Gardening tips from the team
Seasonal advice, practical how-tos and honest tips to help you get more from your garden — lawn care, hedging, planting, jet washing, clearance and landscaping — straight from the people who work in gardens like yours every day across Surrey and London.
From our latest posts
Browse by topic, or scroll straight through — useful reads to help you make the most of your garden, whatever the season.
Lawn Care
Keep your lawn thick, green and healthy through every season.
Five simple ways to keep your lawn green all year
A healthy lawn is more about good habits than fancy products. Here are the basics that make the biggest difference.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensLawn care through autumn and winter
The cold months decide how your lawn performs next year. Here's what to do — and what to stop doing.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensLaying a new lawn: turf or seed?
Both get you a great lawn — but they suit different budgets, timescales and DIY levels. Here's how to choose.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensFixing a patchy or mossy lawn
Bald patches and moss are fixable. Here's the straightforward sequence to restore a tired lawn.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensA simple lawn feeding schedule for the UK
Feed your lawn at the right times and it stays thick and green all year. Here's a no-nonsense schedule.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensCaring for your lawn in winter
A lawn is easily damaged in winter, but it's also easily protected. Here's how to keep yours looking its best.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPreparing your lawn for autumn
Autumn is the best time to feed, repair and thicken your lawn. Here's how to get it right.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensScarifying your lawn: when and how
Raking out the thatch opens up the lawn to light, air and food. Here's the straightforward guide to doing it right.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensMowing for a healthier lawn
The height and frequency you mow at shape the whole lawn. Here's how to cut for a thick, resilient turf.
Read articlePlanting
Borders, hedges, bulbs and the plants that bring a garden to life.
Low-maintenance plants that flower all summer
Want colour without the constant fuss? These tough, reliable plants deliver month after month.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensDesigning a cottage-garden border that blooms all year
Layered planting with something in flower every season is easier than it sounds — and bees will love you for it.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWhen's the best time to plant a hedge in the UK?
Get the timing right and your hedge will romp away. Here's when to plant — and why autumn often beats spring.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensSlugs and snails: protecting your border
They can strip a young plant overnight. Here's how to protect your garden without a war of attrition.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensDesigning a drought-resistant garden
Save water and still have a beautiful garden. These plants and habits thrive on surprisingly little moisture.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHow to trim and prune your hedges
Neat, healthy hedges need the right timing and technique. Here's how to keep them looking sharp all year.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensThe best hedges and screening for privacy
Block out overlooked windows and create a private retreat. Here are the most reliable hedging and screening options.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWhat to plant in a north-facing garden
A north-facing plot isn't a blank spot — it's a shaded plant palette waiting to be filled. Here's what thrives.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensCaring for potted and container plants
Containers add instant colour anywhere — but they need a little more care than the ground. Here's how to keep pots thriving.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensLow-care succulents and easy houseplants
Want greenery that survives a busy life? These tough plants thrive on neglect.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHow to create a wildflower meadow
A patch of wildflowers transforms any garden and brings the pollinators with it. Here's how to create your own mini meadow.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPerennials that thrive in partial shade
A shady border isn't a problem — it's an opportunity. These reliable perennials will forgive a north-facing spot and still flower beautifully.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensLow-maintenance ground cover plants
The right ground cover smothers weeds, cools the soil and looks good — with far less work. Here are the best options.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanting dormant bare-root plants
Winter is prime time for bare-root planting. Here's how to get established trees and shrubs off to a strong start.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanting spring-flowering bulbs now
Autumn is the time to plant spring bulbs. Here's how to get drifts of colour ready for the months ahead.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlants for autumn colour and foliage
The garden should not fade at the end of summer. These plants bring rich colour and structure through autumn.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensDividing and replanting overgrown perennials
Revive crowded clumps and multiply your plants for free. Here's how to divide perennials in autumn.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanting hanging baskets and summer containers
Nothing adds instant colour like a well-planted basket. Here's how to build one that's lush and flowers all summer.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensTender plants for a lush tropical-style garden
Big leaves and bold shapes can give any summer a holiday feel. Here are the tender plants that deliver it – and how to keep them.
Read articleGrowing
Veg, fruit and herbs — growing your own food at home.
Growing your own veg: where to start
A handful of easy crops can feed you all summer. Here's what to grow first for reliable, satisfying results.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWhen and how to prune your fruit trees
A little careful pruning means more fruit and healthier trees. Here's the simple beginners' guide to getting it right.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensRaised bed vegetable gardening
Raised beds make growing veg easier, tidier and more productive. Here's why they work and how to get started.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanting spring bulbs: when and how
Daffodils, tulips and crocus are spring's first joy — and the secret is planting them the autumn before.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing herbs in a small garden
Basil, mint, rosemary and more can flourish in a tiny space. Here's how to grow a useful herb garden anywhere.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensOrganic pest control for your crops
Keep pests at bay in the vegetable garden without harsh chemicals. Here's the toolkit that works.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing vegetables in containers
No veg patch? No problem. Many crops grow brilliantly in pots, tubs and grow bags.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensUsing a greenhouse through the year
A greenhouse pays for itself if you use it all year. Here's how to keep it productive in every season.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing your own salad leaves
Pick fresh, homegrown leaves from spring to autumn without a big veg patch. Here's the simple way to do it.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing tomatoes in the UK
From greenhouse to sunny patio, shop-bought tomatoes can't touch homegrown. Here's how to grow them well in our climate.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing fresh salad and leaves in winter
You can keep picking homegrown leaves through the cold months. Here's what to sow and how to keep it going.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWinter greenhouse and cloche checks
Keep your greenhouse or cloche protecting plants all winter. Here's what to check and tidy before spring.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHarvesting and storing your autumn crops
Late crops reward careful picking and storing. Here's what to harvest in autumn and how to keep them good.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensSowing overwintering vegetables and greens
Sow now and keep picking fresh greens through the cold months. Here's what to plant in autumn.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensApple and pear autumn care and picking
Get the best out of your fruit and keep it through the dark months. Here's how to pick and store.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWhat to grow each month: a fruit & veg calendar
There's always something worth sowing or planting. Here's a month-by-month guide to growing fruit and veg through the whole year.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing fruit in a small garden
You don't need an orchard to grow your own fruit. These compact options crop hard in even a small space.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensSuccession planting: a steady supply of veg
Stop the glut-and-starve cycle. Sowing little and often keeps a continuous stream of crops coming.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing potatoes in bags, pots and beds
The most rewarding crop for beginners. Here's how to grow a great tubful of potatoes almost anywhere.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGrowing squash and pumpkins in the UK
Big, rewarding and great keepers – here's how to grow a crop of squash and pumpkins that stores into winter.
Read articlePreserving
Pickling, jam and storing the harvest to last all year.
Pickling vegetables in jars: the beginner's guide
Turn a summer glut into jars for the pantry. A simple brine, clean jars and a little patience is all you need.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensMaking jam and fruit preserves at home
Strawberries, plums, apples and more can become a shelf of homemade jam. Here's how to do it simply and safely.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensStoring veg and root crops for the winter
Potatoes, carrots, onions, squash and apples can keep for months with the right treatment. Here's the simple storage playbook.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensFermenting garden vegetables: the easy no-cook way to preserve
Salt, water and time turn cabbage, carrots and more into tangy, gut-friendly ferments that keep for months.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensFreezing vs jarring: the best way to keep each crop
Blanched and frozen, or brined and jarred – different crops keep differently. Here's how to choose for each harvest.
Read articleSeasonal
The right jobs at the right time, month by month.
Summer watering: getting it right in dry spells
Watering at the right time of day can be the difference between thriving plants and stressed ones.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensAutumn jobs that set up next year's garden
A little work in autumn saves a lot in spring. Here's the priority list for closing the season well.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensEnd of summer garden tidy checklist
A few hours of end-of-season tidying sets your garden up beautifully for autumn and next spring. Here's your checklist.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensThe complete winter garden jobs checklist
Winter is far from the garden's quiet season. Here's every worthwhile job to tick off and set yourself up for spring.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHow to protect your garden from frost
A hard frost can do real damage in a single night. Here's how to guard your plants through the coldest spells.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensMulching and covering your beds for winter
A good winter mulch protects soil, suppresses weeds and feeds the bed. Here's how to do it properly.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGreen manure and winter cover crops
Grow something good over bare soil and the whole garden benefits. Here's why cover crops are worth their weight.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensProtecting ponds and outdoor taps in winter
Frozen water and pipes can cause real damage. Here's how to winter-proof your pond and outdoor plumbing.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanning your spring garden and seed orders
Winter is the perfect time to plan. Here's how to turn daydreams into a clear, organised spring garden.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensTidying and resting your beds for winter
A tidy, rested bed survives winter and springs back beautifully. Here's how to put your borders to bed.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensProtecting plants from autumn's first frosts
The first frost can arrive with little warning. Here's how to guard your plants as the days turn cold.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensMidsummer garden jobs: a check-list for June & July
The season is at its peak. Here's what to keep on top of in the longest, busiest weeks of the year.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensLate spring checklist: getting ready for summer
May is the hinge between sowing and spending time in the garden. Here's what to do so summer goes smoothly.
Read articleMaintenance
Garden upkeep, tools, weeding and the ongoing little jobs.
Spring garden jobs to do before the season takes off
Give your garden a head start with a few key jobs in early spring — the results last all summer.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWhat to expect from a professional gardener
From the first visit to the final tidy, here's how a professional gardening service should look and feel.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensComposting at home: turning garden waste into gold
Kitchen peelings, grass clippings and prunings can become rich compost in months. Here's the simple route to get it zipping.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWeed control without harsh chemicals
Hand-weed, mulch and a few clever habits can keep borders clear without reaching for the sprayer.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensIs an automatic watering system worth it?
Drip lines and sprinklers promise effortless watering. Here's when they earn their keep — and when they don't.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensLow-cost ways to refresh your garden
You don't need a redesign to make a difference. These quick, affordable wins transform how a garden feels.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHow to fix a waterlogged garden
Soggy soil rots roots and ruins lawns. Here's how to improve drainage and get your garden drying out.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensMulching: why it pays off and how to do it
One of the most underrated jobs in the garden. A good mulch saves water, crushes weeds and feeds the soil.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensAutumn leaf clearance: what to do with fallen leaves
Clear leaves from lawns and paths, but don't throw them all away — they're one of the best soil improvers you have.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensFeeding and reviving tired garden beds
If your borders look lacklustre, the soil is often the culprit. Here's how to bring tired beds back to life.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensThe essential garden tools and how to care for them
A few good tools, looked after properly, will last a lifetime. Here's what you actually need and how to keep it in shape.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensLifting and storing tender plants indoors
Don't lose your favourites to the first frost. Here's how to lift and store tender plants.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensKeeping your compost working through autumn
Autumn is the perfect time to feed your compost heap. Here's how to keep it breaking down.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensEdging: the sharp line that makes a garden look cared for
A clean edge between lawn and border transforms the whole garden. Here's how to cut and keep a crisp line.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensCleaning your greenhouse: a fresh start for a good season
A yearly clean boosts light, wards off pests and disease, and makes every crop do better. Here's the efficient way.
Read articleLandscaping
Patios, surfaces, fences, clearance and planning your space.
Clearing an overgrown garden: where to begin
An overgrown plot can feel overwhelming. A simple plan — and a bit of help — gets you to a clean slate fast.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPatio, decking or gravel? Choosing your perfect surface
The material you choose sets the whole feel of your garden. We weigh up the pros and cons of each.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPainting or staining your fence: gloss, tone and upkeep
A well-finished fence frame ties the whole garden together. Here's how to choose the right finish and keep it looking fresh.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanning a small garden: clever ways to use the space
A compact plot can feel bigger with the right layout. We'll show you how to make every metre work.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensCreating a low-maintenance garden
Less weeding, less watering, less worry. These design choices keep a garden looking great with far less effort.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensA simple fence and gate maintenance guide
A little regular care keeps fences and gates strong and looking great. Here's what to check and when.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHow to design a garden border
A well-planned border looks effortless, but it's all in the layout. Here's the simple method for a great one.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensSmall garden design ideas that make space feel bigger
Even the smallest plot can feel generous with the right layout. Here are clever ideas to make your garden feel bigger.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensGarden lighting ideas to extend your evenings
Good lighting turns a garden into a place you can enjoy long after dark. Here are ideas to add warmth and atmosphere.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHow to choose and site a storage shed
The right shed in the right place makes a garden far more practical. Here's what to consider before you buy.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensRepairing and repointing your patio
Loose slabs and crumbly joints let weeds in and water under. Here's how to put your patio right.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensRepairing and painting fences and woodwork in winter
Winter rain is the real test for timber. Here's how to fix, treat and prepare your fences and woodwork.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensMoving and planting shrubs and trees in autumn
Autumn is the ideal time to move woody plants. Here's how to relocate a shrub or tree with success.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanning and laying a garden path
A well-planned path guides you through the garden and ties it together. Here's the simple way to plan and lay one.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensCreating a rockery or alpine garden
A rockery brings height, texture and the jewels of the plant world into a small space. Here's how to build one that lasts.
Read articleWildlife
Pollinators, birds and a garden full of life.
Attracting bees and butterflies to your garden
A garden alive with pollinators is a healthier, happier one. Here's how to draw them in and keep them coming back.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlanting a wildlife hedge
A mixed native hedge is a living corridor for birds, bees and hedgehogs. Here's why it's worth planting.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPlants that keep bees fed all year
Bees need food from spring to autumn, not just in high summer. Here's a planting plan that feeds them all season.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensHow to build a garden wildlife pond
A small pond is the single best way to boost wildlife in your garden. Here's how to build one in a weekend.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensInviting birds into your garden
A garden full of birds is a healthy, lively one. Here's how to feed, shelter and water them so they keep coming back.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensFeeding and helping garden birds in winter
Winter is the hardest season for birds. Here's how to keep them fed, watered and safe through the cold months.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensBuilding a bug hotel for your garden
A simple bug hotel brings in the pollinators and pest-eaters that keep your garden healthy. Here's how to make one.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensWildlife corridors and log piles: links in the hedge
Small features that join up habitats and give shelter bring far more wildlife into a garden. Here's how to build them.
Read articleJet Washing
Bringing patios, paths and driveways back to their best.
Ask the experts: how often should you jet wash a patio?
Years of moss and grime can be lifted in a day — but how often is enough? We share what we'd recommend.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensJet washing vs hand cleaning your patio
Both have a place, but they give very different results. Here's when each is the right call.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensPreparing your patio for jet washing
A little prep makes the difference between a great clean and a mess. Here's what to do – and move – before you start.
Read articleCreated by JFL GardensSealing your patio after jet washing
A freshly cleaned patio is the perfect time to seal it – locking in the clean and holding off weeds and moss for far longer.
Read article