Monkton Elm News, Events and Tips Blog

  If you’re going to GYO potatoes this year, then pop in and have a chat with our resident expert Tom in February and he can help you choose the varieties that might suit you.

Our seed potatoes are now in stock and if you’ve never tried your hand at growing your own, here are my top tips on how to plant them and get the best from your tubers.

The New Year is a good time to get out in the garden and start planting, check out our handy guide to what you should be planting now.

Did you know garlic is a natural super food? It tastes great and may not be brilliant the night after on your breath but it does the power of good so experts say.

Now is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for spring.

Our expert plantsman Andrew gives his top tips on jobs to do in the garden and indoors this month.

  In February we will have all our seed potatoes in stock and it’s always good to plan ahead and think about the varieties you might like to grow.

Now is the perfect time to plan next year’s garden and it’s a great way of getting some downtime in the garden shed, while everyone else rushes about making Christmas arrangements.

  In the run up to the festivities, there are lots and lots and lots of jobs to be done. Follow our great guide and stay ahead of the game this year.

  It’s that time of year again! Our annual sapling giveaway is back, but with a bit of a difference this year.

Real Christmas trees are great for the environment as they are grown as a field crop so as soon as one is cut, another is planted.

We love decorating our in-store Christmas trees for our festive displays and thought we’d share our top tips on creating the perfect tree.

  Now is the time to start thinking about how you’re going to decorate your home for the festive season.

  We have lots of tips and advice for anyone thinking of having a fresh Christmas tree this Yuletide.

Before the rush of Christmas hits it’s a good idea to get some winter gardening maintenance jobs done, check out our top tips: Pest watch Although most pests and diseases are less active in the winter it is still a good idea to keep a close eye out for any problems. Pests such as whitefly, aphids, mealybug and red spider mite can attack houseplants and plants in greenhouses and conservatories, but the plants can be helped with a ready-to-use pesticide spray. Misting over foliage houseplants will help to keep them healthy especially in centrally-heated homes. Prevent attacks from botrytis and other diseases by keeping the humidity in greenhouses and cold frames low. Protect your water pipes It’s a good idea to turn off the water and drain irrigation pipes and hoses before the really cold weather arrives. This will help prevent problems with gardening watering equipment next year. Keep our feathered friends well fed The winter is when garden birds need our help more than e...

  We love decorating our in-store Christmas trees for our festive displays and thought we’d share our top tips on creating the perfect tree.

  The Poinsettia is the perfect symbol of Christmas. The plant’s association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday.

Indoor Cyclamen persicum.