Right now in the garden

Right now in the garden is your seasonal snapshot of what to sow, plant, prune, feed, and harvest at this moment, wherever you grow. Expect timely, practical advice that helps you make the most of today’s weather and daylight: quick jobs that keep beds productive, containers thriving, lawns resilient, and borders looking their best. We focus on real-life decisions like when to harden off seedlings, how to protect young plants from late frosts or heat spikes, and which pests and diseases to watch for right now—plus simple, low-chemical ways to respond. You’ll also find reminders for greenhouse and indoor growing, from ventilation and watering checks to starting the next wave of salads, herbs, and succession crops. For keepers, we cover seasonal animal-care tasks that often overlap with garden life, such as managing bedding and manure for compost, fly control around coops or hutches, and keeping water clean and fresh. Whether you have a small patio, an allotment, or a mixed garden with chickens or rabbits, this category keeps you in step with the garden calendar and ready for the week ahead.

June Pruning in the Garden When to Cut Back Shrubs and Perennials and When to Leave the Shears Alone

Early summer is a key moment for pruning, but timing matters. Learn what to cut back in June for healthier growth and better flowering, and what to leave alone to avoid losing blooms or disturbing nesting birds.

5 min read

Summer pruning of fruit trees catches up on delays and boosts the crop

If you missed early-spring pruning, summer pruning can still help you shape the canopy, keep trees a sensible size, and support reliable cropping. The rules differ between stone fruits and pome fruits, so timing and the amount you remove matter.

5 min read

What winter garlic really needs in June for a big, healthy crop

Early June is the make-or-break moment for hardneck winter garlic. Removing the flower scapes at the right time helps the plant put its energy into bigger, better bulbs—and the scapes are delicious, too.

5 min read

June Shapes Your Harvest More Than Most People Realise

June is the month when garden growth accelerates and small mistakes quickly turn into lasting problems. Focus on the few high-impact jobs that protect plants, conserve moisture and keep crops productive.

5 min read

Syrup from the flowers, jam from the berries. Black elder supports you all year round

Black elder is a hardy, fast-growing shrub that rewards you with fragrant spring flowers and richly coloured berries later in the season. With the right siting and a simple pruning routine, it’s an easy garden staple for syrups, cordials and preserves.

5 min read

When to Move Tomatoes Outside into the Bed, Greenhouse, or Polytunnel

Transplanting tomatoes is all about warmth and timing. Wait until the soil has properly warmed and protect plants from cold, rain, and fungal disease for a strong start.

5 min read

How to Handle June in the Garden

June is the garden’s busiest month, when rapid growth, flowering and early crops all depend on steady watering, timely pruning and quick pest checks. A few small, regular jobs now will save hours later and boost both blooms and harvests.

5 min read

Simple Spring Feeding for Gooseberries for a Bigger, Sweeter Harvest

Give gooseberries a simple spring boost and they’ll reward you with heavier crops and sweeter, better-sized berries. Pair organic feeding with sensible watering, mulching, and timely pruning for the best results.

5 min read

For Sturdy Seedlings, Don’t Skip Pricking Out Tomatoes and Peppers

Pricking out young tomato and pepper seedlings at the right time builds a stronger root system and reduces competition. The result is stockier plants that establish faster and often crop more heavily.

5 min read

Garden hoses can be troublesome after winter, check yours before turning on the water

Before you start spring watering, give your garden hose, fittings and outdoor tap a quick check. A few minutes now can prevent leaks, pressure drops and water damage later.

5 min read

A Flawless May Garden What to Do in Time for a Bumper Harvest

May is when the garden changes by the day and smart, timely jobs set you up for a generous summer. From standout perennials to sowing, planting out and low-chemical pest control, here’s what to do now.

5 min read

A simple post-planting step for tomatoes that boosts yields and keeps plants strong all season

One small habit started right after planting can make tomatoes sturdier, healthier, and far more productive. Timely pinching and a bit of leaf cleanup help plants focus energy on flowers and fruit instead of excess growth.

5 min read