Now that the UK temperature is getting to the dizzy heights of Celsius in the double-digits, it’s actually a pleasure to stop hiding away in my various garden sheds (I have two) and into my garden for a spot of horticulture.
It’s at this time of year that I turn to the online gardening experts for a) inspiration on what to plant, b) to tell me that I’m too late to plant what I was going to plant or c) I can plant what I was going to plant but not where I wanted to plant it.
Every self-respecting gardener would consider the BBC’s Gardeners’ World blog as their first stop for a quick online read but are there any other good gardening blogs out there? Yes, there are.
So what better way to kick off your gardening exploits than by checking out my top 5 favourite gardening blogs (in no particular order).
Carrots & Kids A great blog from Debbie Webber, a countryside mum with lots of kids so there’s a nice combination of posts on children, growing veggies and flowers. As she points out herself though, Debbie is no ‘mummy blogger' or expert gardener. Neither am I – another reason why I like her blog. She takes great photos too.
Web: www.carrotsandkids.com Twitter: @carrotsandkids
The Patient GardenerAn award-winning, popular blog written by Helen Johnstone, an amateur gardener from Worcestershire, who is studying for her RHS Level 2 Certificate. Helen also has a regular guest-spot on BBC Hereford & Worcester's Sunday Gardening Show.
Web: www.patientgardener.wordpress.com Twitter: @PatientGarden
Ryan’s Garden An urban-gardening blogger, journalist and chicken-rearing enthusiast who clearly knows his stuff. Though he does also have an allotment, Ryan has great advice even if you only have a small outdoor space.
Web: www.ryansgarden.co.uk Twitter: @RyansGarden
We Grown Our OwnA blog aimed squarely at allotment holders. Craig McKnight is a blogger, chicken-rearing enthusiast (another one), self-taught cook and was a contestant on TVs 'Britain’s Best Dish'. Craig also has a very tasty-looking blog (bad pun) probably because he’s also a web designer.
Web: www.wegrowourown.co.uk Twitter: @WeGrowOurOwn
You Grow GirlThe only non-UK blog to make it onto my list. Gayla Trail is based in Toronto and started YGG for those that love gardening but have little space or money. What’s great about Galya’s blog is her understanding of all things organic, her desire to experiment and recycle and that she’s a self-confessed plant geek.
Web: www.yougrowgirl.com Twitter: @yougrowgirl