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National Gardening Week

1st May 2019

Conceived by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), National Gardening Week has grown into the country’s biggest celebration of gardening and takes place from 29th April to 5th May this year.

People, charities, businesses and retailers use the opportunity to nurture interest in this popular pastime and to inspire new gardeners.

Celebrate Gardening

Events and activities are happening up and down the country this week, from beginners’ workshops to guided walks and from tea parties to competitions. You can find a list of events via the National Gardening Week website.

You can get involved yourself by throwing a garden party to celebrate, raising awareness of your neighbourhood park or hosting an event in your town, city or village. On a smaller scale, you could simply grow something new in your own garden, such as tomato plants, herbs or sunflowers.

Edible Britain

This year the RHS’s theme is ‘Edible Britain’ and they are calling on gardeners up and down the country to share their love of home-grown produce. At Poundland in Garden Square, there are plenty of ways to get onboard this theme! The gardening department currently stocks a wide variety of items to help get you started. Head in-store to browse and buy.

RHS Chief Horticulturist Guy Barter says: “After it was reported earlier this month that the RHS has seen sales of fruit and vegetable seeds outstrip flowers at its Plant Centres over the last year, it’s clear that people are keen to reconnect with where their food comes from. We’re supporting this burgeoning interest by encouraging garden centres, nurseries, clubs, societies and other organisations to showcase their edible expertise, as well as highlighting grow-your-own at our RHS Gardens and Flower Shows.”

Guy offers the following top tips to those who are wondering what they can grow this National Gardening Week:

  • There is still time to sow seeds of hardy plants like carrots, coriander, beetroot and parsley. In fact, clay soils may not be dry and warm enough for good results until this time.
  • Sowings of salads such as lettuce and radishes, and peas and broad beans, can be made now, and sow again every three weeks until early July for a continuous supply.
  • Cold-sensitive but quick-growing plants such as basil, courgettes, French beans, runner beans and sweetcorn can be sown indoors now for planting out in a month’s time (six weeks in the north).
  • Although it is too late to sow slow-growing tender plants such as aubergines, chilli peppers, sweet peppers and tomatoes, they are widely are widely offered as potted plants: buy them now to grow on in greenhouses and set them out later when the risk of frost has passed.

Spread the Word!

It’s also important to spread the word this National Gardening Week! Show your support by sharing your stories and pictures on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.