Gardeners' tips

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

Gardeners planting tulip bulbs at Polesden Lacey
Gardeners at work in the Walled Garden at Llanerchaeron, Wales

Try our winter gardening tips 

Would you like to get more out of your garden in winter? Our gardening experts have lots of ideas to keep you busy in all weathers, including a video on how to prepare climbing roses during winter to ensure you get the brightest of blooms later on in the year.

Get gardening
School of Gardening

The National Trust School of Gardening  

From herbaceous borders to sustainable gardening, The National Trust School of Gardening is inspired by 300 years of horticultural history and top tips from our gardeners. With clear and practical advice for garden development and beautiful pictures, this guide is suitable for all experience levels. Buy a copy from our online shop.

View the book
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.

Preparing for winter and beyond

Garden volunteer trimming the lawn edges at Morden Hall Park, London

Lawn care

Prepare your lawn for winter by leaving about 80 to 100mm of grass. This will allow the grass to utilise the lower winter sunshine levels and remain healthy and ready for spring growth.

Coleus plants at Packwood

Plant health

Don’t over-water potted plants from late autumn and through the dormant period (not at all if they are outside) as this can increase fungal diseases.

The potting shed is full of eclectic curiosities

Protect against frost

Remember to protect vulnerable plants from severe frost. Move potted plants into a shed, porch or garage; cover others with a light fleece or sheet.

A gardener shows us the compost bin at Nunnington Play Video
Video

Composting with our experts


In our latest gardening video, Rebecca Bevan, the author of The National Trust School of Gardening, finds out how compost is made at Nunnington Hall in Yorkshire. She speaks to Head Gardener, Nick Fraser, about the composting system that's at the heart of keeping the gardens well-maintained and vibrant.

See our other how to guides
Leek at Baddesley

What's in season: January  

January is still a good time for gardening and growing. There’s still plenty of delicious veg to harvest or buy, including the humble leek, which is a great ingredient for hearty stews and soups. Here are some delicious seasonal recipes, harvesting advice and tips on how to create an indoor micro-garden.

What's in season: January
Decorations for your garden
Blue bird water dish with two small birds on it

Give a gift to nature 

Welcome the birds, hedgehogs, bats and bugs into your garden with our selection of feeders, nest boxes and houses. We've also got a special range that's made in collaboration with leading wildlife specialists CJ Wildlife.

Browse our wildlife range
" 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. "
- Ian Wright, lead gardens adviser
Member of staff checking the records at 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
Honey bee feeding on a dahlia flower

Help protect pollinators 

Bees play a vital role in the natural world around us but they're under threat. By donating to support nature and wildlife at the places in our care, you'll be helping to protect these pollinators and the green spaces they call home. Now more than ever, we need your help to look after the nature and wildlife we all find comfort in.

Gardeners' essentials

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

Browse our garden selection