiming eventually to have cut the hedge into an A shape; the slope you create is known as a ‘batter’. If you just cut upwards in a straight line, the top of the hedge, which always gets more sunlight anyway, will shade the base and you’ll have a plant that’s weaker at the bottom.If you’re cutting a formal hedge it’s worth putting up a line string to keep it level. Set the line of string by eye or by measuring from ground level on each cane, ensuring that the string is the same height all the way along. If there are any dips in the hedge that fall below the line, leave them uncut so that they can fill out.To minimise damage to individual leaves, hedging plants with large leaves, such as Hornbeam, are best cut with secateurs rather than shears or a hedge trimmer. The extra time and effort is worth it, if the hedge is in a very visible position. When using a hedge trimmer or shears you end up with a lot of cut leaves and these can turn brown and unsightly in hot weather. If you have any advice you’d like to ask our friends at Hedges Direct, make sure to find out more on their website here. You can also contact them with your questions or share your own hedge blog by email, on Facebook or on Twitter.With thanks to: BBC Gardeners’ World Live will be back alongside the BBC Good Food Show Summer from 15-18 June 2023. Find out more below… Delve into garden inspiration from the 2022 Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer

Gift your garden goodies this Christmas If everything went to plan in your garden this season, you should now be busy reaping the rewards of all that work, harvesting an excess of courgettes, tomatoes and other goodies. So, if your freezer’s full and you’re fed up of ratatouille, why not share the bounty by making some produce-based gifts for Christmas. Rolawn, who supply garden products to the Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, have put together a list of what they’ll be making this autumn. Read on below to find out more! You’ll need a good collection of jam jars or preserving jars, and some fabric and ribbon! Courgettes Curried Courgette & Chilli Relish The humble courgette is one plant that seems to succeed for everyone. When you’ve made all the soup and cakes you can eat, try preserving some as a relish. It’s a great way to prevent waste and makes a very welcome Christmas gift. Rolawn’s Customer Service Manager, Emily, found a great recipe to share: IngredientsMakes approx. 5 jars.1kg grated courgette, water drained (see below)1 very large onion (white or red), finely chopped2 ½ tbsp salt250ml vinegar (any vinegar is fine)225g caster sugar½ tsp ground pepper1 tsp salt1 red chilli, finely chopped (seeds removed, unless you like it hot!)¼ tsp ground nutmeg½ tbsp wholegrain mustard½ tbsp ground turmeric½ tbsp cornflour (made up as per packet instructions)1 tsp curry powder½ tsp ground corianderThe quantity of chilli and curry powder can be varied to taste. Removing water from courgettesThere are a couple of ways to do this. Traditionally, courgettes and other watery vegetables are salted, left for a while for the water to drain out, squeezed and rinsed.Emily prefers to grate the courgette and keep it in the freezer (a great way to store it when you have a glut, it can then be added to meals as you’re cooking!). She then defrosted it in a sieve over a large bowl overnight – a really easy way to remove the water.The courgette water can be used in smoothies, for cooking veg, in stock, or even in a courgette martini!MethodMix everything – except for the courgette and onion – in a large pan and bring to the boil.Add in the courgette and onion, bring back to the boil, then simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.Pour into sterilised jars whilst still warm. PicklingA note on pickling. If you’re planning to pickle your produce the first thing to consider is its freshness because the fresher it is the better. If you suspect yours is past its best, then it is better to use it for jams or chutneys instead. Courgette and Mint Soup This one is useful for eating up courgettes that have been picked for a few days.Serves 3-44 tbsp olive oil2 tbsp butter1 small onion, chopped or grated2 small courgettes, chopped or gratedA pinch of salt300g peas500ml stockA generous handful of mint MethodMelt the butter in a large saucepan and add half the oil. Over a medium heat, sauté the onion until soft, but not browned. Add the courgettes, season and cook for about five minutes before adding the peas and stock. Add extra water to cover the ingredients if necessary. Bring to the boil, then simmer for a few minutes. Check the seasoning, blend the mixture, thinning with more water if needed. Apples Mincemeat is a great way to use apple windfalls or extras that you’re struggling to store. Bottled up in nice preserve jars it could be added to a hamper. Alternatively, it would make a useful donation to school Christmas raffles or local community fairs. Raspberries Homemade tipples are always a favourite and so easy to make. Use 500g of raspberries and 250g of sugar per litre of gin or vodka. Add the raspberries and sugar to a sterilised preserving jar, pour in half the vodka, seal and shake well before adding the remaining vodka.Store the well-sealed jar in a cool, dark place, turning the contents daily, for the first week. After 2 to 3 weeks, strain the liquid into bottles and label. Dried herbsMost herbs can be preserved easily when dried. Simply hang herbs upside down in a warm, dry and airy place, covered with paper bags to prevent dust from settling on them. Once they are crispy dry, crunch them into airtight jars and they’ll keep you going until next year’s crop.  English lavender should really be pruned in the second half of August to help the new shoots to harden before winter, but if you’ve left it for the bees and butterflies to enjoy a while longer, then now is the time to give it a hard prune. Ideally, you would use the flower buds to make scented bags as they have the strongest concentration of essential oil but, rather than waste what you chop down now, you can still dry the seeds for lavender bags. To make these really simple bags, once the seeds are dry, cut some small circles of fabric (use a saucer or side plate as a template), place about a tablespoon of seeds in the centre then gather up the fabric and tie a piece of ribbon around to secure it.With all of these relatively simple creations you can spread the joy of your garden among friends, relatives and neighbours this Christmas. Or even just relish a little reminder of the enjoyment and pleasure you got from growing it all in the first place!  Setting up your beds for next yearDon’t forget, once you’ve harvested all your produce, the soils in your beds and borders may need to be revitalised. Make sure you’re using a suitable soil, in particular for edible crops – check that it is certified as suitable for residential home-grown use. Find out more in Rolawn’s Guide to selecting the right topsoil. About Rolawn Rolawn have been producing trusted turf and topsoils for fifty years. Grown and produced in the Vale of York, their consistent, horticulturally focused products are designed so that both domestic gardeners and horticultural professionals can create beautiful landscapes that will be enjoyed for years. Find out more about Rolawn here. BBC Gardeners’ World Live will be back alongside the BBC Good Food Show Summer from 15-18 June 2023. Find out more below… Delve into garden inspiration from the 2022 Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer

Grow your own mushrooms Have you ever considered growing mushrooms at home? Taking up just a small space, mushrooms are easy and delicious to grow at home.At BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, the Oyster Mushroom Workshop will be brought to the Fair by Jodie and Lorraine of the Sussex-based Caley Brothers, with plenty of grow your own inspiration in abundance.Read on below to find out more from the Caley Brothers about why mushrooms are great to grow, and for some pointers to get the most out of your mushrooms. Written by the Caley Brothers The Caley Brother’s actively encourage everyone to get growing their own gourmet mushrooms athome – if only to witness just how amazing and easy the grow cycle of a mushroom is.A common misconception for growing mushrooms at home is often the need of a darkcupboard, or damp environment. These ideas seem to have stemmed from the mushroom growingdays of the 80s and 90s, where button mushrooms were grown in polystyrene boxes kept underthe sink, or even the bed in some cases. Well it was certainly for the Caley Brothers growing up!You don’t need much space to grow mushrooms either – the Caley Brothers kits can be grown in kitchens, and on windowsills. At Caley Brothers, the mushroom grow kits have been purposefully designed for growing at home,and in full sight. They like the light and once your baby mushroom pins start to appear you’ll be amazed at just how fast they grow and how beautiful they are as they begin to unfurl. From first pins to full grown mushrooms can take just 7-10 days, and they then double in size every 12-24 hours, right up to harvesting. A great mushroom to start growing is the Grey Oyster mushroom. They are incredibly versatile as a mushroom and they will grow on a variety of substrates. The Caley Brothers use used coffee grounds and sawdust as the base of their kits, but they can also be grown on logs, books and even rolled up jeans. The mushrooms can be grown throughout the year inside or out. You don’t have to have ‘green fingers’ to grow mushrooms either, especially if you start out with a kit. Unlike many houseplants, you can’t over water an oyster mushroom grow kit, and if they accidently dry out, a good soak in cold water over night, can usually spur them on again. Top Tips for GrowingStart with a ready to grow kit. Getting yourself a ready colonised grow kit is a great first step when beginning to grow your own mushrooms. There’s a massive variety of edible mushrooms kits on the market to help get you growing.Make sure you buy your kit or mushroom spawn from a trusted and reputable supplier. They’ll be keen to get you growing and will support you through your growing process with help and guidance.Don’t be afraid to give it a go. Mushrooms are really easy to grow and not a massive investment. Once you’ve finished growing, the mycelium within your kit is a great soil conditioner and can go straight into your garden. Once you’ve harvested your first mushrooms, the texture and smell is probably the first thing you’ll notice. They’re fairly robust, and have a lovely mild earthiness about them – both of which you don’t get from your shop brought, or plastic packaged mushrooms and this why you should try it yourselves – there’s just something about growing your own food that makes it look, feel and taste better than anything shop bought.Grow kits will usually offer you the chance to grow a number of flushes over the course of a few months. But – when you’ve finished with your grow kit or mushroom substrate, although the energy inside is spent and unable to produce any more mushrooms, you’ll still have a block of living mycelium that, if given more nutrients will keep on going. If you put this to use in your garden, veg patch, compost heap or into your plant pots, the mycelium will continue to work its way into the soil and help nourish the roots and plants, working in tandem to recondition your soil. If you’re lucky, over time you may even get more mushrooms popping up amongst your plants or compost heap. After you’ve mastered the home grown mushroom, you can venture onto other varieties of mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Shiitake and Black Pearl. You can even grow outside in mushroom beds or on logs. They’re great companion ‘plants’ and can be grown throughout the year amongst your flowers beds and on your vegetable patch – just don’t forget to water them like you would your other plants.Growing mushrooms is really simple and hugely rewarding. Time to get growing your own! At the BBC Gardeners World Autumn Fair the Caley Brothers are hosting a number of workshops throughout the show where they’ll be demonstrating just how easy it is to make your own kit and to grow and harvest your own flush of Oyster mushrooms at home. Find out more here.Every attendee will receive their own sachet of Grey Oyster mycelium, along with a full set of instructions and all you need to make your own mushroom kit so you too and get growing at home. On our stall they’ll have a series of ready to grow kits and will be on hand to help with any mushroom growing questions you may have, so do come armed with any questions you may have.Find out more about the Caley Brothers here. Delve into garden inspiration from the 2022 Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders Discover even more top tips, inspiration and our latest news

Cut flowers to brighten your home In these warm months of summer, there’s plenty of vibrant, beautiful flowers blooming into life.  Brighten up your home with cut flowers to bring a snippet of your summer garden inside.  Check out our pointers below to find out how to grow the best cut flowers. With thanks to our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. Plus, we’ve got an extra summer treat for you. Did you know you can crystallise cut flowers for cake decorations? We’ve got a special recipe from Dame Mary Berry, as made on the Big Kitchen at this year’s BBC Good Food Show Summer. Find out more below… /*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 08-05-2024 */ .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)} Tips for cut flowersCut flowers can bring a wonderful pop of colour to your garden, windowsill or kitchen table, and there’s so many varieties available to grow.Here are some top tips for growing cut flowers, from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine:Give plants lots of space by thinning out the seedlingsCut off side shoots to focus the plant’s energy on producing flowersKeep on top of weedsUse twine or canes to keep your flowers off the groundWater and feed regularlyCut flowers regularly to encourage new bloomsThe best time to pick flowers is in the morning, when their stems are full of water. The next best time is the evening Elderflower and limoncello syllabubThis recipe, from Dame Mary Berry, is from the BBC Good Food Show Summer, as seen on the Big Kitchen. Serves 6Syllabub is made from curdling sweet cream or milk with an acid, such as cider or wine. Top with beautiful crystallised flowers for an especially summery sweet treat.Ingredients:100ml elderflower cordial3 tbsp limoncello1 lemon, juiced300ml pouring double creamCrystallised flowers, raspberries or mint sprigs MethodTip the cordial, limoncello and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl and pour in the double cream. Whisk using an electric whisk until you reach soft peaks.Spoon the mixture into six glasses and place in the fridge to chill. Top with crystallised flowers, raspberries or mint sprigs to serve. How to crystallise your flowersThis recipe is from the BBC Good Food Magazine.Ingredients1 large egg white1 tbsp waterpetals from your cut flowers55g/2oz superfine caster sugarMethodStir together the egg white and water in a small bowl. Then, grasping your petals with some tweezers, brush the egg mixture onto both sides of the petals.In a different bowl, pour in the sugar and toss in the petals. Once coated, transfer to a rack and leave the petals to dry for at least 6 hours. BBC Gardeners’ World Live will be back alongside the BBC Good Food Show Summer from 15-18 June 2023. Find out more below… Delve into garden inspiration from the 2022 Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders Find out more about the BBC Good Food Show Summer

Tips for healthy house plants At BBC Gardeners’ World Live, we caught up with house plant expert Joe Bagley for his top tips on how to home happy house plants. Plus, we’ve put together some house plant guidance from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine to help you get the most out of your plants. WateringGetting the right amount of water for your plants can be crucial to their care. Be careful to not overwater your plants, as if the compost is too wet, the roots won’t be able to absorb oxygen. Make sure to check the label on your plant to find out how much to water it. If you’re not sure, try waiting for the leaves to wilt before you water – this is usually easy to remedy, while damaging the roots is not. FeedingIt’s important to feed your house plants over time as the nutrients in the soil begin to deplete. You can use liquid feed diluted in water, but be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Most house plants don’t need feeding more than once every one to three months. Remove dead leavesCut off dead and brown leaves to avoid pests and diseases. Cut just above a leaf point of tug the leaves off gently. Dust!Dusting your house plant helps with your plant’s ability to photosynthesise. Rub leaves with a damp cloth, but be careful to support them to prevent any tearing. MistingFrequently mist the leaves of house plants to increase the humidity around them. You can also arrange potted house plants together to raise humidity. Getting rid of house plant fliesIf you’ve seen small black flies around your house plants, these might be fungus gnats, also known as sciarid flies. While they’re fairly harmless, they can be a nuisance. Water less – wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.Use gravel mulch, grit or glass pebbles to make a layer on top of the soil to prevent the flies from laying their eggs. Browse the gallery At BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2022, to celebrate the BBC’s 100th anniversary, the Floral Marquee featured some fantastic floral displays inspired by popular BBC programmes. Did you see Joe Bagley and Samantha Theakstone’s Top of the Pops! inspired House of Plants? Check out the gallery below… Find out more about the House of Plants at this year's Show Discover even more top tips, inspiration and our latest news

Thyme to grow! At BBC Gardeners’ World Live, we caught up with Plant Expert Lucy Chamberlain for some top tips. If you’re looking for an attractive, versatile herb to grow in the garden, look no further. With over 200 varieties to choose from, thyme is a great herb to add to your kitchen garden, producing white, pink of lilac coloured flowers throughout the summer. Read below to find out how to grow thyme at home, with some help from our friends at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, and for Lucy’s tips on what to do once your plants have flowered. How to grow:A Mediterranean plant, thyme grows well in the full sun, in well-drained soil. Some varieties of the herb can be planted in gravel gardens, paving cracks, or pots which can be brought indoors in autumn time.Thyme plants thrive in drought conditions and won’t need watering once established. Make sure to plant in a sunny spot – this brings the essential oils to the surface of the leaves, for maximum flavour.An evergreen perennial, thyme leaves can be picked all year round. You can use it straight from the garden in your cooking, or dry it out to store.As thyme is used to dry conditions, you may want to bring your plants indoors in the winter time to avoid losing any plants, especially in wet weather. Avoid watering them and be sure to pot them back outside in spring. Trimming back In the summer, thyme plants bloom with beautiful  flowers, that attract plenty of buzzing wildlife. Once the flowers begin to fade, trim them back so that the flowers grow back the following year. Make sure to cut back the plant to continue your harvest through autumn. If thyme plants are left alone to grow, they may become woody and eventually need replacing. Find out more about the Plant Experts - Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker Discover even more top tips, inspiration and our latest news