Thanks to advances in technology, a wide variety of ready-to-go hydroponic systems are now readily available to buy. Simply plug and play! However, some people are born to be hands-on and thrive in the satisfaction of building something from the ground up. There’s nothing more gratifying than enjoying juicy tomatoes that were grown by your […]
With such a wide variety of hydroponic growing mediums on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Each medium has different positive and negative attributes, and of course, their suitability depends on what plants you wish to grow. Rockwool is one of the most versatile and popular growing mediums among hydroponic enthusiasts. Available […]
pH is a scale used to measure the alkalinity or acidity of a solution. A reading of 7 indicates a neutral pH, with lower values being more acidic, and higher values being more alkaline. But how does pH impact hydroponic systems, and how can you guarantee that your nutrient solution remains at an optimal pH […]
As a hobby, hydroponics certainly comes with its fair share of kit. Some items of equipment are crucial for the running of the system, and some are simply useful add-ons that improve functionality. Lighting is often plugged as an optional extra, but the truth is that although plants will develop adequately in a good natural […]
Don’t let a busy lifestyle and lack of outdoor space curb your dreams of sustainable living! A vertical hydroponic garden is the definitive low-maintenance gardening technique that offers delicious chemical free produce, benefitting your body, pocket and the environment. Vertical gardens are a fantastic, compact solution for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space. […]
The British culinary world has been revolutionised in the last 60 years. Gone are the bland meat and two veg staples, replaced by more adventurous dishes bursting with flavour. Granny’s corner herb garden, propagated with a sparse offering of mint, parsley and rosemary (if you were lucky!) has become a thing of the past, made […]
What could be more satisfying than succulent, sweet strawberries, fresh from the stalk? How about succulent, sweet strawberries that grow in half the time and are available all year round? Fruit that will save you money while also filling you with the immense gratification of knowing that those delicious berries were grown in your garden, […]
Ah, the tasty tomato! From refreshing salads to intense curries, tomatoes are a staple ingredient of the modern diet, forming the base for a wide multitude of meals and snacks. Keen gardeners who have already grown tomatoes traditionally in soil will know that these delicate looking little plants are actually a lot hardier than they […]
To a newbie, it may seem that hydroponics is all about the fancy hardware and tech wizardry. One of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is to invest too much time and money in their systems, and not enough in their nutrients. The key to a thriving hydroponic garden lies in the nutrients. With traditional […]
If you’re a hydroponic newbie, you’ve probably stared long and hard at the different systems, wondering which one will suit you best. The choice is overwhelming, and delving into the extensive theory could leave you more confused, with a headache to boot! We’ve compiled this quick and dirty guide to give you the basic lowdown […]
Hydroponic gardening has been hailed by some as the future of agricultural production, but what exactly does it entail, and how can the practise be put into use by home garden enthusiasts? Basically, hydroponic gardening means growing plants without soil. Sounds a little artificial and counterintuitive to the natural aspect of gardening, right? Surprisingly, the […]
Dipping your toes into hydroponic gardening can be daunting, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the scientific jargon. Here’s a straightforward glossary of common terms to help you on your way! Hydroponic Systems The first step to hydroponic gardening is deciding which system suits you best. This depends on a number of important factors, […]
Cats. Fluffy, adorable and absolutely infuriating in equal measure. Whether you want to put all the kitties in a basket or you’re indifferent to their moggy charms, there’s no denying that an unruly feline can cause untold damage in your garden. It’s all well and good laughing as Felix from next door chases dragonflies across […]
Your garden should be a natural oasis of beauty and calm. You want it to thrive and grow, but that’s not possible if you’re unable to attract the right types of wildlife. In the natural world, British wildlife like bees, birds and even lizards help to control pests, but also to help ensure that flowers […]
A garden is a beautiful space, full of sights, sounds and scent to cheer you up and boost health, but it’s also a battle ground. Every gardener needs tools. Soil needs digging, weeds need removing, hedges cutting back and the pruning can last for days. Let’s look at the essentials. Garden Spade If you are […]
Just because the sun goes in, doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying your garden. OK, so it does get rather chilly at night here, but it’s nothing a blanket, a cuppa tea and a fire pit can’t solve! Below are some elegant garden lighting ideas to add a whole new dimension to your outdoor space. 1) […]
There’s nothing quite so disheartening to a gardener than discovering all your hard work has been eaten or otherwise destroyed by marauding garden looters. Since the beginning of time we’ve been fighting to keep our crops healthy and ensure we have enough to feed ourselves. Luckily these days we don’t need to worry about starvation, but […]
There’s really nothing better than a lovely, well-maintained lawn. Well, unless you’re the one tasked with maintaining it! I’ll admit, I used to loathe caring for my lawn. No matter what I did, it seemed like I’d inevitably end up with brown spots, or it’d fail to grow despite my efforts in fertilising. Then I figured […]
Gardening can be incredibly rewarding. Even a flower garden can provide a peaceful sanctuary away from the troubles of the world. A vegetable garden can provide you with food that costs virtually nothing, plus a closer connection to the natural world, and an herb garden will offer delectable herbs, plus beautiful plants and flowers. Of […]
Garden irrigation systems sound expensive and complicated, but in reality they are a simple and hassle free way to make sure your garden gets the water it needs in the right place. There are two main types of irrigation system – they are sprinklers and drip irrigators Sprinklers are often used on a lawn but […]
Nothing beats star-gazing under a blanket on a brisk winter’s evening. But you won’t last longer than 5 minutes without some assistance! That’s why a trusty patio heater is well worth the money. However, when it comes to choosing the right one, there’s not a great deal of solid advice out there. So hopefully this […]
There’s nothing better than stepping outside and smelling the delicious scent of succulent burgers sizzling on the BBQ. There’s also nothing worse when you realise that smell is coming from your neighbours! So if you love the idea of a spontaneous BBQ, and don’t want the faff of waiting around for it to heat up, […]
If you love the authenticity and taste of grilling over coals, a Charcoal BBQ is definitely the way to go. Plus the market isn’t what it used to be, Charcoal BBQs have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. From fast temperature adjustments to side smokers, a Charcoal BBQ is a serious […]
Chimineas have grown massively in popularity over the last few years, especially here in the UK. It’s not hard to see why; they’re attractive and functional. They make a wonderful centre piece for your decking or patio, and keep you warm on those cool summer evenings. So if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration […]
Fire pits make a wonderful garden feature. Nothing quite beats sharing a glass of wine with friends around the roaring fire – especially on a pleasant summer evening! I purchased one recently, and naturally, did quite a bit of research. So if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, here are the most unique, innovative, […]
Is your dream of an outdoor sanctuary hindered by dense, scrubby bushes and weeds? Does the thought of back-breaking digging prevent you from transforming your overgrown jungle into a relaxing haven? Then look no further than the Root Assassin Shovel! Large holes and strong roots are no match for this extreme spade, meaning you can […]
Making the most of your outdoor space is so important. Most of us Brits aren’t blessed with huge gardens, so the trick to it is having multiple uses for one space. That’s why I think garden storage benches are a great idea. On the face of it, it’s a simple seating area to enjoy a […]
It’s a common problem – you’re not blessed with outdoor space, yet you need somewhere for storage. If you’ve got a small garden, the last thing you want to do is lose half of it to your garden shed! Thankfully, there are some very practical options for you. Ones that will enable you to store your […]
Quell the cries of boredom this summer with a DIY garden racetrack. Ridiculously easy and insanely impressive, this nifty little project will have your mini Stigs spellbound for hours on end. Guaranteed to put an end to holiday tedium, this fantastic garden feature will keep the kids entertained while you get on with tending your […]
Not everyone enjoys lazing on a recliner in sunny weather, and for those who prefer to be active, lawn games are the ideal compromise for a lively yet relaxing pastime. We came across this amazing DIY bowling alley that is sure to keep the whole family entertained all summer long, and we couldn’t wait to […]
