Growing Guides
Vegetable Growing Guides
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Sowing and Growing Carrots
Why Grow Carrots? While the yield is moderate and they are relatively affordable, the fact that conventional carrots are heavily sprayed makes organic options essential. Carrots also stand well in...
Sowing and Growing Carrots
Why Grow Carrots? While the yield is moderate and they are relatively affordable, the fact that conventional carrots are heavily sprayed makes organic options essential. Carrots also stand well in...
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Sowing and Growing Kale
Why Grow Kale Forget everything you know about supermarket kale or what you've read in gardening books—kale is far better than you think! It offers a wide range of flavours...
Sowing and Growing Kale
Why Grow Kale Forget everything you know about supermarket kale or what you've read in gardening books—kale is far better than you think! It offers a wide range of flavours...
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Sowing and Growing Lettuce
Why Grow Lettuce It is especially nutritious, particularly the red varieties, and often expensive in stores, especially mixed bags. Lettuce is highly productive, especially when harvested leaf by leaf, and...
Sowing and Growing Lettuce
Why Grow Lettuce It is especially nutritious, particularly the red varieties, and often expensive in stores, especially mixed bags. Lettuce is highly productive, especially when harvested leaf by leaf, and...
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Sowing and Growing Calabrese (Broccoli)
What is Calabrese? Calabrese, better known as green broccoli in supermarkets, is a member of the brassica family, much like cauliflower and purple sprouting broccoli (PSB). It produces a large...
Sowing and Growing Calabrese (Broccoli)
What is Calabrese? Calabrese, better known as green broccoli in supermarkets, is a member of the brassica family, much like cauliflower and purple sprouting broccoli (PSB). It produces a large...
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Sowing and Growing Cauliflower
What is Cauliflower? Cauliflower is part of the brassica family, and the main edible part is the large central flower. There are many varieties that mature at different times of...
Sowing and Growing Cauliflower
What is Cauliflower? Cauliflower is part of the brassica family, and the main edible part is the large central flower. There are many varieties that mature at different times of...
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Sowing and Growing Broad Beans
Introduction At Wellies and Waxjackets, runner beans hold a special place in our hearts. They’re not just prolific and versatile; they’re a culinary delight! While they freeze beautifully, we found...
Sowing and Growing Broad Beans
Introduction At Wellies and Waxjackets, runner beans hold a special place in our hearts. They’re not just prolific and versatile; they’re a culinary delight! While they freeze beautifully, we found...
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Sowing and Growing Chard and Spinach
Why Grow Chard and Perpetual Spinach Wellies and Waxjackets uses a rating system to determine what to grow, considering factors such as taste, health benefits, cost, yield, harvest period, and...
Sowing and Growing Chard and Spinach
Why Grow Chard and Perpetual Spinach Wellies and Waxjackets uses a rating system to determine what to grow, considering factors such as taste, health benefits, cost, yield, harvest period, and...
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Sowing and Growing Beetroot
Why Grow Beetroot? Beetroot is very nutritious, with both the leaves and roots offering health benefits. However, it is important to note that, like spinach and chard, beetroot leaves are...
Sowing and Growing Beetroot
Why Grow Beetroot? Beetroot is very nutritious, with both the leaves and roots offering health benefits. However, it is important to note that, like spinach and chard, beetroot leaves are...
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Sowing and Growing Cucumber
Why Grow Cucumbers At Wellies and Waxjackets, cucumbers score highly on the growing scale due to their delicious taste and health benefits. They outshine shop-bought varieties in flavour, which is...
Sowing and Growing Cucumber
Why Grow Cucumbers At Wellies and Waxjackets, cucumbers score highly on the growing scale due to their delicious taste and health benefits. They outshine shop-bought varieties in flavour, which is...
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Sowing and Growing Celeriac
Why Grow Celeriac It serves a useful purpose by providing that essential celery flavour in a root that can be stored through winter and early spring until the early celery...
Sowing and Growing Celeriac
Why Grow Celeriac It serves a useful purpose by providing that essential celery flavour in a root that can be stored through winter and early spring until the early celery...
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Sowing and Growing French Beans
Introduction French beans are an essential crop for Wellies and Waxjackets due to their prolific nature and versatility. They freeze well, but fresh beans are preferred for their superior taste....
Sowing and Growing French Beans
Introduction French beans are an essential crop for Wellies and Waxjackets due to their prolific nature and versatility. They freeze well, but fresh beans are preferred for their superior taste....
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Sowing and Growing Kalettes
Kalettes Overview Kalettes are a delightful cross between Brussels sprouts and kale, developed through natural crossing techniques—no GM involved. Like Brussels sprouts, they grow on the stem of the plant,...
Sowing and Growing Kalettes
Kalettes Overview Kalettes are a delightful cross between Brussels sprouts and kale, developed through natural crossing techniques—no GM involved. Like Brussels sprouts, they grow on the stem of the plant,...
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Sowing and Growing Cabbage
What is Cabbage and Collards? Cabbage is an ancient member of the brassica family, typically growing close to the ground and forming a tight head. If left too long, it...
Sowing and Growing Cabbage
What is Cabbage and Collards? Cabbage is an ancient member of the brassica family, typically growing close to the ground and forming a tight head. If left too long, it...
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Sowing and Growing Brussels sprouts
Why Grow Brussels Sprouts While Brussels sprouts may not quite match the appeal of Kalettes, they score highly across almost every category, making them an excellent choice for gardeners. Taste...
Sowing and Growing Brussels sprouts
Why Grow Brussels Sprouts While Brussels sprouts may not quite match the appeal of Kalettes, they score highly across almost every category, making them an excellent choice for gardeners. Taste...
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Sowing and Growing Winter Squash
Introduction Winter squash presents a unique challenge for growers. Although it requires substantial space and can yield inconsistent results, its value during the winter months makes it a worthwhile crop...
Sowing and Growing Winter Squash
Introduction Winter squash presents a unique challenge for growers. Although it requires substantial space and can yield inconsistent results, its value during the winter months makes it a worthwhile crop...
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Sowing and Growing Main Onions (Bulbing)
What are Onions? Onions belong to the allium family, which includes salad onions, over-wintered onions, main-crop onions, leeks, and garlic. This guide focuses specifically on main-crop onions, which offer a...
Sowing and Growing Main Onions (Bulbing)
What are Onions? Onions belong to the allium family, which includes salad onions, over-wintered onions, main-crop onions, leeks, and garlic. This guide focuses specifically on main-crop onions, which offer a...
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Sowing and Growing Salad Onions
Why Grow Salad Onions Wellies and Waxjackets recommends growing salad onions for a multitude of reasons. They rank high on the taste meter, offering a crisp texture that surpasses shop-bought...
Sowing and Growing Salad Onions
Why Grow Salad Onions Wellies and Waxjackets recommends growing salad onions for a multitude of reasons. They rank high on the taste meter, offering a crisp texture that surpasses shop-bought...
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Sowing and Growing Pak Choi and Asian Greens
What are Asian Greens? Wellies and Waxjackets has combined a variety of plants under the umbrella of Asian greens, all of which belong to the Brassica family. These greens share...
Sowing and Growing Pak Choi and Asian Greens
What are Asian Greens? Wellies and Waxjackets has combined a variety of plants under the umbrella of Asian greens, all of which belong to the Brassica family. These greens share...
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Sowing and Growing Peas
Ready to step up your pea growing game? This guide is for gardeners who already know the basics and are looking to take their crop to the next level. We’ll...
Sowing and Growing Peas
Ready to step up your pea growing game? This guide is for gardeners who already know the basics and are looking to take their crop to the next level. We’ll...
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Sowing and Growing Chilli Peppers
Why Grow Hot Peppers Hot peppers are exceptionally tasty, relatively expensive, and offer a reasonable harvest. Yield can be significantly enhanced by starting them early and maintaining temperatures above 11°C,...
Sowing and Growing Chilli Peppers
Why Grow Hot Peppers Hot peppers are exceptionally tasty, relatively expensive, and offer a reasonable harvest. Yield can be significantly enhanced by starting them early and maintaining temperatures above 11°C,...
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Sowing and Growing Sweet Peppers
Introduction Writing a guide to growing sweet peppers can be daunting due to the variations among different varieties, sowing dates, weather conditions, and the availability of grow lights. For example,...
Sowing and Growing Sweet Peppers
Introduction Writing a guide to growing sweet peppers can be daunting due to the variations among different varieties, sowing dates, weather conditions, and the availability of grow lights. For example,...
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Sowing and Growing Runner Beans
Introduction Runner beans are a vital crop known for their prolific nature and versatility. They freeze well, but typically, most end up forgotten in the freezer by June when new...
Sowing and Growing Runner Beans
Introduction Runner beans are a vital crop known for their prolific nature and versatility. They freeze well, but typically, most end up forgotten in the freezer by June when new...
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Sowing and Growing Tomatoes
Introduction This guide serves as an overview for growing tomatoes, reflecting ongoing experiments and our journey. We acknowledge the variability in tomato cultivation based on variety, sowing date, weather conditions, and lighting...
Sowing and Growing Tomatoes
Introduction This guide serves as an overview for growing tomatoes, reflecting ongoing experiments and our journey. We acknowledge the variability in tomato cultivation based on variety, sowing date, weather conditions, and lighting...
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Sowing and Growing Sweetcorn
Why Grow Sweetcorn The decision to grow sweetcorn can be complex, as it requires consideration of various factors including taste, health benefits, cost, harvest size, harvest timing, and organic availability....
Sowing and Growing Sweetcorn
Why Grow Sweetcorn The decision to grow sweetcorn can be complex, as it requires consideration of various factors including taste, health benefits, cost, harvest size, harvest timing, and organic availability....
Flower Growing Guides
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Dianthus / Carnations Sowing and Growing
Sowing & Growing GuideWhen to Sow: Indoors: January to March Outdoors: April to May Indoor Sowing: Fill seed trays or small pots with fine, peat-free seed compost. Sow the seeds...
Dianthus / Carnations Sowing and Growing
Sowing & Growing GuideWhen to Sow: Indoors: January to March Outdoors: April to May Indoor Sowing: Fill seed trays or small pots with fine, peat-free seed compost. Sow the seeds...
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Sunflowers - Sowing and Growing Guide
Sowing & Growing GuideWhen to Sow: Indoors: February to April Outdoors: April to May Indoor Sowing: Fill pots or seed trays with good quality, peat-free compost. Sow seeds 1.5cm deep...
Sunflowers - Sowing and Growing Guide
Sowing & Growing GuideWhen to Sow: Indoors: February to April Outdoors: April to May Indoor Sowing: Fill pots or seed trays with good quality, peat-free compost. Sow seeds 1.5cm deep...
Seed sowing
Flowers
Bursting with beauty and fragrance, flowers bring life to any garden. But how do you get from a tiny seed to a stunning display? Follow our simple steps to make your garden bloom:
1. When to Sow
Timing is everything! Most flowers can be sown indoors in early spring or directly outside after the last frost. Always check your seed packet for specific instructions.
2. Choosing the Right Spot
Flowers thrive in different environments. Some love full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Make sure you pick the perfect home for your flowers by assessing your garden’s conditions.
3. Sowing Indoors vs. Outdoors
- Indoors: Sow seeds in trays or pots filled with good quality, peat-free compost. Keep them warm and well-lit. When the seedlings are large enough, harden them off before planting them outside.
- Outdoors: Prepare the soil by clearing weeds and breaking up any clumps. Sow seeds thinly and water gently.
4. Caring for Your Flowers
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Feeding: Flowers often benefit from a liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks during their growing season.
- Deadheading: Regularly removing spent blooms encourages more flowers to appear.
Check out our individual flower care guides for more detailed advice on specific varieties like sunflowers, dianthus, and more!
Seed sowing
Vegetables
Fancy harvesting your own fresh vegetables? With a little time and care, growing veg from seed is both fun and fulfilling. Follow these steps to get your vegetable garden thriving:
1. When to Sow
Each veg has its ideal sowing time. Some, like tomatoes, thrive when started indoors, while others, like carrots and beans, prefer to go directly into the soil. Make sure you check our individual vegetable sowing and growing guides.
2. Preparing Your Soil
Vegetables need nutrient-rich, well-drained soil to grow strong and healthy. Before sowing, enrich your beds with compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid heavy soils that stay waterlogged — your veg will need good drainage to prevent root rot.
3. Sowing Indoors vs. Outdoors
- Indoors: Start seeds in trays or pots, keeping them warm and ensuring they have plenty of light. Once they sprout and are big enough to handle, harden them off before planting outdoors.
- Outdoors: Directly sow seeds in finely raked soil, spaced according to the growing guide. Keep the area moist to help with germination.
4. Caring for Your Veg
- Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially in dry weather. Avoid splashing water on leaves to prevent disease.
- Feeding: Give your plants a boost with a slow-release organic fertiliser or compost tea.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your veg weed-free so they don’t have to compete for nutrients.
Want detailed advice for specific veg like tomatoes, peas, or cabbage? Take a look at all our vegetable growing guides for everything you need to know!
Growing
Plug Plants
Our vegetable plug plants arrive at the perfect stage for planting, so you can start enjoying homegrown produce sooner! Follow these easy steps to get your plugs settled into their new home:
1. Preparation is Key
Before planting your plugs, make sure you’ve prepared the perfect growing environment:
- Garden Beds: Clear your planting area of weeds and dig over the soil, enriching it with organic compost or well-rotted manure. Veggies love nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
- Containers: If planting in pots or raised beds, use good-quality compost and ensure the containers have proper drainage.
2. Planting Your Plugs
- Timing: Wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting your plugs outdoors. Most vegetables prefer warmer weather. Though there are many which can be grow over winter in the right conditions.
- Spacing: Check the growing guides for your plug plants for spacing requirements. Give your plants plenty of room to spread out and grow.
- Planting Depth: Carefully remove your plug plants from their tray, being gentle with the roots. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their original pots, firming the soil around the base.
- Watering: Water your plugs well after planting, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
3. Caring for Your Veg
Once your plugs are in the ground, it’s time to keep them happy with some simple TLC:
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially in dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease.
- Feeding: Use a general-purpose vegetable fertiliser every couple of weeks to provide extra nutrients. Organic fertilisers like seaweed extract or compost tea work wonders too.
- Weeding: Regularly remove any weeds that pop up around your plants. Weeds compete for water and nutrients, so keeping the area clear is essential for healthy growth.
Be sure to check out the specific requirements for your vegetable plug plants with our vegetable sowing and growing guides.