Gardeners' tips

Hear from our gardeners and get lots of gardening inspiration and ideas to make the most of your outdoor space

Wimpole gardener with a large fork full of freshly dug purple flowers over his shoulder — Gardening at Wimpole

Spring gardening tips: From our garden to yours

Spring is a busy time for gardeners, who take advantage of warmer days to sow seeds, plant colourful spring blooms and cultivate veg patches. Whether you want to create an eye-catching display of spring blossom or get some advice from our new School of Gardening book on garden design, here are some top tips from our gardening experts for the season ahead.

Get growing

A gardener pulling rhubarb at Clumber Park — Rhubarb pulling at Clumber Park

What's in season in April?

Spring is in full swing and gardeners and growers are busy tending their veg patches and gathering delicious crops including rhubarb, which is one of our favourites. We're sharing our tips on how to grow, harvest and cook rhubarb. We look after the UK's national collection of rhubarb so can also shed some light on the fascinating history of this wonderful plant.

Discover seasonal food

Top tips for herbs

Herbs growing in the garden at Moseley Old Hall, Staffordshire

Close up of parsley that's growing at Knightshayes Court, Tiverton, Devon

One of our most versatile herbs, mint also attracts many beneficial insects. Control its invasive roots by planting in a container

Insect in the gardens at Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire

How do I care for sage and lavender?

As perennial herbs from the Mediterranean, lavender, thyme and sage all prefer sunny, dry conditions. You’ll need to give them a hard prune in late spring to keep the plants compact.

What's the trick for growing parsley?

A little boiling water in the seed tray before sowing the seeds helps to break down their tough coating. Then put the tray in a warm place until they germinate.

Can I use bay leaves straight from a tree?

Yes, though the flavour is more subtle. Make sure you wash them, as they can have been on the tree for some time and tend to get dusty.

Refreshing mint

Mint is native to the Mediterranean and was introduced to Britain by the Romans. This popular garden herb is best kept with its roots confined, and its flowers are a magnet for pollinators.

Can you suggest a range of flowering plants to attract insect pollinators?

Grow plants that flower from spring to autumn to give continuity. Bees love herbs such as thyme and marjoram. Primrose, lungwort, foxglove, coneflower, ivy, ox-eye daisy are also good.

Composting

A pile of seasonal produce dug up from a vegetable patch

Make your own compost

Our gardeners have written some top tips for making your own compost at home. Follow this cost effective, step-by-step guide to help your garden - it will help reduce waste, too.

Close-up of Rhododendron 'Creek's Cross' flowering at Trengwainton

Going peat-free

Discover why it's important for gardeners to go peat-free and protect our precious peatlands around the world, and how you can help by using peat-free compost.

See our other how to guides

Two mirrors, lattice detailing, leaning against a stone wall surrounded by small plants and shrubs

Garden design ideas for every home

Gardens have become an increasingly important part of our lives, and the nature that calls them home. No matter how big or small your garden or outdoor space is, we've got garden décor, dining accessories and wildlife-friendly products to help update your calming oasis.

The Diner Bird Feeder hanging outside, full with food and a blue tit sat on the top

For the love of nature

Encourage your feathered friends, nature neighbours and wandering mini-beasts to make a pit stop in your garden. No matter how big or small your outdoor space is, enjoy spending time watching nature buzz by. Explore our unique selection of habitats, feeders, bird baths and more, including our new range made for the love of nature in collaboration with leading wildlife specialists CJ Wildlife.

Bumblebee nectaring on pink cherry blossom

Give back to nature

More than ever before, nature has been our source of comfort during difficult times. But climate change is accelerating the decline of these green spaces. Nature gives us so much, donate today and help us protect these precious places and the wildlife that live there.

Donate now

" I was a Head Gardener for 20 years and you never stop learning. You need to be creative, prepared to try new things and inspire a wide range of people. "

Member of staff checking the records at the Plant Conservation Centre — At work in the Plant Conservation Centre

Garden podcasts playlist

Download or listen to episodes from our podcast series that explore our most important historic gardens and meet the staff and volunteers who care for them.

Listen now

Gardeners' essentials

See our range of decorative and practical items for making your garden great

Browse our garden selection