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Stephanie's Garden Blog
Stephanie's Garden Blog
All the latest updates from Harrod Horticultural, with growing advice, hints and tips, guest writer blogs, garden show reviews and lots more...
More about our Stephanies Garden Blog More about Stephanies Garden Blog

Stephanie's Garden Blog

Welcome to Stephanie's Garden Blog, where we keep you up to date with our gardening exploits and anything of interest in the big wide world of gardening. 

Here at Harrod Horticultural, we are involved in so much in the gardening world our blog gives us a great opportunity to  share our journey with you.

Our popular 'Let's talk about...' series offers great growing advice and tips across a range of fruit and vegetables. We regularly work with guest bloggers, often social media influencers from the gardening world, who provide some great insights into their own gardening and growing adventures. We are closely involved with the RHS and often visit their gardens to see our products and attend the prestigious flower shows with lots of blog posts before, during and after the shows. Alongside all the other blogs we also keep readers updated on new product development, new ranges being launched and general updates from our manufacturing home in Suffolk. 

We hope you enjoy reading our blog and take away some useful hints, tips and inspiration for your own gardening journey!

 

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Stephanie's August Top Product Picks
5
Aug
2022

Stephanie's August Top Product Picks

August this year seems a little different with the lack of rain which has left a lot of us in drought! Here's a few of our top products that will help keep your garden looking healthy in the heat...

When life gives you Apples
3
Aug
2022

When life gives you Apples

Nothing quite compares to making delicious cider, wine, fruit juice or even apple cider vinegar from the comfort of your own home, with your very own fruit press. Not only will your homemade delights be far healthier and tastier than shop-bought varieties, they'll be a fraction of the cost too.

How to water your garden effectively & reduce water waste
28
Jul
2022

How to water your garden effectively & reduce water waste

Summer so far has been a hot one to say the least. That being said, here's a few tips and tricks to water your garden effectively in the heat...

Ben Thornton - July Allotment Advice
25
Jul
2022

Ben Thornton - July Allotment Advice

Here are Ben Thornton's top tips for your allotment this month!

GIVEAWAY - Win a Roman Garden Arch & Cover it with Peter Beales Roses!
18
Jul
2022

GIVEAWAY - Win a Roman Garden Arch & Cover it with Peter Beales Roses!

We've teamed up with Peter Beales Roses to bring you an amazing summer giveaway worth over £400!

Stephanie's July Top Product Picks
11
Jul
2022

Stephanie's July Top Product Picks

July has certainly been a hot one and a great time to sit out and enjoy your garden. Here are my top product picks to keep your garden looking healthy this month!

An afternoon at the Bishop's Garden, Norwich
4
Jul
2022

An afternoon at the Bishop's Garden, Norwich

Last week we had the pleasure of visiting Norwich's hidden gem, the Bishop's Garden!

Let's talk about Blueberries
29
Jun
2022

Let's talk about Blueberries

Blueberries are an incredibly delicious fruit packed full of nutrients and pretty easy to grow too! Find out more about this versatile little berry and how you could be growing your own.

Frogs That Will Help Your Garden Grow & Thrive
28
Jun
2022

Frogs That Will Help Your Garden Grow & Thrive

Believe it or not, if you’re an advent gardener, frogs may be more beneficial for you than you would have ever believed...

Summer Patio Inspiration to Transform your Outdoor Living Space
20
Jun
2022

Summer Patio Inspiration to Transform your Outdoor Living Space

Transform your patio space this summer with these gorgeous garden accessories...

Ben Thornton - June Allotment Advice
8
Jun
2022

Ben Thornton - June Allotment Advice

Here are Ben Thornton's top tips for your allotment this month!

Hoveton Hall - Kitchen Garden Update!
10
Jun
2022

Hoveton Hall - Kitchen Garden Update!

See our latest update from the Hoveton Hall Kitchen Garden!

Why it's a good idea to provide Plant Supports for Perennials
7
Jun
2022

Why it's a good idea to provide Plant Supports for Perennials

Perennials in borders often grow strong heavy growth that makes them easily susceptible to damage by wind and heavy rain if they are not well supported...

Our return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022
6
Jun
2022

Our return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022

What a week it was! After last exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower show back in 2018, ‘excited to be back’ was an understatement! Here's some of our highlights from the show...

Let's talk about Radishes
24
May
2022

Let's talk about Radishes

These hardy and vibrant red morsels are incredibly easy to maintain and should be featured in every home grower’s plot. These fast-growing veggies take up very little space and can be planted in amongst the rows of other plants.

Ben Thornton - May Allotment Advice
8
May
2022

Ben Thornton - May Allotment Advice

We caught up with Grow Your Own's Best Gardening Influencer of 2021, Ben Thornton to get some allotment advice for this month!

Stephanie's May Top Product Picks
6
May
2022

Stephanie's May Top Product Picks

Spring bulbs will be fading now and the flower borders growing in leaps and bounds, summer is on it’s way.

Harrod Horticultural at Chelsea Flower Show throughout the years...
1
May
2022

Harrod Horticultural at Chelsea Flower Show throughout the years...

We're taking a trip down memory lane and reminiscing on many of our fond memories at Chelsea Flower Show throughout the years!

Hoveton Halls New Kitchen Garden
28
Apr
2022

Hoveton Halls New Kitchen Garden

We’re delighted to announce that we have teamed up with Hoveton Hall Gardens to sponsor their new Kitchen Garden!

Gardens Illustrated Spring Offer!
6
Apr
2022

Gardens Illustrated Spring Offer!

We’ve teamed up with Gardens Illustrated to bring you their spring offer, free downloadable copy and an exciting giveaway!

Stephanie's April Top Product Picks
5
Apr
2022

Stephanie's April Top Product Picks

The arrival of Spring should now be in evidence, with daffodils in flower and blossom adorning the trees. Frequent sunnier days and rising temperatures make it perfect gardening weather but expect to be caught out by the inevitable ‘April showers’.

Creating a 'wafty' border with Harrod Horticultural
28
Mar
2022

Creating a 'wafty' border with Harrod Horticultural

March is the ideal time to start thinking about lawn care and we caught up with the wonderful Emma Jo Real Davies to do just that! Find out what Emma has planned for her new garden borders....

Let's Talk About Chillies
15
Mar
2022

Let's Talk About Chillies

Since a single plant can provide up to 100 chillies, they are the perfect addition to the kitchen garden or windowsill. Whether you prefer just a little heat, or a pepper that makes your eyes water, there are dozens of varieties to choose from.

Harrod Horticultural Return to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022!
9
Mar
2022

Harrod Horticultural Return to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022!

Harrod Horticultural return to the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 to launch new ranges!

Stephanie's March Top Product Picks
4
Mar
2022

Stephanie's March Top Product Picks

Depending on where you live in the country, Spring has usually arrived by mid-March. The milder weather means it’s time to get busy sowing seeds, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up around the garden preparing for the busy growing season ahead!

An A-Z guide to raised bed gardening
25
Feb
2022

An A-Z guide to raised bed gardening

Raised bed gardening is becoming more popular than ever before with increasing numbers of people opting to grow their own food and live a more sustainable lifestyle. With the variations in height, size, potential higher yield and aesthetic value, raised bed gardening should be on your mind for gardening success.

Let's Talk About Broad Beans
20
Feb
2022

Let's Talk About Broad Beans

These delicious beans are easy to grow and will prosper in just about any soil and climate. Store bought varieties are often big, floury and lacking in flavour, but when you grow your own, you can pick them when they are young, tender and at their tastiest.

Stephanie's February Top Product Picks
8
Feb
2022

Stephanie's February Top Product Picks

This month there is hope – there are signs that Spring is approaching, bulbs are appearing and wildlife are waking up as the light levels and temperatures increase!

Gardening for health & wellbeing
31
Jan
2022

Gardening for health & wellbeing

It is not surprising to discover that in the past year more and more people have been struggling with their mental health and general wellbeing. And while gardening is not for everyone, it has been shown to be an effective way to boost mental and emotional health.

Growing vertically & making the most of your outdoor space
25
Jan
2022

Growing vertically & making the most of your outdoor space

If you want to make the most of your outdoor space, vertical growing could be the solution you’ve been searching for. If you’re still gathering ideas for your 2022 growing plan, vertical growing could be something worth considering to maximise your produce and minimise the space it traditionally takes to do so!

Let's talk about Aubergines
21
Jan
2022

Let's talk about Aubergines

These delicious Mediterranean fruits have grown in popularity and are now widely found in many kitchens across the UK. Despite the challenges, aubergines are definitely worth the effort and make for a delicious addition in curries, lasagne, bakes and risottos.

Make a Feature of your Fireside this Winter
14
Jan
2022

Make a Feature of your Fireside this Winter

Our new fireside range will help you make the most of your log burner or fire and add a stylish twist to storing logs, making them an eye-catching display with our stylish log holders.

Stephanie's January Top Product Picks
12
Jan
2022

Stephanie's January Top Product Picks

Happy New Year everyone! Here's what we'll be using in the Kitchen Garden now that January has arrived!

Harrod Horticultural - Highlights of 2021
21
Dec
2021

Harrod Horticultural - Highlights of 2021

2021 has been another whirlwind of a year to say the least! We''ll be taking a look back at the past 12 months and some of the highlights from the horticultural industry...

Stephanie's December Top Product Picks
17
Dec
2021

Stephanie's December Top Product Picks

It's getting colder but Christmas is coming! Here are my top product picks for the month of December...

Let's talk about Parsnips
13
Dec
2021

Let's talk about Parsnips

Parsnips are a hardy winter vegetable that are easy to grow, require little maintenance and can be used in just about any dish. Find out more about this versatile vegetable in our latest blog...

Six Steps to Creating a Sustainable and Fully Home Compostable Wreath this Christmas - Brigitte Girling
10
Dec
2021

Six Steps to Creating a Sustainable and Fully Home Compostable Wreath this Christmas - Brigitte Girling

Read the latest blog written by the wonderful Brigitte Girling and learn how she utilises her garden to create stunning sustainable and fully home compostable Christmas Wreaths!

Caring for Birds in Winter
6
Dec
2021

Caring for Birds in Winter

Active birds are a great friend of the gardener so don't wait until the depths of winter before putting food out for the local population - start now and help our feathered friends build up enough strength to get through the cold winter.

A Gardeners Christmas Gift Guide
24
Nov
2021

A Gardeners Christmas Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect gift for the gardening enthusiast in your life? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve got everything from gardening accessories to decorative plant supports that are bound to put a smile on their face this Christmas!

The benefits of using a cold frame in the winter
17
Nov
2021

The benefits of using a cold frame in the winter

Cold frames can be used all year round in your garden and their purpose changes through the seasons. You may find that in spring and early summer, the cold frame can be used as a mini-greenhouse to harden off any tender or young plants you may have.

Stephanie's November Top Product Picks
12
Nov
2021

Stephanie's November Top Product Picks

November has rolled around once again and we don’t know where this year has gone! The mornings are getting frostier by the day and the darker nights are stumbling in.

Let's talk about Carrots
8
Nov
2021

Let's talk about Carrots

Home-grown carrots are versatile and full of flavour and texture. They are a popular, long-lasting root vegetable that can be grown in many climates.

Winter Gardening Jobs
5
Nov
2021

Winter Gardening Jobs

Winter is slowly creeping in and now is the time to start preparing your garden for next year!

The benefits of having a Boot Room Space in your home
28
Oct
2021

The benefits of having a Boot Room Space in your home

With winter fast approaching, we want you to be able to enjoy any outdoor adventures that you may decide to embark on, without the worry of mud scattered throughout your home. Our boot room range provides somewhere to store those dirty wellies, jackets and brollies to ensure the outside comes off before you fully transition into the interior.

Let's talk about Butternut Squash
20
Oct
2021

Let's talk about Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is one of the most popular squashes to grow in your home garden. The pear-shaped fruits are widely celebrated for their sweet, nutty flavours and incredible versatility.

SGD Awards 2021
18
Oct
2021

SGD Awards 2021

On Friday 15th October the SGD Awards returned to the Landmark Hotel in London, after being postponed earlier on in the year. It was a night to celebrate some of the best in the business and their achievements and beautiful designs throughout 2021...

Stephanie's October Top Product Picks
7
Oct
2021

Stephanie's October Top Product Picks

And just like that, October has rolled around once again! Although this season is a beautiful time of year, we’re still holding out hope for some better days with crisp blue skies...

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 - The Round-Up
27
Sep
2021

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 - The Round-Up

The first ever autumn RHS Chelsea Flower Show has come to an end however, we’re still reminiscing on the once in a lifetime event.

Let's talk about Garlic
24
Sep
2021

Let's talk about Garlic

An abundant garlic harvest doesn’t take much expertise, even beginners can easily grow these nutritious homegrown treats which have a multitude of culinary uses!

Stephanie's September Top Product Picks
10
Sep
2021

Stephanie's September Top Product Picks

Although it has been a beautiful start to September, we’re already starting to see the misty mornings and darker nights creeping in.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is back!
6
Sep
2021

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is back!

For the first time in its 108-year history, RHS Chelsea will be taking place in September and we are beyond enthralled to be to be showcasing on of our traditional bespoke pergolas on Gaze Burvill’s trade stand.

In conversation with Lucy Hutchings
3
Sep
2021

In conversation with Lucy Hutchings

In July, we were lucky enough to be involved with the inspiring ‘Get Up and Grow’ garden designed Lucy Hutchings and Instagram Star 'She Grows Veg' at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. Inspired by her new book, Get up and Grow – the garden was a dream come true for Lucy.

Let's talk about Beetroot
25
Aug
2021

Let's talk about Beetroot

Hardy, durable and not particularly fussy, beetroot is ideal for both first-time and experienced gardeners. Traditionally a deep purple root, this versatile veggie actually comes in a variety of colours, all bringing intense earthy flavours when slow roasted or added to soups and salads. Plus, with its underlying sweetness beetroot lends well to cakes and desserts too.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2021
20
Aug
2021

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2021

It has been so long since we had been to an RHS Flower Show that to finally be able to attend the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in July was a real treat!

Stephanie's August Top Product Picks
13
Aug
2021

Stephanie's August Top Product Picks

I’ve been using many products in the Kitchen Garden over the last few weeks, but I've managed to narrow down my top 3 picks for August.

Grand Opening - RHS Hilltop - The Home of Gardening Science
21
Jul
2021

Grand Opening - RHS Hilltop - The Home of Gardening Science

You could sense the excitement from the buzz around the crowd that the long-awaited project was finally open for the world to see. The glorious weather helped to bathe the Wellbeing Garden in all its glory and the stage was set perfectly for the ribbon to be cut by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Baronet OBE (Deputy Lieutenant).

Let's talk about peas
15
Jul
2021

Let's talk about peas

Nothing comes close to home-grown peas for their tenderness and taste. What’s more, peas thrive in cooler climes, so are perfectly suited to growing outdoors in the UK.

Stephanie's June Top Product Picks
1
Jul
2021

Stephanie's June Top Product Picks

June started with a bit of a heatwave and ended with much more unsettled weather, but everything in the kitchen garden has continued to flourish, including the weeds!

Let's talk about lettuce
21
Jun
2021

Let's talk about lettuce

One of our oldest cultivated foods, lettuce is the quintessential salad crop that dresses up a garden with its ruffly leaves.

May & June Kitchen Garden Update
17
Jun
2021

May & June Kitchen Garden Update

The past two weeks of glorious sunshine has been a wonderful relief from the excessive rain and gale-force winds that battered the gardens throughout May.

Stephanie's May Top Product Picks
3
Jun
2021

Stephanie's May Top Product Picks

I always love all of our products and the different things we try to grow with them, but I have narrowed down my top 3 from May which have really helped things to grow and made gardening so much fun!

Brigitte Girling - The Art of Floral Design
27
May
2021

Brigitte Girling - The Art of Floral Design

We interviewed Brigitte Girling (Creator of Moss and Stone) who teaches an array of flower classes which will allow you to develop ‘naturally artful, animated designs creating a visual story within your work’.

Let's talk about runner beans
24
May
2021

Let's talk about runner beans

Runner beans have long been a favourite among gardeners and no veggie patch is complete without a delicious crop of these quintessential delights. These productive growers are among the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow.

An interview with Ann-Marie Powell
19
May
2021

An interview with Ann-Marie Powell

We were fortunate recently to meet up with and interview multi-award-winning garden designer Ann-Marie Powell who won the design for RHS Wisley’s new Wildlife Garden and World Food Garden.

The Dirt Podcast - Grow Your Own Magazine
28
Apr
2021

The Dirt Podcast - Grow Your Own Magazine

The fruit and veg gardening podcast from Grow Your Own magazine that celebrates the failures on your allotment as much as the successes!

Let's talk about tomatoes
27
Apr
2021

Let's talk about tomatoes

You can not beat the flavour of delicious home-grown tomatoes eaten straight from the vine. Once you taste tomatoes harvested fresh from your own patch, you?ll never again be satisfied with the supermarket imposters.

March & April Kitchen Garden Update
20
Apr
2021

March & April Kitchen Garden Update

With March signalling the arrival of spring, I had high expectations for the weather. However, mother nature had other ideas. Aside from three bright, warm days the rest of the month was cold.

Get your garden ready to welcome visitors
14
Apr
2021

Get your garden ready to welcome visitors

With brighter, sunnier days on the horizon and rules on socialising easing, you will no doubt be thinking of dusting off that BBQ and organising a few garden gatherings with six of your nearest and dearest. From cleaning your garden furniture, to mowing the lawn, here is a few things you can do to get your garden ready.

What am I up to in the Old House Garden this Spring?
8
Mar
2021

What am I up to in the Old House Garden this Spring?

Guest Blog Post by Sophie van Gerwen of Old House in the Shires - Spring is always a busy time in the garden but I think the lockdown in the UK has increased everyones connection to their garden or outdoor space.

Let's talk about leeks
3
Mar
2021

Let's talk about leeks

The lesser-known relative of onions and garlic, leeks are an easy to grow veggie with the same fantastic health benefits. With a delicious mild flavour that sweetens as it cooks, leeks are perfect onion substitutes in all kinds of dishes from casseroles to risottos.

Take your growing to the next level with a fruit cage
25
Feb
2021

Take your growing to the next level with a fruit cage

With interest in Grow Your Own flourishing, Fruit Cages are fast becoming staple additions to the garden. There is nothing more upsetting than discovering your tasty strawberries, raspberries, leeks, or other such delights have been devoured by garden pests and animals. A fruit cage increases the amount of produce that makes it from the veggie patch to the table.

Harrod Horticultural working with The RHS
12
Feb
2021

Harrod Horticultural working with The RHS

Over the years we have developed a strong working relationship with the RHS and are so excited to be a donor for the incredible new Hilltop project at RHS Wisley in Surrey.

January Kitchen Garden Update
10
Feb
2021

January Kitchen Garden Update

Considered the least favourite gardening month by many, January was a month of two halves. It started cold and frosty with regular wintry showers and developed into far milder conditions with regular bursts of winter sun. A welcome break from the constant rain showers we were dealt in December.

Let's talk about potatoes
4
Feb
2021

Let's talk about potatoes

Considered by many to be the king among vegetables, the humble potato has an ancient and honourable lineage. Boiled, mashed, baked or roasted, there are a number of ways to cook potatoes, which makes them one of the most versatile vegetables in the world.

Getting to know your soil better
23
Jan
2021

Getting to know your soil better

One of the most important things to learn about your garden to ensure successful crops year after year is your soil type. Knowing your soil type will help you choose the right plants for your garden and maintain them in good health.

Kitchen Garden - Planning for 2021
20
Dec
2020

Kitchen Garden - Planning for 2021

Our plans are already well underway for the Kitchen Garden next year, but as ever a lot has to be considered such as crop rotation, testing new varieties and including new products. Our early plans look great and we can't wait to see it come to fruition.

Let's talk about Brussels sprouts
16
Dec
2020

Let's talk about Brussels sprouts

There is no green vegetable more loathed than the humble Brussels sprout, but these misunderstood miniature cabbages deserve a second chance. Often given a bad rep because of their infamous pungent aroma when overcooked, when properly prepared this nutrient-packed veggie is pleasantly crisp with a slightly sweet, complex flavour profile.

November Kitchen Garden Update
9
Dec
2020

November Kitchen Garden Update

Throughout November the kitchen garden has witnessed an array of weather conditions. Much like every other UK November, rain featured heavily. Not enough to put a stop to my monthly tasks, but enough to warrant several layers and a waterproof!

What veggies can I grow over winter?
7
Dec
2020

What veggies can I grow over winter?

The days are getting colder and the trees are shedding their leaves (continuously), but this is no time to let your veggie patch deteriorate. Though you should be reaping the rewards of an abundant harvest from the warmer months, sometimes we just long for something fresh and crunchy.

Let's talk about cauliflowers
20
Nov
2020

Let's talk about cauliflowers

In the past, cauliflower was often overlooked, ranking low on the list of veggie favourites and relegated mainly to frozen vegetable medleys or crudite platters. But these days, the mild but delicious white vegetable is growing in popularity, thanks to its versatility.

October Kitchen Garden Update
6
Nov
2020

October Kitchen Garden Update

October has been a busy and very wet month in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden. With the days getting shorter and autumn making its appearance known, tidying has been at the top of the agenda this month, particularly the past week

The Benefits of having a Boot Room Space in your home
4
Nov
2020

The Benefits of having a Boot Room Space in your home

With winter fast approaching, we want you to be able to enjoy any outdoor adventures that you may decide to embark on, without the worry of mud scattered throughout your home. Our boot room range provides somewhere to store those dirty wellies, jackets and brollies to ensure the outside comes off before you fully transition to the interior.

Autumn Lawn Care
28
Oct
2020

Autumn Lawn Care

Autumn is an important time of year for taking care of your lawn. The effort you put in during autumn will improve the quality and health of your lawn right through into spring and beyond. Here's some tips on caring for your lawn in autumn from our friends at Rolawn.

Let's talk about pumpkins
21
Oct
2020

Let's talk about pumpkins

For many, Autumn is a season synonymous with pumpkins. Come October, people go wild for the squash, which has become a big part of Halloween and pumpkin carving traditions worldwide. And for those lucky enough to already have their own pumkin patch, now is the time to start harvesting your orange beauties.

Garden Arches - Choosing a style and picking your plants
15
Oct
2020

Garden Arches - Choosing a style and picking your plants

A garden arch can lend real drama and presence to a garden, whether you are looking to create a stunning focal point, frame a garden entrance or use to section the garden, they can be a beautiful addition to your outside space. But, choosing the perfect arch for your garden can be tricky with such a wide range of styles on the market, materials and prices to pick from.

A Guide to Composting
12
Oct
2020

A Guide to Composting

Home composting can seem overwhelming and mysterious, but in reality, it's a simple process that almost everyone can use effectively. With little more than fallen leaves and kitchen scraps you can make dark, nutrient-rich compost that will work wonders for your garden. What is more, you'll be helping the environment in the process too.

Top 10 Plant Supports
9
Oct
2020

Top 10 Plant Supports

We have chosen our Top 10 Plant Supports - all designed and made in the UK by us using high quality materials - stylish and practical plant supports for flowers, plants and shrubs.

September in the Kitchen Garden
5
Oct
2020

September in the Kitchen Garden

With much of the Autumn Harvest now in, many of the kitchen gardens beds are revealing bare soil. These will be allowed to rest for a while then, manure will be added to them and they will be dug over in the Spring ready for the new season crops.

Autumn Garden Maintenance
23
Sep
2020

Autumn Garden Maintenance

The temperatures have dropped, the days are getting shorter, and the lawn is covered by a blanket of golden yellow and rich orange hues. Autumn has arrived. Now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the cold, dark weather that lies ahead. Here's everything you should do to ensure your garden remains in tip-top condition ready for a vibrant spring

Hundred Years of Heritage and History
1
Sep
2020

Hundred Years of Heritage and History

There is something deeply evocative surrounding the traditional hand forging of tools. The heat of the forge, the smell of the coal furnace and the sound of molten steel being hammered into shape all take us back to a time long past, when tools were hand-made and lasted for decades. But are these wonderful noises and smells resigned to history? In most places yes, but in a small corner of Holland they are very much alive.

Fruit Press and Fruit Pressing
31
Aug
2020

Fruit Press and Fruit Pressing

A fruit press and fruit crusher are invaluable if you're faced with an orchard full of apples and pears that you want to turn into fresh fruit juice or make into cider. Even if you don't have an orchard many of you have more than one fruit tree in the garden and on a good year they can produce more apples and pears than your family can comfortably eat.

Mini heatwave!
10
Aug
2020

Mini heatwave!

It has been another week where the heat has built up, peaking on Friday in the 30's, and still no decent rainfall. The water butts are empty again. So, it was more days of what seemed like endless watering!

August photo shoot preparation.
28
Jul
2020

August photo shoot preparation.

The week began with the photo shoot in the kitchen garden and we were very fortunate with the weather with plenty of sunshine, no rain and a gentle wind.

Under attack from an unknown pest!
20
Jul
2020

Under attack from an unknown pest!

Over the last week there seems to have been a surge in pests in the kitchen garden, with the calabrese plants being the worst hit by an unknown culprit!

Rain and strong winds at the Kitchen Garden
13
Jul
2020

Rain and strong winds at the Kitchen Garden

We got some much needed rain over the last week at the Kitchen Garden, unfortunately forcing the photo shoot to be cancelled, but still lots to do to make sure the garden is looking its best.

Lots of weeding in the Kitchen Garden
6
Jul
2020

Lots of weeding in the Kitchen Garden

The weeds have loved the recent weather and it was time to have a blitz in the kitchen garden with lots of weeding to make the garden look at its best for the upcoming photo shoots.

Mini Heatwave
29
Jun
2020

Mini Heatwave

Well last week was a real scorcher with the UK seeing a mini heatwave and the mercury exceeding 30 degrees celsius at time, meaning lots of watering again in the kitchen garden.

Box hedge trimming in the Kitchen Garden
22
Jun
2020

Box hedge trimming in the Kitchen Garden

This week the main job in the kitchen garden was cutting and shaping the box hedging. It is normally done in the autumn, but this year with the rain we had over the winter period and the heat we have had recently, the box hedging was getting rather long.

Much needed rain in the Kitchen Garden
12
Jun
2020

Much needed rain in the Kitchen Garden

Some welcome rain over last weekend gave us a rest from the watering, for a few days at least!

At last some much needed rain in the Kitchen Garden!
9
Jun
2020

At last some much needed rain in the Kitchen Garden!

Although the week started very dry and warm, towards the end of the week and into the weekend we had some very welcome rain in the Kitchen Garden.

The dry warm weather continues...
29
May
2020

The dry warm weather continues...

It has been another warm and dry week in the Kitchen Garden so once again watering has become a priority. Its a big job trying to keep the plants hydrated through this particularly dry spell.

Watering, watering and more watering!
27
May
2020

Watering, watering and more watering!

With no decent rainfall and higher than average temperatures across the last week, the main job has been watering, watering and more watering!

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020
20
May
2020

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2020

We had planned to be on our stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week and what glorious weather we would have had, but due to the Coronavirus pandemic the show had to be cancelled for the first time since World War 2.

Putting the new brassica cage to good use.
18
May
2020

Putting the new brassica cage to good use.

It has been another busy week in the kitchen garden planting out all the brassicas in our newly built cage, with sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower all being planted out.

Our new Brassica Cage
11
May
2020

Our new Brassica Cage

The week started with building a larger net cage for the brassicas. Building the frame was the easy part, shaping and cutting the net to fit took its time but finally it was built.

Finally some rain in the kitchen garden!
4
May
2020

Finally some rain in the kitchen garden!

Finally, we have had rain and everywhere is looking so much better for it, with the kitchen garden really bursting into life over the last few days.

Chelsea Flower Show Competition
1
May
2020

Chelsea Flower Show Competition

Chelsea Flower Show is back and to celebrate we are giving you the chance to win a stunning Southwold Bistro Set as seen on our stand at the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Another warm week in the Kitchen Garden
27
Apr
2020

Another warm week in the Kitchen Garden

It has been another busy week in the kitchen garden. Peas that had been started in the greenhouse and then transferred to the cold frame, had grown sufficiently to be planted outside. These have been planted opposite the peas that were sown directly into the ground and are going to run up the vintage pea frame.

Lots of growing in the Kitchen Garden
20
Apr
2020

Lots of growing in the Kitchen Garden

It has been a short week after the long Easter bank holiday, a very different Easter to what we are use to as we are still in lockdown. As we still have not had any decent rain it meant this week a lot of watering especially in the kitchen garden.

What a change in the weather!
15
Apr
2020

What a change in the weather!

What a change in weather this week. We seem to have had weeks of cold wind and cloud, but now the wind has shifted to the south and finally the sun is gracing us with its presence and warmth.

Busy week in the Garden
3
Apr
2020

Busy week in the Garden

It has been a busy week in the kitchen garden. Because of the lock down one of the gardeners who works mainly in the kitchen garden is now being furloughed and Louise is taking over most of the gardening jobs. We do hope Heidy will be back with us soon.

Garden Spring Clean
1
Apr
2020

Garden Spring Clean

Spring cleaning has a 1950s housewife image. Not many people open up their houses and clean them from top to bottom in March any more. But a garden spring clean will make a big difference to your gardening later on in the year.

Growing more of your own food
20
Mar
2020

Growing more of your own food

Work is continuing as normal in the kitchen garden despite the coronavirus. We do have the benefit of being quite isolated here and now is certainly a good time to be out in the garden and growing more of your own food.

Growing in Raised Planters
20
Mar
2020

Growing in Raised Planters

Growing in raised planters is a real boom area in gardening right now and it's little wonder when you realise just how easy it can be and how many delicious vegetables you can cram into such a small space. Let's take a look at how one of our attractive Manger Raised Planters - all 8ft of it - can transform a barren patio into a vegetable oasis.

Spring seems to have arrived
13
Mar
2020

Spring seems to have arrived

It has been a lovely spring like week in the kitchen garden with lots of sunshine and it is really starting to feel that the warmer days are on the way.

Kitchen Garden Planning for 2020
6
Mar
2020

Kitchen Garden Planning for 2020

Planning is key to a successful vegetable garden and we take a lot into consideration when planning the Kitchen Garden planting each year. Incorporating new products, trialing new varieties while still observing crop rotation can make it a bit tricky, but the design looks great and we can't wait to bring it to life!

Raspberries and blueberries all planted
6
Mar
2020

Raspberries and blueberries all planted

The new metal raised beds that have been located in the peak roof fruit cage have now all been filled with new soil and the autumn raspberries and blueberries have been replanted in their new homes.

Installing New Raised Beds
28
Feb
2020

Installing New Raised Beds

It has been an exciting week in the kitchen garden, we have installed the new superior raised metal beds in the fruit cage. These are to be the new home of the autumn raspberries and the blueberries.

Seedlings are beginning to shoot
19
Feb
2020

Seedlings are beginning to shoot

The kitchen garden is quiet at the moment, sprouting broccoli and young cabbages are a few of the vegetables growing but in the greenhouse, it is a different matter. A variety of seedlings are beginning to shoot.now. Cucumbers are taking off in the heated propagator, alongside the chillies and peppers.

Clearing up after the Storm
17
Feb
2020

Clearing up after the Storm

Last week began clearing up after Storm Ciara. We were lucky here as we had minimal storm damage. Just lots of small branches and twigs down, and plenty of pine cones under foot!

Challenging weather forecast
7
Feb
2020

Challenging weather forecast

We have had some windy days this week with more challenging weather forecast for us for the weekend which will mean we will have a lot of debris to clean up next week.

Frosty conditions in the Kitchen Garden
24
Jan
2020

Frosty conditions in the Kitchen Garden

We have had some really frosty conditions in the kitchen garden this week. Which, although looks really pretty has made working the ground quite hard as it has been frozen.

Windy week in the Kitchen Garden
17
Jan
2020

Windy week in the Kitchen Garden

The runner bean trench has now been dug, we have had to dig this quite deep as we have lots of tree roots invading the ground and we want to make sure we get them all out. This also means we have a nice deep trench to fill with lovely manure and water retaining mediums.

A mild start to the New Year
10
Jan
2020

A mild start to the New Year

It has been quite a mild week considering that we are in winter. It has been very pleasant working in the garden and we have even had some lovely winter sunshine. This has made spring and the new growing season seem so much nearer now.

The Kale and early sprouting broccoli are growing well
13
Dec
2019

The Kale and early sprouting broccoli are growing well

The kale and early sprouting broccoli are growing well we are continuing to add feed to soil around them in the form of seaweed meal, a little sprinkle every few weeks. This seems to be working well, liquid feeds this time of year just don't really get the job done as we have had so much wet weather.

Using wood ash in the garden
22
Nov
2019

Using wood ash in the garden

The cold weather means that the woodfire is now being used in the house and we regularly collect the ash to use in the kitchen garden. The wood ash is a great helper in the garden

First frosts this week
8
Nov
2019

First frosts this week

We have had our first frosts this week so I am really glad that our delicate plants are either in the greenhouse or covered up with the winter garden fleece protection.

Winter sunshine, but getting colder...
4
Nov
2019

Winter sunshine, but getting colder...

We have had some lovely winter sunshine this week in the kitchen garden, and some very active squirrels who have been busy burying the horse chestnuts that are now falling from the trees.

Tidying in the Greenhouse and Garden
25
Oct
2019

Tidying in the Greenhouse and Garden

It has been another week of tidying in the kitchen garden especially in the greenhouse. The long sweet peppers and bell peppers have been harvested and all the plants removed along with the aubergines and we have harvested an amazing crop of sweet potatoes.

Lots of rain and thundery downpours
18
Oct
2019

Lots of rain and thundery downpours

We have definitely been making the most of our waterproofs this week we have had lots of rain and a few thundery downpours. We have a few peppers that are still showing promise of ripening but it's pretty much the end of the summer greenhouse plants.

The Big Autumn Clear Up!
15
Oct
2019

The Big Autumn Clear Up!

It's that time of year when we have our big autumnal tidy up, clearing and getting ready for winter.

Planting out Garlic
4
Oct
2019

Planting out Garlic

With the threat of lowering temperatures, we have been able to plant the garlic out. This year we are growing elephant and Mikulov and we are growing them in one of our superior wooden raised beds

Weeding, Scarifying and Pruning
27
Sep
2019

Weeding, Scarifying and Pruning

This week we have started our autumnal jobs around the garden. The beds have been weeded, the lawns have been scarified and some areas re-seeded and the lavender and roses have had their autumn prune.

Finally some much needed rain
20
Sep
2019

Finally some much needed rain

We have finally had some rain not lots but enough to give the ground some much needed moisture and us a day off of watering. However, it has also given the slugs something to smile about so the aggressive slug control has commenced,

Raspberry Protection and Support
18
Sep
2019

Raspberry Protection and Support

As Autumn raspberry plants get taller and stronger they will need support from poles or a frame we have been specializing in fruit protection and growing frames for over 50 years and our exclusive product range is designed and manufactured here in our Suffolk factory.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Fruit Cage
13
Sep
2019

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Fruit Cage

You may be thinking, what are the benefits of purchasing a Harrod Horticultural steel fruit cage from us rather than from another company? Find all the answers here where we discuss the merits of a fruit cage, and with the many types available there is bound to be a style that suits your garden.....

Tidying the Garden and Autumn Planting
13
Sep
2019

Tidying the Garden and Autumn Planting

It's been a week of tidying in the kitchen garden, we have cleared out all the plants that have stopped producing and relegated them to the compost bin and started our Autumn planting of perpetual spinach, Pak choi, early sprouting broccoli and kale.

The benefits of growing in a raised bed
9
Sep
2019

The benefits of growing in a raised bed

Options to get involved in gardening really are endless from tending to large gardens or smaller urban spaces, even balconies, windowsills and indoors with houseplants. Often, no matter what size your space is, containers and raised beds are often part of a garden and can be a useful, convenient way to grow your own flowers and vegetables.

Photo shoot in the garden
6
Sep
2019

Photo shoot in the garden

It has been a hive of activity in the garden this week as we've had a photo shoot for our new garden furniture range, it looks so very stylish in the late summer sunshine. We are all very proud to see the end product now in situ and how beautiful it looks in the garden.

Constant dry conditions in the kitchen garden
30
Aug
2019

Constant dry conditions in the kitchen garden

This week has been a short one as we have enjoyed the last bank holiday before, dare I say it, Christmas. But there has been no let up in the warm weather if anything we suffered 4 days of constant hot dry conditions and 3 days of temperatures getting up to 30 degrees.

It is starting to feel Autumnal
16
Aug
2019

It is starting to feel Autumnal

It is starting to feel very autumnal in the kitchen garden this week and its only August! The weather has cooled down and the plants are starting to come to the end of their productive period so the kitchen garden has had a really good tidy up.

National Allotments Week
12
Aug
2019

National Allotments Week

The air of mystique which sometimes surrounds allotments will be lifted for 7 days in August this year, when National Allotments Week takes place across the UK. The event will run from Monday 12th August until the 18th August.

Box blight and very little rain
9
Aug
2019

Box blight and very little rain

The box hedging in the kitchen garden has become infected with box blight, brown patches and leaves dying, so all of the hedging has been sprayed with fungus fighter. The box in the kitchen garden has suffered with blight before, the disease can remain in the plant for up to 6 years and with the right conditions the spores can become active again.

Sowing Autumn Carrots
5
Aug
2019

Sowing Autumn Carrots

I have been busy preparing the bed for our autumn carrots by sieving the top layer of soil to make it as light as possible and to remove all the debris. It was a very stony bed which is no good for carrots, this has delayed the sowing of the carrots but hopefully they won't mind to much.

The weather has been extremely hot
29
Jul
2019

The weather has been extremely hot

The weather has been extremely hot here with glorious sunshine, which has meant I have been doing lots and lots of watering. But the vegetables have loved it and are growing really well and getting big especially the sweetcorn which has now got kernels, not quite ready for picking yet but I think it is going to be a very good year for sweetcorn.

Greenhouse or Polytunnel
15
Jul
2019

Greenhouse or Polytunnel

For many gardeners, a greenhouse is not just somewhere to grow your plants it is also a design statement. So if appearance is one of your main considerations then a Greenhouse would be top of your list. However, where simple practical covered growing space is required, you will be getting much more growing space for your money if you choose a polytunnel.

Photography in the Kitchen Garden
12
Jul
2019

Photography in the Kitchen Garden

It has been an exciting week in the kitchen garden as we have been doing the photography for our upcoming catalogue. We have had our raised beds, obelisks and plant supports re-photographed and some new product ranges still to be announced.

Lots of weeding and tidying
5
Jul
2019

Lots of weeding and tidying

We have been busy preparing for a photoshoot this week and everything is now looking lovely with the hedges trimmed into shape and lots of weeding and tidying done. It is very satisfying to look round the garden and see what has been achieved with all our hard work.

Growing vegetables on the Patio
5
Jul
2019

Growing vegetables on the Patio

If you have a sunny patio you can grow an amazing variety of fruit and vegetables in very little space. You won't be self sufficient but you can certainly make a good contribution to your kitchen table.

A good harvest this week in the Kitchen Garden
1
Jul
2019

A good harvest this week in the Kitchen Garden

It has been a very good week in the kitchen garden everything is growing well and yielding lots of produce. We have red currents, spinach, courgettes, broad beans, rhubarb, sprouting broccoli, and cucumbers and the shallots are ready to be lifted and dried.

Successional sowing in the Kitchen Garden
21
Jun
2019

Successional sowing in the Kitchen Garden

This week in the kitchen garden it has been a week of planting out, the last of the runner beans (Enorma) have been put in. This year we are doing more successional sowing, to give a longer harvest period and to hopefully avoid a glut of any one vegetable.

Planting out cauliflower and more sweetcorn
17
Jun
2019

Planting out cauliflower and more sweetcorn

The last of the cauliflower (Romanesco) has now been planted out under the cover of butterfly netting to protect them from the butterflies, and the caterpillars that will eventually follow.

Gold Winning Garden at RHS Chatsworth
10
Jun
2019

Gold Winning Garden at RHS Chatsworth

Themes at this years RHS Chatsworth Flower Show centred on mental health, reconnecting with nature and the creation of biophilic meditation spaces. The Harrod Horticultural Moon Gate Arch was a stunning feature on the Gold Winning 'Space Within' Garden.

Harvesting in the Kitchen Garden
7
Jun
2019

Harvesting in the Kitchen Garden

This week has been very productive in the kitchen garden the first of our broad beans have been harvested along with some very juicy strawberries and the rhubarb I feel like a crumble might be on the cards the only decision is cream, custard or ice-cream.

The Kitchen Garden is thriving
31
May
2019

The Kitchen Garden is thriving

The kitchen garden is thriving and a lot of work has been done this week, the celery and celeriac have been planted in their final positions and seem to be very happy. The last of the courgette plants have been planted now too

Blue skies and sunshine
24
May
2019

Blue skies and sunshine

It's been lovely in the kitchen garden this week plenty of blue skies and sunshine, this of course means no rain and an awful lot of watering, as this has been a week of planting.

Planting out in the Kitchen Garden
20
May
2019

Planting out in the Kitchen Garden

Finally, the temperatures have improved enough to start planting in the kitchen garden, this week I have planted out the sweet potatoes, Dwarf French green beans, Runner beans Enorma, Peas Norli and Kelvendon wonder, sweet peas, Dill and Parsley.

A challenging week for gardeners
10
May
2019

A challenging week for gardeners

It has been a week of wind, rain and low temperatures which has made gardening a challenge. When the risk of frost was announced I was worried we would lose the younger more tender plants but we covered them in a weather protecting fleece and so far, they have survived.

Companion Planting in the Kitchen Garden
8
May
2019

Companion Planting in the Kitchen Garden

So, this week I want to talk about companion planting in the kitchen garden, companion planting is a must for organic gardeners as it is the natural way to control pests and aids pollination, plus it looks really pretty

What a difference a week makes
3
May
2019

What a difference a week makes

What a difference a week makes weather wise, gone are the beautiful sunny skies and warmer temperatures. I have to admit it has caught me out as I thought the risk of frost had gone, only to wake up this morning and hear the dreaded weatherman say there is a chance of frost over the weekend.

Beautiful warm weather
26
Apr
2019

Beautiful warm weather

What beautiful weather we have been having, lovely sunny skies and warmer air, so its now time to start planting out some of the hardy vegetables. This week we have planted our early purple sprouting broccoli, broccoli Santee, Brussel sprouts nautic f1 and spinach. All of them have appreciated the sunshine and have already grown well.

Soil preparation and nematode pest control
15
Apr
2019

Soil preparation and nematode pest control

An important job to start now is slug control because these greedy little creatures will quite happily munch through all your crop and leave you with a few stalks to cry over. I highly recommend Nemaslug as it is a natural biological slug killer you apply every 6 weeks until all the crops are harvested, I would also recommend applying it with the Nemasprayer as it distributes the product easily and evenly.

How to grow peonies
8
Apr
2019

How to grow peonies

Peonies do like a sunny location with well-drained soil and good air circulation around the plant is important. Peony plant supports should be put in place early on in the growing season. Once the plant is in full bloom, it is much harder to set up an effective support system and the damage may have already been done.

Rhododendrons in flower
5
Apr
2019

Rhododendrons in flower

The first of our rhododendrons has come into flower and looking beautiful next to the new laser screen panels, a perfect assimilation between nature and man.

Planting a Potager Garden
29
Mar
2019

Planting a Potager Garden

Its been a busy week in the kitchen garden, preparations are well under way for the season ahead. This year we have decided to plant our vegetables in a potager style, this should add interest to the garden and be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Kitchen Garden Planning
27
Mar
2019

Kitchen Garden Planning

Every year we spend a lot of time deciding on the planting plan for the Kitchen Garden and this year we have brought this to life with colourful illustrations of how we hope the garden will look when everything is in full growth.

Spring has arrived to the Kitchen Garden
22
Mar
2019

Spring has arrived to the Kitchen Garden

Seeds are shooting up in every seed tray and pot in the Greenhouse. The broccoli, brussel sprouts, aubergine, celery and celeriac have been moved into an unheated propagator to free up space for more seed sowing and tomato plants that have been potted on can now be moved into the raised border bed in pots.

Storm Gareth passes over us
15
Mar
2019

Storm Gareth passes over us

Well what a battering we have taken this week in the kitchen garden. This time it was the turn of storm Gareth passing over us, reported to be 1000 miles wide. But at last the strongest of the wind has gone and now the tidy-up starts.

Apricot tree now in flower
8
Mar
2019

Apricot tree now in flower

As we have not experienced any really hard weather here this year, the apricot tree 'Tomcot' is now in flower which is a lovely sight to see on a cold grey day. The peach and nectarine trees are also now in bud but no flowers yet. Once they start to flower they will be given a helping hand by pollinating with a paintbrush.

Record temperatures for February
1
Mar
2019

Record temperatures for February

Well what a week it has been weather wise. This time last year we were staying indoors, only going out if it was really necessary! It had been snowing, there was ice and the day time temperatures didn't get above freezing and the Beast from the East had arrived!

Busy time in the Greenhouse
22
Feb
2019

Busy time in the Greenhouse

It has almost been like summer, not spring, with the warm weather we have been experiencing. Most days there has been full sun and blue skies which has been brilliant as that has given me the opportunity to get out and really start clearing the flower borders and beds.

A Change in the weather
15
Feb
2019

A Change in the weather

Well the weather this week has been a complete change, with us having the warmest valentine's day in 21 years. I have seen out in the garden a butterfly, a very large bumble bee, other solitary bees and numerous other bugs and flies, the weather is really teasing us.

Harrod UK meets Nike
8
Feb
2019

Harrod UK meets Nike

The news we've been waiting to share - It's not everyday our factory here in Suffolk looks like a film set - and we would like to thank all at Nike for the experience!

Cold nights and frosty days
1
Feb
2019

Cold nights and frosty days

This has been a week about finding jobs in the garden that keep you warm. We haven't had the heavy snow like some parts of the country but we have had some very cold nights and frosty starts the following day.

Farmyard Manure and Cold Weather
18
Jan
2019

Farmyard Manure and Cold Weather

Well the week started with a couple of tons of farmyard manure being delivered. Most of this was to go in the kitchen garden so with wheelbarrows and spades at the ready, it was time to shovel manure. We have put about 50 barrow loads onto the kitchen garden plots and the remainder has been stored to go over the flower borders at a later date.

Protecting brassicas from pigeons
14
Jan
2019

Protecting brassicas from pigeons

The last of the Brussel sprouts have been dug up and the surrounding cage taken down. The cauliflowers and savoy cabbages which were planted in the same area have now been covered with a a popadome crop cover. If left uncovered even at this time of year the pigeons will make as tasty meal of what brassicas are growing.

Removing the Fruit Cage Roof Netting
17
Dec
2018

Removing the Fruit Cage Roof Netting

I have finally had a dry, bright day to remove the fruit cage roof netting. This will prevent any damage to the cage frame from any heavy snowfall that may lie ahead. A lot of the tie wraps that were used to put the netting up were easy quick release ties, but after a time the fingers do start to go numb in the cold.

Rain, rain and more rain
7
Dec
2018

Rain, rain and more rain

December has arrived, reminding us that Christmas is fast approaching and a new growing year will soon be here. The month arrived quietly but wet and thankfully no snow, just rain and more rain so a lot of the jobs I had planned for this week have now been moved into next.

New additions to the Greenhouse
30
Nov
2018

New additions to the Greenhouse

This week I have started some seed sowing ready for next year. I have planted a couple of different varieties of sweet peas ready for a spring display and the greenhouse has had a couple of new additions.

Caring for Birds in Winter
28
Nov
2018

Caring for Birds in Winter

Active birds are a great friend of the gardener so don't wait until the depths of winter before putting food out for the local population - start now and help our feathered friends build up enough strength to get through the cold winter.

Composting Kitchen and Garden Waste
27
Nov
2018

Composting Kitchen and Garden Waste

Composting kitchen and garden waste is an environmentally friendly source of organic matter that helps to reduce landfill and won't cost you a penny.

Be cautious of hibernating Hedgehogs
26
Nov
2018

Be cautious of hibernating Hedgehogs

Well this week has seen me clearing paths and borders of leaves after yet another storm has passed through. Though this storm brought snow and hail with temperatures plummeting to what they should be. Whilst I am raking large piles of leaves, I am always cautious of hibernating hedgehogs, I once found a hedgehog sleeping in the leaves of crocosmia.

Garlic shooting and planting strawberry plants
16
Nov
2018

Garlic shooting and planting strawberry plants

The recent warm spell has seen one variety of garlic we planted in a raised planter which should still be dormant shown signs of early green shoots. If we do get a sudden cold snap, it may stop the garlic in its tracks.

Strange weather for the time of year
9
Nov
2018

Strange weather for the time of year

Whilst over half of the country was being hit by gale force winds and rain, here on the East coast we have seen temperatures reaching 17c, with wasps and bluebottles still flying around and even a Red Admiral butterfly flew past me on Tuesday, what strange weather we are having!

Blackcurrants, Garlic and Lettuces
19
Oct
2018

Blackcurrants, Garlic and Lettuces

This week in Kitchen Garden we will be pruning our blackcurrant bushes; the plants are now beginning to shed their leaves and showing signs of dormancy so it is an ideal time to give them their annual haircut.

How to insulate your Greenhouse
15
Oct
2018

How to insulate your Greenhouse

It is a good idea to line the inside of your greenhouse during the winter. It is economical and quick to fit and will frost-proof the structure and can also extend your growing season for up to 6 weeks

Peas, Beans and Cooking Apples
15
Oct
2018

Peas, Beans and Cooking Apples

The runner beans and the French beans have been cut down and the foliage sent to the compost heap. Both the pea and bean frames have been taken down and completely cleared of any plant debris and put away for another next year.

Gifts to Surprise and Delight
8
Oct
2018

Gifts to Surprise and Delight

Finding that perfect gift can be tricky, but if you are looking for a gardening gift for a greenfingered family member or friend, our range of gifts for gardeners will give you some great inspiration and ideas for the perfect present.

Greenhouse Tidy
5
Oct
2018

Greenhouse Tidy

This week we have given the greenhouse a good clean and tidy so it's ready for the less hardy plants to be overwintered and for some autumn seed sowing.

Leaf Mould
1
Oct
2018

Leaf Mould

There's no escaping the fact that in the garden, a large part of the autumn is spent clearing up fallen leaves, but there's an upside to all your hard work - leaf mould.

Kitchen Garden tidy up
28
Sep
2018

Kitchen Garden tidy up

Well the week started with the clean up from last weeks gales and heavy rain, there were pine needles, branches and leaves everywhere. Armed with my wheelbarrow, spring tine rake and garden vac the gardens have now started to look much tidier. I never realised how deadly an unopened pine cone could be until I stood on one and found myself sliding to where I didn?t want to be.

Warm and Dry then Storms and Gales
21
Sep
2018

Warm and Dry then Storms and Gales

The start of this week was still unseasonably warm and dry so regular watering continued in the Kitchen Garden and the greenhouse, but the end of the week saw the arrival of gale force winds that have wreaked havoc! The garden is full of leaves but they will remain until next week as another possible storm is coming on Sunday with some more much needed rain, even now the ground is still very dry when you dig down just a few inches.

Pond Protection Cover
17
Sep
2018

Pond Protection Cover

My husband and I have used black aluminium poles and slot and lock fittings to make a bespoke raised curved pond cover to protect from herons. We would love these photos to be on the website to show the versatility of the fittings.

Cooler evenings are upon us
14
Sep
2018

Cooler evenings are upon us

Well Autumn has well and truly got its foot in the door. The night temperature has dropped rapidly and with the cooler evenings also comes that familiar smell of logs burning on the wood burner resumes.

Another week of mixed weather
10
Sep
2018

Another week of mixed weather

Last week was certainly a week of a mixture of weather. Monday was another warm, dry day and being able to get into the shade was wonderful but the lavender bushes all needed their Autumn trim. When you have quite a few the use of a petrol hedge trimmer is brilliant, remembering to take the new growth right down to where the old wood is, so next year you will get good healthy growth and flowers.

It's starting to feel Autumnal
31
Aug
2018

It's starting to feel Autumnal

A short week for workers this week but the kitchen garden continues to grow. Although, since the last heavy rain it has started to feel a little autumnal in the mornings; a chilly and sometimes dewy start but warming up during the day.

Jo is leaving for pastures new
17
Aug
2018

Jo is leaving for pastures new

This week, after almost six years, I am leaving Stephanie's Garden to move on to a new garden and new challenges. As any gardener who has ever left a garden they have loved (whether through work or through house move) will know, it is a bitter-sweet time. Having loved and nurtured a garden for a long time it is so difficult to leave it.

Rain at last in the Kitchen Garden
10
Aug
2018

Rain at last in the Kitchen Garden

For the first time in a long time my first priority wasn't more watering when I went out to the kitchen garden this morning. Yesterday we had an inch of rain which has left the garden feeling refreshed and the plants have lifted their drooping heads and you can almost hear them growing.

The Cordon Tree and Harrod Step Over Support
8
Aug
2018

The Cordon Tree and Harrod Step Over Support

The cordon tree is something like the gardener's victory over the tree. Here, the domesticated tree no longer pushes itself self-determined toward the light, but the gardener dictates where it grows with this step over support.

Tasty Preserves
6
Aug
2018

Tasty Preserves

Setting up a store cupboard full of your own home-produced preserves is such a marvellous way to capture the full flavour of what you have grown that it far surpasses anything you can ever buy in a supermarket.

Rain has finally arrived
31
Jul
2018

Rain has finally arrived

Well the promised storms by the weather forecasters have finally arrived and we've had a few heavy showers to keep the garden ticking over. It had been been 8 weeks since we had any rain in the Kitchen Garden and the temperatures over the past week has been in the 30's every day so these showers are very welcome.

Vacancy for Kitchen Gardener
31
Jul
2018

Vacancy for Kitchen Gardener

Harrod Horticultural are looking for a part-time kitchen gardener (minimum 20 hours per week, flexible to support business needs), to work in their private garden in the Somerleyton area.

Planting out Broad Beans for Autumn
13
Jul
2018

Planting out Broad Beans for Autumn

This week we are going to be planting out broad beans for autumn harvesting. We have never grown them for autumn harvesting before and are very excited to see how they perform. We have a large space where our disastrous onions and garlic grew and that we had originally earmarked for our leeks. Given our white rot problems we couldn?t use it for leeks so decided to give autumn broad beans a try.

Constantly watering the kitchen garden
6
Jul
2018

Constantly watering the kitchen garden

Like many gardeners around the country we now seem to find ourselves constantly watering, or worrying about watering, our crops. Rather than despair about the disasters being caused by the scorching weather, we have decided to revel in the positive effects the hot sunshine is having.

Mulching raised beds with strulch
29
Jun
2018

Mulching raised beds with strulch

In Stephanie's Kitchen Garden, moving our pots into the shade of a north facing fence and standing them in trays to keep water at their feet has proved very effective. We have mulched raised beds with strulch and the plants certainly seem to be happier for it. This week we will be continuing to strulch around the tops of larger pots that cannot be moved, as well as other beds.

Heatwave in the Kitchen Garden
25
Jun
2018

Heatwave in the Kitchen Garden

It has now been three weeks since we had any rainfall in Stephanies' Kitchen Garden and the forecast shows sunny and hot weather for at least the next three weeks to come. In our part of the world, near the most easterly coast of the UK, we are used to gardening in the driest part of the country, but usually enjoy the odd thunderstorm to keep the garden from drying out completely in the heatwave.

Our apple and pear trees are smothered in fruits
15
Jun
2018

Our apple and pear trees are smothered in fruits

Our apple and pear trees are positively smothered in tiny fruits and, so far, there is no sign of the June drop, where nature thins out the excess fruits on the trees. In the next week or so we will emulate mother nature by picking off fruits to leave the largest two on any spur. As painful as this is, it is necessary if we are to get good sized fruits and to protect the branches from breaking under the weight.

The Summer harvest is well on the way
8
Jun
2018

The Summer harvest is well on the way

Summer is almost upon us and the garden is reveling in the warm temperatures and long daylight hours. Unfortunately, the weeds seem to be reveling in it too and are popping up all over the garden literally growing overnight. It is important to keep on top of them while they are small and before they have the chance to set seed.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 - Show Highlights
7
Jun
2018

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 - Show Highlights

It's all over for another year, but the 2018 RHS Chelsea Flower Show was another great success for Harrod Horticultural.

Planting out our sweet potatoes
1
Jun
2018

Planting out our sweet potatoes

The recent warmer temperatures have really helped our sweet potatoes which are now ready to be planted out in our metal raised bed.

Bank Holiday Gardening!
25
May
2018

Bank Holiday Gardening!

Another long Bank holiday weekend is upon us and the weather looks like it is going to be perfect for gardening!

The arrival of Spring
27
Apr
2018

The arrival of Spring

Following the arrival of spring, the garden has put on a growth spurt and it would appear that Mother Nature is trying to make up for lost time. The peonies are quite literally growing as we watch and we just managed to pop the plant supports over them before their stems became too tall.

Welcome change in the weather
20
Apr
2018

Welcome change in the weather

The recent welcome change in the weather has seen the garden hit the fast forward button and everything seems to be growing before our very eyes.

Harvest is becoming more bountiful
11
Apr
2018

Harvest is becoming more bountiful

The weekly harvest is becoming more bountiful as temperatures increase and overwintering crops begin to grow. We are currently harvesting rhubarb, kale, spinach, rocket and the last of the leeks.

The weather is improving now in the Kitchen Garden
9
Apr
2018

The weather is improving now in the Kitchen Garden

It's still feeling a little chilly in the kitchen garden, but the weather is definitely improving a bit now. The forecast for the coming weekend is warm and sunny and we will be making the most of the welcome fine conditions to get on with the many jobs that need doing at this time of the year.

Look Book 2018
30
Mar
2018

Look Book 2018

We are excited to launch our 2018 Look Book - a glossy 68 page A4 perfect bound publication that gives a different visual context to the inspirational Harrod Horticultural garden structures range.

Potato Planting at Easter
28
Mar
2018

Potato Planting at Easter

Easter is traditionally the time to plant potatoes and this weekend we will be making the most of the double bank holiday and the long light evenings to get ours into the ground. I had thought to delay it a little following the recent cold start to spring and the current chilly temperatures, however today I watched the local farmers putting their seed potatoes into the ground in the fields near our kitchen garden. If conditions are good enough for the farmers, they are definitely good enough for us.

A busy time in the greenhouse
23
Mar
2018

A busy time in the greenhouse

At last we have passed the Spring Equinox and this weekend will put the clocks forward which will give us all a precious extra hour of light at the end of the day to spend in the garden. The ground has been dug over, all of our structures have been cleaned and the garden is ready for growing. A whole new season lies before us and we can't wait!

Its hard to believe the weather warnings again
16
Mar
2018

Its hard to believe the weather warnings again

Having just spent an enjoyable morning in shirt sleeves digging over the potato bed, it is hard to believe the weather warnings for sub-zero temperatures and snow that are forecast for our part of the UK over the coming weekend. The sun is watery today but it's providing some warmth and combined with the birdsong is giving the day a distinctively spring-like feel.

Bespoke Garden Products
13
Mar
2018

Bespoke Garden Products

Over the years we have worked closely with private customers, landscape architects, garden designers and landscapers to deliver wonderful individual bespoke designs.

Plants are making up growing time
9
Mar
2018

Plants are making up growing time

At last the snow has gone and the garden has returned to normal. Following a week of suspended animation, both the plants and gardeners are making up for the growing time that we lost. Green shoots are appearing everywhere and it is almost as if the big freeze gave our plants a boost; certainly the spring sunshine and warmer temperatures of the past few days have helped spur on new growth.

The true head gardener on our plots is mother nature
2
Mar
2018

The true head gardener on our plots is mother nature

For the past week the garden has been suspended in frozen animation by the Beast from the East Siberian weather system. Somewhere under the inches of snow and ice are the green shoots of spring that had just begun to peep through the soil, and hopefully they will have survived the extreme subzero temperatures. It's a timely reminder to us all that the true Head Gardener on all our plots is Mother Nature.

Protecting over-wintering crops
23
Feb
2018

Protecting over-wintering crops

This week we are bracing ourselves for the Beast from the East weather system that is expected to hit us in the next few days. As we are situated just a few miles from the East coast, the biting winds will hit us hard and peg back the temperatures.

A taste of Spring in the Kitchen Garden
16
Feb
2018

A taste of Spring in the Kitchen Garden

At last we have had a taste of spring in the Kitchen Garden, with a few days of warm sunny weather arriving in East Anglia. It has been warm enough to leave the greenhouse door open allowing vital ventilation around the plants. The autovents on the greenhouse windows have even nudged the windows open in the warmth of the winter sunshine.

Covering the soil getting ready for Spring
12
Feb
2018

Covering the soil getting ready for Spring

All around the garden new growth is slow to emerge this year. Snowdrops are a good month later than we would normally expect to see them in flower and the daffodils are only just beginning to peek through the soil. In the Kitchen Garden overwintering crops are surviving under their cloches and fleece covers, but showing no sign of new growth.

Seed Potatoes and shallot sets
5
Feb
2018

Seed Potatoes and shallot sets

February always signals the start of the new growing year for us in the Kitchen Garden, despite the fact that we already have some seedlings growing in the heated propagator and overwintering crops both inside and outside the greenhouse. This week we will be sowing rocket, spinach and chard in seed trays in the greenhouse. We will also be sowing peas in rootrainers which can be grown on for planting outside or eaten as delicious pea shoots in salads.

The New growing season has begun
29
Jan
2018

The New growing season has begun

We have had our first taste of spring weather over the weekend; a welcome sign that the winter will not last forever! It was but a brief reprieve and the grey skies and cold winds have returned. As February approaches, it is time to start off some early crops in the greenhouse. Impatient as ever, we sowed ours last week and now have tiny shoots of green appearing in the seeds trays in our heated propagator.

Digging in the Kitchen Garden
22
Jan
2018

Digging in the Kitchen Garden

Weather permitting, it is time to start digging in the Kitchen Garden this week. As a rule of thumb, we usually pay attention to the activities of the local farmers as an indication of when it is time to begin turning over the soil and in our area, the tractors have begun to appear in the fields surrounding the garden.

Mulching soil in the Kitchen Garden
12
Jan
2018

Mulching soil in the Kitchen Garden

January is mulching month in the Kitchen Garden and this week it will be the turn of the blueberries to get a fresh, nutritious top dressing. Most of our blueberry plants are grown in pots standing in our fruit cage. Despite the fact that we have acid soil which blueberries like, the bushes prefer to grow in pots, and this is evident every year here as the pot grown plants always fruit better than those grown in the soil.

New Year Tidy Up at the Kitchen Garden
5
Jan
2018

New Year Tidy Up at the Kitchen Garden

With the remainder of the brussels sprouts now harvested, there has been lots of tidying and composting going on to get ready for another gardening year!

Christmas at the Kitchen Garden
15
Dec
2017

Christmas at the Kitchen Garden

It's time to harvest the Christmas dinner table vegetables, from brussels sprouts to parsnips, celeriac to carrots, can't wait to tuck into all the homegrown veg!

Mulching soil with manure and compost
8
Dec
2017

Mulching soil with manure and compost

All is quiet in the kitchen garden at the moment and we are making the most of the good weather days to mulch the bare soil with well-rotted manure or home-made compost. Over the coming months this will be broken down by the worms and the cold weather ready for digging over in the Spring.

Growing winter vegetables
28
Nov
2017

Growing winter vegetables

Despite the imminent onset of winter, we are still growing vegetables in the Kitchen Garden. Our overwintering broad bean plants have just been planted out alongside the onions, garlic, spring cabbage, broccoli, and turnips and we will be sowing carrots and peas in the greenhouse this week.

Entering the dormant stage of the growing year
21
Nov
2017

Entering the dormant stage of the growing year

Our fruit trees and bushes have all but shed their leaves and are entering the dormant stage of the growing year. Now is the time for us to give them some care and attention to prepare them for a productive season next year. This week we will be removing the old glue bands and replacing them with new ones and apply a winter tree wash.

Time to plant out Broad Beans
14
Nov
2017

Time to plant out Broad Beans

It's time to plant out our broad bean plants in the Kitchen Garden this week. We sowed the beans a few weeks ago in rootrainers in the greenhouse, as sowing direct into the soil tends to result in well fed mice and very few plants! Once the beans plants were a good size, they were moved to the cold frame to harden off and are now ready for life outside.

Christmas Gardening Gift Ideas
14
Nov
2017

Christmas Gardening Gift Ideas

From new innovations to tried and tested favourites, enjoy this quick trip through our festive range and get some inspiration for the gardener in your life!

A Concise Guide to the Planting Season
9
Nov
2017

A Concise Guide to the Planting Season

This concise guide to the Planting Season is full of useful information on when to plant and why, some great ideas on planting throughout the year.

Our tender plants have been moved into the greenhouse
26
Oct
2018

Our tender plants have been moved into the greenhouse

The clocks are going back this weekend leaving us with less working daylight hours and the first air frost has chilled the garden. Our newly planted winter crops are snuggled under fleece and cloches and our tender plants have already been moved into the greenhouse where the heater is keeping them safe from the cold nights ahead.

Planting Garlic and Onions
16
Oct
2017

Planting Garlic and Onions

It's time to plant out our onions and garlic in the Kitchen Garden. Back at the end of September we sowed the sets into trays and set them onto the greenhouse shelves to start them off. We prefer to sow them to modules initially as the local bird population like to pull them out of the ground when sowed direct into the soil.

Busy time of year in the Kitchen Garden
6
Oct
2017

Busy time of year in the Kitchen Garden

It's a busy time of year in the Kitchen Garden. Mother nature is winning the battle of the leaves and as fast as we clear the autumn debris, she litters the paths and beds again. Recent windy days have exacerbated the situation. But the sun is shining and still has some warmth to it, the leaves are dry making them easy to rake, and the end result of a tidy garden is worth the effort, however short-lived it is.

Big Autumn Clear Up Begins
4
Oct
2017

Big Autumn Clear Up Begins

The main summer harvest is almost over and the larder and freezer are bursting with the fruits of our labour. This week we are continuing the big autumn clear up as crops begin to fade and litter the ground. Spending a little time each day clearing away plant debris keeps the garden as neat as possible and avoids a huge clear up later on.

Autumnal weather has arrived
25
Sep
2017

Autumnal weather has arrived

Despite the return of warm weather over the weekend, the cold nights we have had over the past week or so have had a definite autumnal effect on our summer crops. The tomato plants grown outside have finished their productive lives. They, along with their counterparts in the greenhouse which have also ceased fruiting, will be consigned to the compost bins this week.

Time to dig up main crop potatoes
18
Sep
2017

Time to dig up main crop potatoes

It is time to dig up our main crop potatoes in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden, during August, the entire crop was hit by blight; a common problem for growers this year. We cut the haulms right down to the ground and burned them.

Summer has made way for Autumn
13
Sep
2017

Summer has made way for Autumn

During the past week, summer has begun to make way for autumn in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden. The night-time temperatures have dipped and the weather has become squally with the strong wind and rain setting in.

August Bank Holiday is upon us
25
Aug
2017

August Bank Holiday is upon us

The long August Bank Holiday weekend is upon us and the forecast in our area is for hot and sunny weather. Crops are ripening ready for picking in vast quantities and we are in the throes of our annual bean glut.

Great harvest from one of our team!
15
Aug
2017

Great harvest from one of our team!

One of our team has really taken their work home with them this year. Some great pictures of their latest harvest and lots of other plants doing really well

Holiday Watering Solutions
11
Aug
2017

Holiday Watering Solutions

Like many gardeners at this time of year, I am taking a much-needed holiday which will mean a week away from the garden. August is the perfect time for a holiday but the worst time to leave the garden as it is such a busy part of the growing year; the greenhouse needs watering daily, plants in pots need watering at least every other day in sunny weather and crops need harvesting to keep them productive.

The harvest is at its peak in the Kitchen Garden
7
Aug
2017

The harvest is at its peak in the Kitchen Garden

We are at that stage in the Kitchen Gardening year where there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. The watering and feeding regime is still at its peak despite summer showers helping us out. The weeds have slowed down their growth a little, but still require regular attention. And the harvest is now occupying much of our time; picking beans and berries, tomatoes, aubergines, and many other delicious crops.

Summer Harvest Continues
26
Jul
2017

Summer Harvest Continues

The summer harvest continues in earnest this week in Stephanie?s Kitchen Garden and spaces are beginning to appear in our vegetable beds. We have already dug the garlic and shallots up and they are currently drying in the sunshine.

A Concise Guide to Garden Design by Elementa Design
24
Jul
2017

A Concise Guide to Garden Design by Elementa Design

Guest Blog by Elementa Design - A Concise Guide to Garden Design - some great advice on creating your own garden scheme using the same tools that a professional garden designer uses.

Garden Pests to look out for this week
17
Jul
2017

Garden Pests to look out for this week

Garden pests that we are on the look-out for this week are butterflies and white fly. The broccoli and sprout plants are now a really good size and we are being vigilant to make sure the netting on the vegetable cage doesn't touch any leaves, allowing butterflies to lay their eggs through it.

Time for a spot of Pruning
7
Jul
2017

Time for a spot of Pruning

It's time for a spot of tidying up in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden. The hot summer weather, combined with irrigation and recent heavy rain have sent plants into a growth spurt, in particular our espalier fruit trees. We would normally be pruning these during August, but they have put on so much growth that we are going to tackle the job now.

Sowing winter cabbages, pak choi, chard, kohl rabi, spinach and broccoli
4
Jul
2017

Sowing winter cabbages, pak choi, chard, kohl rabi, spinach and broccoli

This week we will be sowing more vegetable seeds to grow plants to fill the holes that the harvest creates. We will soon be harvesting our early potatoes and our remaining broad beans which will open up more much needed growing space. We will be sowing winter cabbages, pak choi, chard, kohl rabi, spinach and broccoli.

Fruit Picking week in the Kitchen Garden
27
Jun
2017

Fruit Picking week in the Kitchen Garden

This week it's fruit picking week in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden. All of our soft fruit bushes have really been enjoying the hot sunny weather and are covered in plump juicy fruits almost ready for harvesting. We have been watering all of our fruits plants and bushes twice a week and they have been thriving in the sunshine.

Soaring temperatures and lots of watering
19
Jun
2017

Soaring temperatures and lots of watering

We are experiencing one of the driest growing seasons in recent history in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden, along with soaring temperatures and hours and hours of glorious sunshine. We have spent many hours carrying watering cans keeping our crops happy and with their feet in damp soil and their heads in the sun, they are, on the whole, flourishing.

A busy week tying in plants to plant supports
13
Jun
2017

A busy week tying in plants to plant supports

All around the garden this week, there are many plants that will need tying into their supports. Our blackberry is grown over an archway that suits its rampant growth. The plants seem to be growing as we watch at the moment and the new stems will need tying in to keep them supported. Currently they are just bursting into lovely pale pink blossoms and the bees are really enjoying them.

Earthing up Potatoes for final time
5
Jun
2017

Earthing up Potatoes for final time

This week we will be earthing up our potatoes for the final time. They are a really good size now and looking very lush and healthy. Hopefully the tubers are growing just as fast. We will be incorporating some potato fertiliser as we earth them up to give them a good feed at the same time.

Summer must be here we are planting out the Sweet Potatoes!
26
May
2017

Summer must be here we are planting out the Sweet Potatoes!

What a change in the weather this last week - from lots of much needed rain last week to beautiful sunshine this week, the Kitchen Garden has really burst into life!

Gaze Burvill and Harrod Horticultural at RHS Chelsea
19
May
2017

Gaze Burvill and Harrod Horticultural at RHS Chelsea

This pergola is not only on show at RHS Chelsea this year! Gaze Burvill are so pleased with it that part of the structure is making it's way to Chatsworth house for the inaugural RHS Flower Show running from 7-11 June. For those not able to make it to RHS Chelsea, can view it in person at RHS Chatsworth

Finally we have had some heavy rain
19
May
2017

Finally we have had some heavy rain

Last week we finally saw some heavy rainfall in the Kitchen Garden and all around the garden, plants seem to have put on inches of growth overnight. This week we will be exchanging the watering cans for soft-tie and scissors to stake the plants that have had a growth spurt.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017
17
May
2017

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the pinnacle of the gardening year taking over a small corner of London for a week every May and this is the 14th year that Harrod Horticultural have been a part of this fantastic spectacle!

Unusual growing season this year
15
May
2017

Unusual growing season this year

It is certainly becoming an unusual growing season this year, with the serious lack of spring rain and the late cold temperatures. Mother Nature is challenging the Kitchen Gardener and it will be interesting to see what effect it has on our harvests.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - Our Stand Through The Years!
8
May
2017

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - Our Stand Through The Years!

It's our 14th year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and we thought it was a great time to look back at our stand over the years - things have really changed!

Planting out in the Kitchen Garden
5
May
2017

Planting out in the Kitchen Garden

Now that we are well into May, we will be starting the Big Plant Out in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden. Our greenhouse and cold frame are crammed with tender crops such as runner beans, courgettes, squash, climbing french beans, sweetcorn, celery and celeriac all waiting to spread their roots into deep fertile soil.

Protecting tender crops in the greenhouse
28
Apr
2017

Protecting tender crops in the greenhouse

As we head into May, in our part of the world we would normally expect to be planting out some of our tender crops such as beans, courgettes and squash plants. However we are in the middle of a very cold snap and planting out now would be a disaster for these tender plants.

This week we are applying Nemaslug
24
Apr
2017

This week we are applying Nemaslug

We've finally treated to some significant rainfall in our part of the world. This was a big relief for us gardeners, giving us some respite from the watering can; albeit for only a few days. The garden seemed to sigh with relief too and plants in every part of the garden seemed to shoot up overnight after their welcome drink.

The grime and algae of the winter has been washed away
18
Apr
2017

The grime and algae of the winter has been washed away

The long Easter weekend has given us plenty of opportunity to tend to the maintenance of the garden and we have been busy jet washing paving and oiling decking. The grime and algae of the winter has been washed away. Necessary and satisfying work, but time spent away from the main task of growing.

Elementa Design Guest Blog
18
Apr
2017

Elementa Design Guest Blog

A great guest blog from Elementa Design using a 5 step guide to prepare your garden for Summer. Nick Dickinson, a much sought after plantsman and garden designer and offers some great advice in the article.

As we head into Easter week the weather is still stunning here
10
Apr
2017

As we head into Easter week the weather is still stunning here

We seem to have permanent sunshine at the moment, with no rain on the immediate forecast. Consequently, we are busy with the watering can making sure our crops are well watered at a crucial time in the growing calendar.

Tomato Plants, Nemaslug and Plant Supports
24
Mar
2017

Tomato Plants, Nemaslug and Plant Supports

Our tomato plants, sown back in February are now about 6 inches tall and lifting the lid on their propagator. They were started off in a heated propagator and then moved to an unheated propagator to free up some space. Outside in the kitchen garden we are now ready to apply Nemaslug nematodes to the soil.

Vegetable Plants are growing fast in the Kitchen Garden
21
Mar
2017

Vegetable Plants are growing fast in the Kitchen Garden

The recent warm spring weather has brought a growth spurt to all areas of the garden, rhododendrons are beginning to flower and our young vegetable plants are getting bigger by the minute. Unfortunately the weeds are also enjoying the conditions and are thriving!

The season is in full swing
15
Mar
2017

The season is in full swing

The warmer weather has finally arrived in the Kitchen Garden and we have been enjoying some sunny spring conditions. The rhohodendron buds are showing subtle hints of the colour that is soon to come and the weeds are beginning to grow. A sure sign that the temperature is rising!

Tray upon tray of seedlings in the Greenhouse
3
Mar
2017

Tray upon tray of seedlings in the Greenhouse

The greenhouse is the central focus of our Kitchen Garden at the moment, as it is home to tray upon tray of seedlings and small plants.

Special Treat for Pancake Day
28
Feb
2017

Special Treat for Pancake Day

Traditionally, pancakes were eaten on this day to use up rich, indulgent foods like eggs and milk before the 40-day fasting season of Lent began. But although it is enshrined in Christian tradition, it is believed that Pancake Day might originate from a pagan holiday, when eating warm, round pancakes - symbolising the sun - was a way of celebrating the arrival of spring and here is one of our favourite recipes.

Pricking out seedling in the greenhouse
27
Feb
2017

Pricking out seedling in the greenhouse

At last we have reached the end of February and the Spring is about to begin. After the hard work of the winter, it?s time for the growing to really start. Inside the greenhouse this week, we will carrying out one of my favourite jobs of the gardening year; pricking out seedlings.

The Most Common Garden Pests
17
Feb
2017

The Most Common Garden Pests

Unfortunately the vegetables you are attempting to grow for your own consumption are also much loved by lots of pests which exist in your garden - here are our most common garden pests .

Harvesting in the Greenhouse
3
Feb
2017

Harvesting in the Greenhouse

We are currently harvesting some lovely rocket, grown in the greenhouse over the winter months and thankfully, not reliant on the weather conditions abroad. The milder weather has brought with it a flurry of activity in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden, and from the forecast it would appear that next week will be much the same.

Which obelisks are suitable for climbing roses
1
Feb
2017

Which obelisks are suitable for climbing roses

We are great obelisk gardeners and have a number of competitor obelisks going strong, some a bit flaky by now. However when you introduced your obelisks we had two and then two more as they are far superior to the competitor ones and are sturdier and easier to erect ! We have David Austin hybrid roses trained up them and they are now in flower.

Why Raised Beds are So Popular
29
Jan
2017

Why Raised Beds are So Popular

Raised beds are becoming ever more popular, and it is easy to see why: wooden raised beds are a great way to grow plants, vegetables and fruit right on your patio. They look great and allow you to create a simple, yet wonderful growing area - without the hassle of digging up plots in your garden.

Sowing season has begun
17
Jan
2017

Sowing season has begun

One of my favourite things about gardening, particularly in the kitchen garden, is the blank canvas that presents itself at the start of every year. Last year's successes and failures are all behind us and we have an opportunity to changes things that haven't worked or learn from previous good practise

Snowing at the Kitchen Garden!
13
Jan
2017

Snowing at the Kitchen Garden!

Well the wintry weather has finally hit the east coast, its coming down thick and fast at the kitchen garden!

The Garden is tidy
19
Dec
2016

The Garden is tidy

The garden is tidy, the potting shed has been spring cleaned and the greenhouse is gleaming. Overwintering crops are snugly nestled in a heated tent of bubble wrap. We are ready for the festive break; the only time of year that I leave the garden and disappear into the house.

Avian Flu December 2016
12
Dec
2016

Avian Flu December 2016

UK Restrictions were put in place for Avian Flu December 2016, these measures currently apply whether you have 2 hens or 102 and covers the whole of the UK and at present are in effect until 5th January 2017.

Keeping tools in good condition
12
Dec
2016

Keeping tools in good condition

Now that the potting shed is clean and tidy, there is room to sit and clean our tools. We are very fastidious at cleaning the dirt from them every time they are used, before putting them way. This keeps tools in good condition, but we also like to give them a good dose of loving care to keep them in tip top condition.

Winter wash for Fruit Trees
5
Dec
2016

Winter wash for Fruit Trees

The espalier apple trees and trained pear trees have at last shed all their leaves in the Kitchen Garden, which means that it's now the perfect time to give them a bit of attention.

Log Holders Featured on Houzz
29
Nov
2016

Log Holders Featured on Houzz

Our log holders have been featured on Houzz.co.uk showing them as a great way to store your firewood and also make a real statement feature in the room.

The trees are now almost bare
25
Nov
2016

The trees are now almost bare

The trees surrounding Stephanie's Kitchen Garden are now almost bare, so this week we will have more time to spend on jobs other than clearing up leaves. Our next big tidy up will be inside the greenhouse, where many plants have now gone over. Last week we harvested the last of our cucumbers and the plants are now ready for the compost bin.

Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Gardeners
23
Nov
2016

Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Gardeners

If you need a gift for the Gardener in your life, our Top 10 Gifts for Gardeners will give you some great inspiration.

Winter Storms have arrived
21
Nov
2016

Winter Storms have arrived

The first of the winter storms has just arrived at Stephanie's Kitchen Garden and this week we will be clearing up the aftermath. Storm Angus has swept across the country causing gardeners everywhere to open their curtains and despair at the mess it has left in its wake. It has ripped leaves from the trees and scattered them wide across the garden. We also have a few branches down and our first job of the week will be to clear and tidy away.

Autumn Tidy Up in the Garden continues
14
Nov
2016

Autumn Tidy Up in the Garden continues

The big autumn tidy up continues this week in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden as we turn our attention to our bean supports. The bean plants have been shedding their leaves over the past few weeks and are now skeletons of the plants they once were.

Protecting against frost in the garden
4
Nov
2016

Protecting against frost in the garden

The first cold spell of the Autumn has arrived in Stephanie's Kitchen Garden, with overnight temperatures dipping dangerously near to a frost. The forecast is for colder nights to come. Outside in the garden, we have been quick to cover our tender with fleece and cloches, but this week it is the turn of the greenhouse for some much needed attention.

Sweet Potato Harvest
25
Oct
2016

Sweet Potato Harvest

Time to harvest one of our favourite crops in the garden, sweet potato, not only do we love the tasty tubers but the plant always looks fantastic trained up an obelisk in one of the raised beds.

Protecting crops in winter
14
Oct
2016

Protecting crops in winter

This week we will be pulling the hoops and covers out of the shed to put over our raised beds and mangers. This will help keep our crops protected in the winter and allow us to plant out some winter crops such as spinach, rocket, mustard greens and chard.

Autumn is creeping into the garden
7
Oct
2016

Autumn is creeping into the garden

Autumn is creeping into the garden and I have just filled my first barrow of leaves. This week we will begin the annual task of trying to keep the garden tidy it is a battle with Mother Nature that I know we will lose. As soon as the rake and barrow are put away, more leaves will fall and all our work will be undone.

Top 10 Garden Netting Tips
13
Sep
2016

Top 10 Garden Netting Tips

We have been supplying netting since 1954 so we think we know a thing or two about it! Our Top 10 of Garden Netting Tips will help you choose the right netting and protect your plants throughout the year.

Crafty Garden Ideas - A Guide From Sainsbury's Bank
9
Sep
2016

Crafty Garden Ideas - A Guide From Sainsbury's Bank

Some great crafty ideas to get the family involved in the garden, growing your own and helping the birds

September is the ideal month to prune evergreen hedges
9
Sep
2016

September is the ideal month to prune evergreen hedges

September is the ideal month to prune evergreen hedges and get them neat and tidy before the winter. Hedges trimmed now are unlikely to put on any significant growth before the cold weather hits us, so they will stay looking crisp for the months ahead.

Composting Do's & Don'ts
23
Aug
2016

Composting Do's & Don'ts

There are a number of Do's & Don'ts when it comes to composting - so to make it easier we have created a simple check list along with some common problems.

A Very Happy Customer!
23
Aug
2016

A Very Happy Customer!

One of our customers has been kind enough to send in some before and after shots of their garden and what a transformation!

Hot Composting or Traditional Composting
22
Aug
2016

Hot Composting or Traditional Composting

For years, the art of making compost has been shrouded in mystery. Gardeners would regularly creep down to their heap in a neglected and forgotten corner of the garden, armed with old plant material, newspapers and other seemingly useless and unwanted items before the big day, months later, when they would emerge with a steaming wheelbarrow full of wonderful compost.

Harvesting and Watering in full swing
22
Aug
2016

Harvesting and Watering in full swing

Despite the harvest and growing season being still in full swing, it is time to turn our thoughts to next year's crops so this week in the Kitchen Garden we will be ordering our seed garlic and autumn planting onion sets.

Main Crop Potatoes and Fruit Picking
16
Aug
2016

Main Crop Potatoes and Fruit Picking

This week in the Kitchen Garden, we will be digging up our main crop potatoes. We would not normally expect to be doing this for at least another month, but our crop has been struck by blight following the wet summer. It certainly wasn't a surprise that our plants were attacked by blight. With the amount of rainfall we have had, it was something that we were fully expecting.

Mid August Update from the Harrod Horticultural HQ Garden
16
Aug
2016

Mid August Update from the Harrod Horticultural HQ Garden

It's been mixed fortunes over the last few weeks in the Harrod Horticultural HQ Garden, luckily the successes outweigh the failures!

Green Gardens Guest Blog
16
Aug
2016

Green Gardens Guest Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Wildlife Gardening - a guest blog from Green Gardens about the benefits of attracting wildlife to your garden and advice on planning a wildlife friendly garden

Guest Blog by Ellen Mary
2
Aug
2016

Guest Blog by Ellen Mary

One of Capability Brown's great skills was using structures and buildings to enhance vistas, something which is seen in many of his designs and has been continued in gardens to this day. When I am looking at working on a clients garden, there will no doubt be some sort of structure included and whilst that may be a building such as a shed or summerhouse, it can also be a beautiful pergola or arch for climbing roses and clematis or just attractive supports for growing plants in beds and borders.

Harvesting and Vegetable Storage
27
Jul
2016

Harvesting and Vegetable Storage

The main point behind growing your own vegetables is how much better they taste fresh from the garden. The only failsafe way to guarantee harvesting vegetables at the optimal time is to taste test. However, there are some guidelines for judging when vegetables are ripe and ready for harvest. Keep in mind that great flavour isn?t always a simple matter of size or colour.

How to Protect Your Plants with Garden Netting
27
Jul
2016

How to Protect Your Plants with Garden Netting

Every gardener has been there, after spending countless hours tending, watering, feeding your plants a pest invades or some extreme weather damages your plants and wipes out all your hard work...

Heatwave hits the Kitchen Garden!
22
Jul
2016

Heatwave hits the Kitchen Garden!

A mini heatwave hit the Kitchen Garden this week so the focus has been on trying to keep the plants happy - especially the leafy crops which can succumb to the heat!

One of our team's garden - having a really successful year!
20
Jul
2016

One of our team's garden - having a really successful year!

One of our team is a keen gardener and we love seeing the updates from the garden - obviously a few Harrod Horticultural products dotted about the garden too!

Gardening in a Heatwave!
19
Jul
2016

Gardening in a Heatwave!

With it set to be the hottest few days of the year so far, make sure you are doing all you can to look after your plants as they will be feeling the heat too!

Courgette Disaster at Harrod HQ
15
Jul
2016

Courgette Disaster at Harrod HQ

Powdery Mildew has struck our courgettes in the Harrod Horticultural HQ garden...

Blackcurrants ready for picking
15
Jul
2016

Blackcurrants ready for picking

Our blackcurrants are looking black, fat and juicy and about ready for picking. I'll choose a nice sunny morning to head off into the fruit cage armed with a trug and some snips to harvest them before heading back into the kitchen to make some jam.

Garden Netting Advice
14
Jul
2016

Garden Netting Advice

Which Garden Netting do you need? Some advice on the best netting to protect your plants...

Top Ten Gardening Tools
12
Jul
2016

Top Ten Gardening Tools

Our Top Ten Gardening Tools - like any other hobby with gardening there are endless tools and equipment you can buy if you have the money to invest however we have compiled our list of our ten favourite tools

Harvesting first potatoes
11
Jul
2016

Harvesting first potatoes

This week in the Kitchen Garden, we will be starting to harvest our early potatoes. These were planted way back at the end of March. They have flowered and their haulms are now turning brown. There is nothing quite as good as the taste of freshly dug new potatoes - a delicious meal just by themselves.

Cherry Trees and Fruit Tree Sleeves
4
Jul
2016

Cherry Trees and Fruit Tree Sleeves

Kept my eye on the cherries this year, again and decided to leave the sleeves off till late June as the weather has been exceptionally wet. Noticed a lot of Ant activity on the tree - bad news as they do farm cherry black fly.

Nature goes mad and crops have grown beyond recognition
4
Jul
2016

Nature goes mad and crops have grown beyond recognition

Last week the laptop took priority as other work became really busy, distracting me from the garden. As we all know, at this time of year, when you are called away from your garden for even a couple of days, nature goes mad. Crops have grown beyond recognition and are looking a little wild.

Top Ten Fun Ideas to Start Children Gardening This Summer
29
Jun
2016

Top Ten Fun Ideas to Start Children Gardening This Summer

Gardening with children is a great way to get some fresh air, exercise and have fun together. As the summer holidays approach, all parents and grandparents are probably looking for ideas to stave off the inevitable 'I am bored' statement for as long as possible.

Picking Our First Peas at Harrod Horticultural HQ
29
Jun
2016

Picking Our First Peas at Harrod Horticultural HQ

The Harrod Horticultural garden is really starting to flourish, the sunshine and showers over the last week really seem to have helped and we are starting to pick our first peas of the season.

Thinning out the apples and pears
28
Jun
2016

Thinning out the apples and pears

This week in we will be thinning out the apples and pears on our fruit trees. Nature has its own attempt at this job with the June Drop, where trees naturally shed some of its fruit. This is the time to go over the trees and thin the apples further to allow the remaining fruit to grow to its optimum size.

One of our team's garden - talk about taking your work home!
27
Jun
2016

One of our team's garden - talk about taking your work home!

We wanted to share these pictures from one of our team, a keen gardener who has had lots of success growing her own this year - with loads of vegetables and flowers we think it looks great!

How to Grow Your Own Strawberries for Wimbledon
22
Jun
2016

How to Grow Your Own Strawberries for Wimbledon

There is nothing better than picking - and of course eating - fresh strawberries from your own garden and with Wimbledon approaching it is strawberries and cream all round!

Planting out leeks, more feeding and harvesting
21
Jun
2016

Planting out leeks, more feeding and harvesting

This week in the Kitchen Garden, we will be planting out our leeks. Every year around this time, I walk around the garden trying to figure out where I will put the leeks that have been growing in cells in the cold frame as well as in neat rows in a seed bed

Potting on Cucumbers in the Harrod HQ Greenhouse
21
Jun
2016

Potting on Cucumbers in the Harrod HQ Greenhouse

The customer service team were hard at work again in the greenhouse this week potting on cucumbers and also had time to put a slot and lock vegetable cage together to protect one of the raised beds.

Harvesting our first strawberries
13
Jun
2016

Harvesting our first strawberries

We've just harvested our first strawberries and there are many more ripening. This week we?ll make sure we have some organic cream ready in the fridge to enjoy them at their best.

Warming up in the Harrod Horticultural HQ Garden
10
Jun
2016

Warming up in the Harrod Horticultural HQ Garden

With lots of activity over the last couple of weeks the Harrod Horticultural HQ greenhouse and raised beds are coming along really well, helped by the sun finally making an appearance!

Whitefly has appeared in abundance
7
Jun
2016

Whitefly has appeared in abundance

In the greenhouse, we will be keeping a very close eye on our plants. Whitefly has appeared in abundance on the leaves of our pepper plants and, although they still look really healthy, we are taking action to nip the attack in the bud.

Top 10 Grow Your Own Pests
1
Jun
2016

Top 10 Grow Your Own Pests

Whether it's slugs, aphids, carrot root fly, rabbits or birds causing you sleepless nights, we have compiled a rogue's gallery of the top 10 grow your own garden pests. Often identification is the most difficult part of the conundrum and getting to the root of the problem is easy once you know which pest you are tackling.

Greenhouse Overheating
31
May
2016

Greenhouse Overheating

Greenhouse vents and greenhouse shade are essential for the warmer months to maintain the optimum temperature in the greenhouse and to prevent scorching. The 3 simple overheating prevention steps are ventilation, circulation and shading.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016 - a fantastic week!
27
May
2016

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016 - a fantastic week!

Wow! What a fantastic week it's been at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it just seems to get better every year, already looking forward to next year!

Garden Wall Trellis Panels
26
May
2016

Garden Wall Trellis Panels

It can be difficult to find a long lasting, permanent support for climbing plants such as clematis for garden walls, but we think we have a solution that will help...

Healthy plants resist pests and diseases much better
24
May
2016

Healthy plants resist pests and diseases much better

Healthy plants will resist pests and diseases much better than those grown under stress, so it's important to adopt a good feeding regime to keep your crops happy. Leafy vegetables, such as brassicas will be treated to a top dressing of fish, blood and bone every six weeks.

Courgettes are making a comeback - another busy week in the Harrod HQ garden
18
May
2016

Courgettes are making a comeback - another busy week in the Harrod HQ garden

Back from the brink our nearly frazzled courgettes are now looking much healthier, the sunshine and showers this week has been great for them.