With the Christmas season just around the corner, squares and shops alike are starting to fill in with the familiar lights, decorations and music. But have you ever stopped for a second and wondered where our Christmas traditions came from? Christmas trees, both artificial or real, have become...
As we bid adieu to the frosty winter, March arrives with a burst of color and a tantalising promise of warmer days. It’s the perfect time to dust off those gardening gloves and let your inner green thumb run wild (if you haven’t already). But before you get started, find out here what are some...
The all-year round wait is over - Fantastic Gardeners brings you the jolly hugs of evergreen trees! From this month forward, real Christmas tree delivery is available at every door in London. Forget the hassle and concentrate on gift selection or yummy recipe browsing, while we take care of the...
Most vegetables include cultivars or varieties that are quicker maturing than others. Fast-growing vegetable crops come to harvest in as little as 4 to 10 weeks. They are “short stayers” not “long stayers” in the garden.
Bush beans will be ready for harvest in less than two months.
Below is a...
Pruning a tomato means removing unneeded growth tips from the plant. These growing tips are sometimes called shoots or suckers. Growth tips are the new growth–the small leafy-bud growth–located in the “V” or crotch between two stems.
Pruning or pinching away new growth allows a tomato plant to...
Succession planting means growing different crops in the same space one right after the other in the same season or planting the same crop in different parts of the garden in succession at different times. Succession planting results in a succession of harvests–a long continuous harvest season...
Vegetables need water to grow quickly, tender, and tasty. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season—that means not too wet and not too dry. If the soil dries out, vegetables can become bitter-tasting and woody. If the soil is too wet, vegetable roots can become starved for oxygen...
Water is essential for vegetable growth. Vegetables are mostly water: an ear of corn is 70 percent water, a potato is 80 percent water, and a tomato is 95 percent water. Vegetables will not grow and yield without consistent, even watering.
Most vegetable crops require one inch or more of water...
Organic fertilizers and organic soil amendments come from natural sources–plants, animals, and rocks.
Organic fertilizer is a natural soil amendment that adds plant nutrients to the soil, most often nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium. (NPK analysis is the concentration of major plant...
Compost tea is excellent all-purpose plant food. Made from aged compost–organic materials that have finished decomposing, compost tea contains all of the major and minor nutrients plants require. It gives young plants a starter boost and older plants a pick-me-up. Not only that, but compost tea...
Comfrey manure-tea time arrives with the first flowering of tomatoes and peppers. Comfrey tea is made simply by soaking the leaves of the herb comfrey in water for about 20 days.
Comfrey tea is rich in nitrogen and potassium; it is a nutritious side-dressing for fruiting vegetables. Tomatoes...
Mulching can benefit your vegetable garden. Mulch is any material laid on the surface of the soil. Mulch protects the soil surface and allows air and water through. It can be organic, such as compost, shredded leaves, or lawn clipping, or inorganic or synthetic, such as coarse sand, gravel, or...
Vegetables are pollinated in two ways: self-pollination and cross-pollination.
Self-pollinators are plants that produce flowers that are usually fertilized by their own pollen, commonly when the male and female flower parts are contained within the same flower.
Cross pollinators are plants...
Are you looking to enrich your dog’s life with a variety of fun and engaging activities? The right balance of exercise, play, and socialization is key to keeping your furry friend happy and healthy throughout the year.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore exciting dog-friendly activities and...
Every pet parent knows that a happy dog is a healthy dog. Engaging your furry friend in various activities not only keeps them fit but also strengthens the bond you share.
From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy indoor playtime, there are countless ways to enrich your pup’s life. Whether...
Traveling with your four-legged friend can open up a world of adventure and joy. However, navigating the ins and outs of dog-friendly travel requires thoughtful planning and consideration. From discovering the best dog-friendly travel destinations to selecting the right carriers, every detail...
As our beloved dogs age, their exercise needs change significantly. Keeping senior dogs active is essential not only for their physical health but also for their mental well-being.
Finding the right balance of exercise helps maintain their weight, joint health, and overall energy levels.
In...
Planning a road trip with your furry companion can be an exciting adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Training your dog for long car rides is essential to ensure a smooth journey for both of you.
In this article, we’ll explore essential tips and techniques that will help...
Rainy days can put a damper on your outdoor activities with your furry friend, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on exercise! Keeping your dog active indoors is not only essential for their physical health but also crucial for mental stimulation and overall happiness.
In this article...