Greenhouse & Growing

Match the next crop to when potatoes leave the bed. Combine realistic sowing windows with rotation, soil preparation and winter cover.

A stalled compost heap is usually a sign that the microorganisms doing the work lack air, moisture, warmth or a balanced diet. This guide explains the most common causes and practical fixes, from turning and covering to adjusting green and brown waste.

Grass clippings are a valuable green compost ingredient, but on their own they quickly turn into a slimy, smelly mat. The key is mixing them with enough brown, carbon-rich material and keeping the heap aerated. Here’s how to compost clippings successfully.

Blueberries require acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). Rainwater is the ideal watering source because it is naturally soft and prevents the pH rise associated with alkaline mains water, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake.

Bokashi and wormeries both process kitchen waste, but they work differently. Wormeries use composting worms and produce compost and liquid feed; bokashi ferments waste anaerobically and produces a strong liquid fertiliser. This article compares the two based on RHS evidence.

Ventilate before heat builds up, use suitable shade and check roots frequently. Match watering and humidity to the plants rather than a fixed temperature or schedule.