runner beans

How to freeze runner beans to store for when needed

Home/2020 (Page 19)

How to freeze runner beans

When you are growing runner beans you will know that you get an abundance. You will either have a lot of friends who you share all your produce to or you will be eating runner beans every single day. You will probably waste a great amount as you may not be able to keep up with how fast they are producing once they start. One way of saving runner beans until you need them is freezing them. Here we will explain the best way on how to freeze runner beans to keep there optimum taste and texture so they taste fresh when you eat them.

Like most other vegetables before you freeze runner beans you will need to blanch them first. This method will help them keep the delicious taste that the runner beans have and the lovely green colour.

To blanche runner beans you will need to chop the runner beans into chunks or slice them. Cut off the hard ends of the runner beans and the stalks. If they are stringy you will need to cut the ends off them. Blanche them in boiling water, then leave them to cool down. Once they have cooled down you can then put them in a freezer bag and freeze until you need them.

One way of making it easier cutting the runner beans you can purchase a runner bean slicer which will save lots of time. You can find one here


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.




Guide on how to freeze runner beans

Here is a step by step guide on how to freeze runner beans.

  1. Weigh 200g Runner Beans
  2. Cut the top and bottom off the runner beans. This is called top and tail.
  3. Slice off the stringy bits on the sides.
  4. Chop the beans into 3cm pieces – you don’t have to measure just guess – scissors are best for this.
  5. Boil a pan of water up. Add the beans you have prepared and boil for 3 minutes.
  6. Transfer the beans to ice cold water. Leave in the water until they have cooled completely
  7. Once they have cooled you need to open freeze the runner beans. To do this get some baking paper on a baking tray and lay your runner beans out on them – make sure they are not touching. You can then freeze them. Make sure the freezer is on the coldest setting. This is so the beans do not freeze in one big clump.
  8. Once they have frozen solid you can put them in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Defrost the runner beans when you require them.

To find out more tips and advice on growing runner beans you can check out this page here

Gardening books

10 Best Gardening Books for beginners

Home/2020 (Page 19)

10 Best Gardening Books for beginners

Gardening is getting more and more popular. Since lockdown more and more people are looking after there gardens and trying to make them look amazing. Everyone is going out buying great looking plants or trying to grow there own from seed but do you know how to look after your plants? Well you can either look it up online, ask friends or you can get a gardening book to help you out. Here we review the best gardening books available to purchase which will guide you through this process.

Best Gardening Books


Book:- RHS Gardening Through the Year: Month-by-month

About:-

This book is amazing if you like to know what to do and when to do it. This book tells you exactly what you should be doing that month and how to do it. It is written by  BBC Gardener’s World writer Ian Spence. You will have your garden looking fabulous with these tips and advice

Price Region:-

The price you are looking at for this book is in the region of £15 online.

Reviews:-

This book has some fantastic reviews from the gardeners which have purchased it. With a massive 83% 5 star rating out of over 400 reviewers you know it will be a good book. Here is what one of the reviewers had to say about the book:-

  • Ideal book for someone learning all about gardening and wondering what to do in the different seasons and what plants to put in. Bought for daughter, but so impressed with it also bought another one as a present for daughter in law.


Book:- RHS How To Garden When You’re New To Gardening

About:-

This book will cover everything from houseplants, vegetables, weeds and lots lots more. It is a great book for any beginner in gardening.

Price Region:-

For this book you are looking at paying around £13 online

Reviews:-

This book has an 84% five star rating out of at least 100 reviews. The feed back is great on this book and it will help any gardener.

  • I bought this for a new gardener and ended up reading it myself as it was full of good tips about a wide range of plants and flowers etc. Only just touches the surface of what you need to know but excellent for a beginner.


Book:- The Complete Gardener:

About:-

In this book Monty Don reveals all the secrets on the success of growing fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs all while keeping it all organic. Monty Don has a great following and is known extremely well for his gardening tips and advice.

Price Region:-

To purchase this book online you are looking at around £18

Reviews:-

This book has some fantastic reviews online. Monty Don is highly respected in the gardening world. Here is one of the reviews from one of the customers.

  • We’ve recently moved into our new house and just had a chunk of plain lawn to play with. We bought this for some advice and inspiration and, with a lot of effort put in, we are really pleased with how things have turned out.
  • Pretty much any questions we had about what to plant where and when, how to care for it etc. were all in this bible of gardening.


Book:- RHS What Plant Where Encyclopedia

About:-

This book is certainly the encyclopedia of plants with over 2000 plants in the gardening book. Find tips and advice for looking after them. Transform your garden into paradise with this excellent gardening book.

Price Region:-

To purchase this gardening book online you are looking at around £23

Reviews:-

This gardening encyclopedia book has over 100 reviews online off the people that have bought the book. They have given it an average of 83% 5 star review. Here is one of the reviews that has been left for the book.

  • As well as being a very in depth guide for plant selection and care its easy to use for beginners. Bought as a gift and it looks fantastic on the book shelf or laid out on display. Incredible value for what you get considering the quality of this hard back book.


Book:- Down to Earth:

About:-

Monty Don shares his fruit, vegetables, herbs and flower growing tips in this excellent book that he has written. Sharing his experience and knowledge with you to create the best looking gardens.

Price Region:-

To purchase this book online you are looking at around £10

Reviews:-

This book has had over a massive 600 reviews online. It just goes to show how popular Monty Don is. He has a massive 85% 5 star rating for the book. Here one of the purchasers reviews the gardening book.

  • Fantastic book. Monty is a national treasure… and how he sums up how many amateur gardeners feel in the first few pages is worth the purchase price of this boom alone.


Book:- RHS How to Create your Garden

About:-

If you have little experience or lot of experience in gardening this book will give you the understandings of how to transform a garden with the budget you have. He also shows and explains how to focus on the garden style that you require in your garden.

Price Region:-

To purchase this great gardening book online you are looking at around £15

Reviews:-

From over 150 people that have purchased and reviewed this product online 81% of purchasers have given it a 5* review. Here is one of the reviews from the purchasers.

  • Great book from one of the best in the business. If you like Adam Frost on Gardeners World then you will love this book.
  • I love how there are sections within sections. So the overarching themes of designing, building and then enjoying your garden can be read as one book, or you can dip in and out when you need a bit of advice from a true pro.
  • So I am looking to lay a good base of hardcore and pebbles for an area of 18 raised beds soon. The section which covers what tools you need, preparing the site, and creating a good base (for paths) will be really useful.


Book:- 365 Days of Colour In Your Garden 

About:-

This book is about adding colour to your garden so that you have 365 days of colour in the garden making it look attractive all year round.

Price Region:-

The price you are looking at paying for this book is £18 online

Reviews:-

This book has an online rating of 79% 5 star reviews out of over 100 purchases. Here is one of the customers feedback on the book:-

  • This is an excellent book, beautifully photographed by Jonathan Buckley. I have a lot of plant manuals and books on planting design so I almost didn’t buy this, thinking it wouldn’t get much use and wouldn’t add much to my already groaning shelves of gardening books – that would have been a mistake! The author takes a clear and methodical approach to colour in the garden and various ways of putting colours together before moving on to explaining how to get year round colour. Thereafter he looks at seasonal plants – chapters filled with plants each accompanied by a splendid photo and a description which includes suggestions for companion plants and follow-on plants. The author doesn’t confine himself to flower colour – there is a good section on foliage. I have pretty good plant knowledge but came across a few gems that I had not seen before – there is a stunning lupin called ‘Terracotta’ for example. Every now and again there is a little insert with useful notes e.g. Top 40 365 day plants, 10 mid-summer plants. I particularly like the chapter on longest flowering plants which has a great selection of reliable and long-flowering plants which are easily available. Alongside the colour theory and plants, there is useful horticultural information and helpful suggestions for difficult sites


Book:- RHS Encyclopedia Of Plants and Flowers

About:-

This book is fantastic if you are wanting to add some great plants to your garden. In this gardening book it has over 4000 flowers and plants to give you tips and advice for.

Price Region:-

This book you are looking at paying £26 pound online

Reviews:-

This book has 82% 5 star reviews from over 100 reviews online from customers which have purchased the book.

Here is one of the reviews left from one of the customers which has purchased the book:-

  • I gave this trusty tome to two different young garden owners this Christmas. Hope they will come to find it as useful and delightful as I have. If not they can stop rising sea-levels or runaway buses with its bulk and weight. It would be even better if this Encyclopaedia of Plants were published in three or four parts and didn’t have to be read on a table.


Book:- The Five Minute Garden

About:-

This book is ideal for anyone who would like to spend just a little time in there garden but to still make it look beautiful.

Price Region:-

You are looking at around £8 to purchase this book online.

Reviews:-

This book recently came out this year so there is not many reviews. Only 50 altogether so far. They have given this book a 92% 5 star rating. Here is one of the customers feedback:-

  • I adore Laetitia Maklouf’s emails and Instagram posts and had pre-ordered this book with great excitement. I have been excitedly awaiting its arrival and I was not disappointed!! It is a total gem of a book, filled with hints, tips and totally achievable projects. Laetitia’s writing inspires you to put down that cup, get out of that chair, grab your tools and get out into your garden.
  • The book is divided into months of the year and each chapter is divided into Spruce, Chop, Nurture and Fuss. In addition there is a creative project to enhance your garden.
  • This is an inspiring and beautifully written and illustrated book. Laetitia writes as though she’s right next to you, reassuring, inspiring and making your garden feel less overwhelming and more relaxing and totally enjoyable!! I am a seasoned gardener but I know that this beautiful book will be close to hand and get lots of use.


Book:- RHS Gardening Month by Month

About:-

Follow these tips and advice from this gardening book. Follow the months from January through to December keeping on top of the jobs and tasks that need doing in the garden each month

Price Region:-

For this book you will be looking at around £9 online to purchase.

Reviews:-

This book has been left a 74% 5 star rating overall. Here is one of the customers review which was left:-

  • The book itself is good but I was expecting a ‘normal’ sized book so was a little disappointed, admittedly I should have read the small print. Be aware that this is a pocket sized book.


We hope you have found these best gardening book suggestions useful. Let us know which one you end up going for in the comments below. If you have an allotment why not check out allotment book suggestions here.

When to split rhubarb crowns

Home/2020 (Page 19)

When to split rhubarb crowns?

Have you got a rhubarb plant growing in your garden or have you a family member or friend got one growing that you would like to take a cutting from? Well it is actually quite easy to take a cutting from a rhubarb plant. Here we will help you with the question of when to split rhubarb crowns in the UK.

Rhubarb can be an amazing fruit to grow in the garden producing bumper crops of fruit from around April to the end of July. Gardeners say you are not supposed to pick Rhubarb from the end of July as this is when the nutrients go back into the soil and feed the crown – so that is one rule that I have personally stuck to myself.


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.


Looking after your rhubarb plant is extremely easy all you have to do to look after it is give it plenty of water while it is growing. Rhubarb is made up mainly of water. So if you give it plenty it will respond well to the watering. If you don’t water it in dry spells it will just die back and shrivel up – which no one will want.

If you do end up picking bumper crops of rhubarb you can always store it by freezing it and using it as and when you need it. When picking rhubarb though you don’t want to pick it all from the plant. Leave around one third of the stalks on the plant.

At the end of July stop picking the rhubarb, however tempting it is to pick some of those beautiful sour sticks. Just leave the plant to naturally die back.

To split a rhubarb plant you should not do this until November. This is because the plant will have gone into a dormant state where it is not growing – it literally has gone into hibernation. The first thing to do to split the rhubarb crown is to dig up the plant. When digging up the rhubarb plant go gently as the roots are not very strong but go quite deep. You will need to dig a big circle round the rhubarb crown.

You can then get a spade and split the crown into pieces. You need to keep part of the thick root and at least one growing point in each section. This can then be planted in it’s new postilion. Water the plant in well. Keep an eye on the plant through winter and give it a drink of water if the winter is dry. You are best not picking the rhubarb from the plant in the first year after splitting the rhubarb. Let it settle in well. So on the second year you should get a great crop of rhubarb.

You can find lots more gardening tips and advice here.

Strawberry

How to ripen Strawberries

Home/2020 (Page 19)

How to ripen strawberries

When growing strawberries you are watching them everyday to see when they ripen. Sometimes you may pick them early before the birds can eat them but you should not do this! Here we will tell you how to ripen Strawberries.

The main reason why you should not pick Strawberries before they are ripe is because they will not continue ripening once you pick them they need to be at there best on the plant when you pick them. This is when the Strawberries will be at the juiciest.

One way to help ripen strawberries is if you look at them they will ripen on the top of the strawberry, once the top is ripe just gently turn the strawberry round so the white side is now on top – do this without snapping the stem of the plant.

Make sure that you keep the strawberries protected from the birds at all times as they love to eat the red tasty strawberries. Each morning check your patch for slugs as well because you will not want them leaving holes in the fruit.

Your strawberries should start to turn red and ripen around 4-5 weeks once the flowers have opened. When the first couple have ripened you will start to be getting handfuls of strawberries every day from your plants. Make sure you have plenty of plants so that you get a constant supply of strawberries for a few weeks. Once they have fruited though you will not get another batch unfortunately.

As the strawberries are growing they will need watering more regular so that it helps them swell and plump up. Make sure that you water the Strawberries early in the morning and late at the evening as you don’t want them sat in water for to long when the sun is out or it will rot them.

You can never have enough strawberries in your garden, i’m sure you will agree with that statement. You certainly will not be sharing these with your friends and family.


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.


You can find more gardening tips and advice here

Best Allotment Books

12 Best Allotment Books for beginners and gardeners

Home/2020 (Page 19)

Best Allotment Books

When you have an allotment or start to look at putting your name down for an allotment it can be extremely exciting. However, when you take on your allotment it can be challenging, exciting, rewarding, stressful, and relaxing. Having an allotment though is the best thing around as the rewards outway all the negatives. From sowing your seeds, watching them germinate, and then producing crops is an amazing feeling. When you harvest your first crop and taste them it is so delicious as it’s so natural with no added chemicals on them to preserve them. Finding the best allotment books can be stressful.

There are many ways that you can learn about gardening online videos, training, websites, and books. There is no better way to learn about gardening is from allotment books. You can find the information at your fingertips. You can save the allotment books in your garden shed where you can just find the gardening tips and advice when you need to refer to the allotment book.

You could soon be going from a novice to a green finger in no time at all and growing some fantastic fruit, vegetables, herbs plus lots more to share with all the family, friends and neighbours.

Here in this article, we will be looking at the top 12 allotment gardening books available to purchase online. Sharing reviews and links to be able to purchase them from Amazon. Which allotment book will you be adding to your collection?

Here we list all the best allotment books for starting an allotment or for someone who would like to learn a little bit more. If you are looking at making some amazing recipes out of your allotment produce check out our top 12 allotment cookbooks here. If it’s not just allotment books you are after and just gardening in general you can check out the top 10 gardening books for beginners here.


Book:- Allotment Month By Month

About the Book:-

If you are looking for the best Allotment book on the market, this has to be the best one that is available and is highly recommended by everyone that purchases the book.

The Allotment Month by Month Book is all about the produce you can grow at the allotment and in the kitchen garden all year round, yes you really can grow produce all year round!. This is a newer edition of the popular book which was out previously so if you are looking for an updated book this will help you. The allotment book gives you information on over 60 items that you can grow at home. This gardening book goes into lots of detail giving you all the information and tips you need to grow successful fruit and vegetables.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 84% from over 3000 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • This is a great book. Easy to navigate and monthly step by step starightforward advice. I’ve had an allotment for 3 years and have a multitude of reference books. This is by far the best and is the one I now go to if want to check what I should be doing, when and how! Brilliant book.
  • My husband bought me this book as I have just acquired an allotment. It is excellent, as it has lots of relevant information for a novice like myself and there are many pictures to enhance each page. I like the fact that it tells you what to do, sow and plant each month and it also has a page or two about every vegetable and fruit. I am currently using it and enjoy learning from it. I would definitely recommend it. A great informative book.



Book:- RHS Allotment Handbook & Planner

About the Book:-

Are you looking for an Allotment book that will help you plan and learn ahead? Well the RHS Allotment Handbook and Planner is the book you need to help you do this. This allotment book has been approved by the RHS and it is written by their experts in the allotment and gardening world so you know all the information will be valid and correct. This allotment book will provide you with all the valuable month-by-month information you need to learn about planting schedules. This will help show you when is the most valid time to plant your crops down at the allotment to get the best fruit and vegetables.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 78% from over 500 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • Bought this book with great intention but haven’t managed anything more than a thorough browse as yet. Will hopefully get more use out of it in the forthcoming year.
  • Definitely the best allotment boom out there – not preachy or dictatorial like so many others. Considers the economic considerations of growing and eating your own food, makes millions of suggestions but never says “do this coz that’s how it’s done and that’s it shut up and don’t argue” like so many other books do. Good advice on all the veg – even less familiar types, and even some flowers. No filler – every page is useful. the only allotment book you’ll ever need.


Book:-Allotment Handbook

About the Book:-

Are you a new gardener or have you just taken on an allotment? Well, the Allotment Handbook will be a great book for you to start off with purchasing. This allotment book will guide you through all the stages of growing your own vegetables and your fruit. You certainly will not be buying fresh produce ever again once you have tried growing your own fruit and vegetables nothing tastes any better than your own produce. This gardening book takes you through all the different stages of gardening from sowing, planting, feeding, mulching plus lots more to try. This gardening book is definitely ideal for a new gardener or someone that is wanting to learn about getting Greenfingers.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 80% from over 400 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • Four stars as I wanted greater depth of information. Useful nevertheless. Classic DK publication with clear, concise articles to give you ideas about where to start, varieties to grow, troubleshooting guide and illustrations on how to do things.
  • Super book, great companion for the half hour allotment. Lots of ideas from planning your allotment to what to do with your produce


Book:- The Complete Allotment Guide

About the Book:-

Are you a novice allotmenteer? Well, check out The Complete Allotment Guide. If you are planning on getting an allotment or down on a waiting list for an allotment then get researching what you need to do. This allotment book shows you exactly how to get onto that allotment waiting list. It advises you on how to get started with your allotment from the daunting task of getting your plot to getting it all up and running. It helps you get the best from your plot and how to get the best produce from it.

This allotment book will also guide you on how to build compost bins, structures like raised beds plus lots more to get an amazing looking allotment.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.


Book:-The Allotment Almanac: Month-By-Month on the Plot

About the Book:-

Do you like month-by-month guides so you are knowing what to do at the allotment in advance? If so then the Allotment Almanac Month By Month on the plot is an ideal book for you. In this gardening book you can find out gardening tips and advice, things that need to be done on the plot this month, allotment tales plus lots more. Hopefully, with all the information provided in this book, you will be able to find out lots of things that will make you grow some amazing vegetables and fruit to share with all your family and friends.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 76% from over 150 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • I do not have an allotment, but a very large garden, the veg plot alone is bigger than most peoples gardens. I wanted a month by month planting guide. It is a small book, does not take up a lot of space, some handy tips, have never had any luck germinating carrotts, but Terry said to line trench with compost, plant seeds, then lay on more compost, give the seeds the same conditions as if they were grown in a seed tray, so have tried that. Proof of the carrott hopefully in the eating! Written in a light hearted way, easy to understand
  • What a lovely little book. Takes you through month by month and really well illustrated . Really pleased with it.


Book:-Charles Dowding’s Veg Journal: Expert no-dig advice, month by month

About the Book:-

Are you a fan of Charles Dowding and follow all his social media? Well, Charles has his own book available to purchase called Charles Dowding’s Veg Journal: Expert no-dig advice, month by month. Charles Dowding is famous for his no-dig beds which a lot of gardeners are now following on their allotments and in the gardens. You can be learning how to grow tomatoes, herbs, carrots. A lot of the information in this book is from the courses that he teaches sharing his expert knowledge to gain bumper crops with you.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 86% from over 950 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • As a new allotment holder I was looking for a single point of reference to help me start growing. Boy did I find it! This book has become my go to guide, seeing me through my first year like a guiding hand. I can’t recommend it enough for new growers or people who have done lots of growing but are prepared to consider new techniques. No dig does work. On my clay soil allotment in my first year I laid down some compost and now have courgettes, carrots, beans, peas, asparagus turnips, fruit trees, sweetcorn and there’s more to come. It is so true that the soil is better undisturbed. This book also has useful advice about what to grow and when, even if you aren’t doing no dig. Honestly invaluable.
  • I have been looking for a way to manage my notes about our veg garden. I seem to have lots of bits of paper & seed packets all over the place. This little book is a chance to put some order into our veg plot plan. Lots of useful advice as well as note pages for each week to help plan your growing season.


Book:- Alan Titchmarsh How to Garden: Allotment Gardening

About the Book:-

Alan Titchmarsh is a well-known gardener that has been the face of gardening for many years on the TV and radio. Alan Titchmarsh has man gardening books available to purchase online but this book Alan Titchmarsh How to Garden: Allotment Gardening is a great book to get you started on your allotment and kitchen garden. In this allotment book, Alan will teach you all about the basics that you need to know in gardening and being at the allotment. This book also has a seasonal calendar in the book which you can follow to grow your own produce in the garden and allotment.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 76% from over 190 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • What can I say other than a superb publication from the king of gardening. Here he applies his extensive knowledge to getting the most from your allotment with such enthusiasm you can’t wait to get down your plot and start digging and planting! All bases are covered and presented in a way that the complete novice can understand, but also, for the more experienced grower, provides useful info for example if growing a particular vegetable for the first time. This book won’t disappoint , thank you Mr T.
  • This is great..Thank you Alan Titchmarsh fir a wonderfully helpfully book on allotment s…I recommend thus to anyone just starting an allotment ..great value too


Book:- Practical Guide to Allotment Gardening: Growing Vegetables and Fruit

About the Book:-

This allotment book was released in 2019 and provides you with step-by-step guides and techniques on growing all year round in the allotment and kitchen garden. It provides you with information from sowing, growing, and harvesting. It advises you on the best places to grow your produce and all about crop rotation. Follow the easy instructions in this book to produce some great produce at your allotment.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 5 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 100% from 5 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners.


Book:- Allotment Gardening For Dummies

About the Book:-

Are you an allotment dummie? Well, this book Allotment Gardening For Dummies is the book for you. From the popular book range, they now have a book for new gardeners out there or people who would like to learn more about allotments and gardening, as there is always something new to learn. In this book, you will learn about how to get your allotment, decide what to grow on your allotment, and advise on how to store and cook the produce that you have grown. You certainly will not be an allotment dummie after reading this book.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 71% from over 150 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • Truly amazing. I have a lot of gardening books (and have reviewed quite a few) which to be honest some of them, I get bored and fed up with the information (sometimes it is too much info or not needed information; and sometimes I find some of the authors it would rather it be about them than the actual subject at hand). This book, however is not one of them. Amazingly clear, no nonsense information on so many subjects herbs, flowers, fruit and veg, seed saving, maintaining an allotment, how to inspire people particularly children into growing food, how to look after the soil (digging method but also no digging as well), weeds and what to do about them, I think all the veg and fruit and herbs you want and need to grow. Don’t be fooled by the ‘for dummies’, it is a superb book high up there among other books either within the for dummies books series or elsewhere. I don’t want to make a different point here, but I think the times we are living in show and bring to light the importance of growing food and the value of communities and coming together as active citizens, neighbours, friends and family and helping people and looking after people for a better future.


Book:- RHS Half Hour Allotment: Timely Tips for the Most Productive Plot

About the Book:-

Do you have little time to spare but would like to do some gardening? Well the book RHS Half Hour Allotment: Timely Tips for the Most Productive Plot Ever is the best book for you. This book gives you advice on how to to spend the little time that you have in the garden and make the most of it. It gives you information on how to spend 30 mins a day in the garden with some weekends off to enjoy yourself. You could soon be growing some fantastic produce at home or the allotment with this time saving book.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 76% from over 140 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • I have a full time job, a preschooler and a primary schooler. Using some of the tips from this book I’ve managed to also juggle a 5 pole allotment by gradually cultivating it in short bursts little and often.

As others have said, there are better beginner books out there if you’re looking for how-to guides for core skills, but this brings a refreshing angle and doesn’t toe the usual allotment advice of doing everything from seed and building your shed from salvaged wood by hand. It’s much more practical for people who have a lot of non-gardening commitments.

  • Great book for anyone thinking of growing stuff not just allotment holders. Shows what can be achieved with half an hour a day, in a garden.


Book:- RHS Step-by-Step Veg Patch: A Foolproof Guide to Every Stage of Growing Fruit and Veg

About the Book:-

If you are looking for a gardening book that is written by the professionals well check out RHS Step-by-Step Veg Patch: A Foolproof Guide to Every Stage of Growing Fruit and Veg. This has been written by the RHS gardening experts and covers over 50 different fruit and vegetables to try and grow. This book is the perfect allotment book for the beginner or the expert gardener. You will always learn something new from this book. With the amount of people that have bought it, it shows that it is a great book to buy.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 81% from over 1400 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • The BEST fruit and vegetable growing book currently out on the market!! I purchased veg in one bed but found it was really vague and didn’t cover much so decided to try this book. It’s really brilliant as it has lots of detail from the different varieties of each vegetable to how to weed and separate seedlings. Great information on common diseases and how to avoid them. I also like the section about identifying and detecting pests with pictures. Highly recommend for both beginners and avid growers. GREAT BUY. Well done RHS – not just another reference book but nice and user friendly!
  • A lovely well-organised book with chapters on growing space indoors and out, planning plots for beginners and families and two pages for each vegetable so easy to see everything required – soil preference, varieties, sowing under cover, when to sow, spacing, sowing outside, how many to put in a 40cm container or in a row, thinning, routine care with feeding and pest control, time to harvest, when to harvest, how to harvest, all with 11-12 lovely coloured photos of each step.


Book:- Veg in One Bed: How to Grow an Abundance of Food in One Raised Bed, Month by Month

About the Book:-

Do you follow Huw Richards gardening channels and watch his blogs? Now you can purchase his book Veg in One Bed: How to Grow an Abundance of Food in One Raised Bed, Month by Month. This book is great for those of you who have little space to grow things. Follow the month by month guide detailing what you need to do when and why. This book gives you detailed information on how to grow the best crops in the garden.

Purchase the book:

Are you looking at purchasing this allotment book for yourself or someone special this Christmas, their birthday, or as a gift? You can see below how much this book is currently selling on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon where you can purchase this book safely and securely from a shop that you can depend on.

Reviews of the book:-

This gardening book has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. It has a 5* percentage of 80% from over 4000 purchases. It is a very popular book for gardeners. Here is what some of the purchases have said about the book:-

  • We have been growing our own vegetables in raised beds for the last 2 years. We live in the west of Scotland and have less sun and more rain. We don’t have a glass house to grow seedlings. We’ve learnt alot over this time and alot of it has been learnt by trial and error. Previous books provide some guidance, so do experienced friends and of course…Monty :)! We think this book adds alot to our basic information because we are not greenfingers in any shape or form! Sometimes you do need something to be a bit prescriptive and tell you exactly what to do, WHEN to do it and in what order. This is what this book is good for. It appreciates that lots of us are city folkies with limited space but wanting to do the best with what we have. We’ve had pretty good crops of beans, peas,kale, spinach, salad leaves, carrots, onions, garlic, chives, courgettes, potatoes, blueberries and raspberries this season but we’re looking forward to next year with a much better plan in our heads! Recommended reading


Allotment Books Buyers Guide

Gardening is one of the most therputic things that you can do in your spare time. It is good for the mind. body and soul and you get fresh vegetables from it. However reading is also good and you can read up on the best things to grow and get lots of gardning tips and advice from all the gardening books we have suggested purchasing.

It’s always great to look around at the different gardening books on sale and what the customers have to actually say about it. You don’t always want to spend money on purchasing a product if you know it’s not going to be very good.

We have obviously listed 12 allotment books above and they have all got fantastic reviews. From the books we have isted Huw Richards book is a very popular book with some amazing reviews but the book I most like is the first book which is called Allotment month by month.

What to look for in an allotment book

The main things you want to look for when purchasing an allotment book is the information provided. Pictures are great in a book but you need information as well. You need information that you understand and digest and use. You don’t want gardening books which will go over your head and you won’t understand what they are talking about. Have a look around and purchase the best allotment book that you will understand and be able to use.

How to grow peas which are mouthwatering

Home/2020 (Page 19)

How to grow Peas


About

If you speak to someone about growing there own fruit and vegetables if you ask them what is one of the best thing to grow and they will say peas. There is nothing better than growing your own peas. People who grow peas will tell you that they actually never make it off the allotment into the pan as you will have ended up eating them all as you pick them

The reason why peas are so nice when you pick them is that the sugars start to turn to starch and they all start too loose there flavor. So if you do plan on boiling them make sure you pick them and boil them straight away.

In this section we will explain how to grow peas at home and the allotment in th UK and the rest of the world. Peas are extremely easy to grow and you can get a good crop if you do it right.

Peas are like potatoes when you are sowing them you have earlies, second earlies and main crop peas. The best type to grow are definitely the early variety as they do not take long to grow compared to the second earlies and main crop. So if you can try and find the early variety of pea. These can be sown from Spring all the way up to Summer for a great harvest.


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.



When to plant Peas

Peas are best grown at intervals so that you have an endless supply of them all through the year. Here we will give you the best times to plant those peas through the year outside or in pots.

You can also freeze peas so that if you do end up growing too many and don’t want to share them you can freeze them until you need them. Below you can find the best time to sow peas – This is for the UK climate though.

SowMarch to July
HarvestJune to October

Varieties of Peas

There are many varieties of peas worth trying to grow. Here we have listed all our recommendations for growing the best peas in your garden or allotment. Sugar snap peas are a great type to grow and extremely tasty.

Early Pea Varieties

  • Early onward

Main Crop Pea Varieties

  • Kelvedon Wonder

Mangetout Pea Varieties:

  • Oregon Sugar Pod

Sugar Snap Peas Varieties

  • Sugar Ann

Where to grow Peas

The best place to grow peas is well prepared soil that has been dug over beforehand. You can do this by adding well rotted manure or compost a month beforehand. Peas don’t like hot weather so make sure they are kept watered in the warm weather. You can mulch around the bases to keep in moisture. Do no plant peas if the ground is wet as this can cause the peas to rot and you will loose your crop.


How to sow Peas

When sowing peas this can be done either straight in the ground or in pots first. You could ask your child or grandchild to help as the peas you are planting are easy to handle.

First you will need to prepare your trench by digging it over, add compost and well rotted manure to help improve the soil and get better crops. The soil also needs warming up before planting – do not be tempted to plant peas in the cold weather as they will just not germinate. To warm the soil up you can put a sheet of plastic over the ground this will warm the soil up.

Once you have sorted a trench out you can sprinkle water into the trench and sow the seeds in the ground. Make sure you sow the pea seeds around 5cm apart.

Make sure you protect your pea seeds from mice as they like to dig them up and eat them. Also when the shoots start to pop through pigeons will eat the tops off them so protect them with netting.

If you are wanting a long harvest of peas through the year you can keep sowing some every 4 weeks so that you get a continuous harvest through the year.

If you are wanting to sow peas in pots you can sow a few seeds in each plant pot. When the plants are around 7cm these can be planted out in the ground at around 5cm apart.

You can find out how to plant pea seeds here in the video below:-



Caring for the crop

To care for your pea plants make sure that you put support up before behind your plants as when they start growing they will need to cling onto something. The ideal choice is netting or chicken wire as this is strong and can be reused.

Make sure your peas are protected against the pigeons attacking the shoots and also the mice digging up the seeds. Once the plants are big enough to handle they should not get attacked by the birds anymore.


How to harvest

This is the most favorite part harvesting the peas. Make sure that you keep picking the peas regularly and not leaving them too long as they will loose there taste and become hard. When picking peas start at the bottom of the bush and work your way up.

Once harvest is over and the plant has stopped producing peas snip it off at the bottom of the plant and leave the roots in the ground as the nutrients from the white nodules will go back into the soil and help improve it ready for the next crop of plants you decide to put in.


Pests

There are quite a few pests that can attack the peas:-

Mice – these like to devour the pea seeds in the ground. You can use mice traps to catch the mice.

Pigeons and birds:- These will nibble the tops of the growing shoots. Protect the pea plants from birds by using netting.

Pea Moth:- caterpillars can develop inside the pod of a pea and they will eat all the peas that are growing they could even destroy all of your crops in the garden. You can protect by using insect proof mesh to look after the crops.


Diseases

The only disease that peas are prone to are powdery mildew. You can protect your peas by purchasing varieties which are resistant to this.


Facts

The Uk is the largest producer of peas in the world.


Freezing

You can freeze peas as soon as they have been picked to lock in the flavor. Defrost them when you are ready to use them.


Cooking

As well as cooking the peas which will taste delicious you can cook the shoots and side shoots of the pea plant. These will even surprise you by tasting like a fresh pea.


Growing Questions

Do peas need to climb?

You do need supports to grow peas up, this is because if they trail on the floor they risk been getting eaten by mice and pests.

What is the best way to grow peas?

The best way to grow peas is in a trench which has been prepared earlier and let them grow up some netting to support them.

What month do you plant peas?

You can plant peas from late March all the way upto July. Just make sure that you don’t plant in wet ground as they peas will rot.

Do peas need a trellis?

Peas do need some sort of support to grow up.

Should I soak peas before planting?

Yes you can soak the peas before planting. Ideally soak the pea seeds for around 12 hours before planting this will make them ready to germinate straight away.

Do peas need full sun?

Ideally you want to grow your pas somewhere that gets around 6 hours of sun a day to help them grow well.

Is it too late to plant peas?

You can grow peas right the way up to July in the UK for a late harvest in September/October

Are peas easy to grow?

Peas are extremely easy to grow in the garden. As long as you protect them when they are growing against the mice and pigeons you should be ok.

How many peas should I plant?

You can plant around 30-40 seeds per person. You usually get quite a lot of pea seeds in a packet.

How do you make peas grow faster?

Keeping the ground warmer and keeping the plants moist will help the plants grow well.

Why arent my peas growing?

Check the ground to see if the peas are still there mice could have eaten your plants also they may have rotted.

What is the best way to plant peas?

The best way to plant peas is in the ground in a trench.


You can find more tips on growing produce here

18 Best Fathers Day Gardening Gifts

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Fathers Day Gardening Gifts

Fathers Day this year in the Uk is 21st June 2020. It is always hard to find the perfect gift. Here we have helped by compiling a list of the best Fathers Day gardening gifts for him. All these gifts are priced at a reasonable rate as well so why not pick your Fathers Day gift for your dad or granddad here. Remember to check the delivery date before purchasing and leave plenty of time for it too come.


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.



Gardeners Box of Tricks 

One thing your dad will like is a box of bits and bobs. On the allotment or in the garden you will always need seed labels, string, fasteners. With this excellent box with the accessories included they will have all them gardening bits they need.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Personalised A funny novelty gardener gift 

Does your dad like gnomes or ornaments in the garden? You can get this great personalized ornament to go in the garden or in their shed.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


World’s Best Gardener Trowel

Is your dad the best gardener? Does he grow the best fruit and vegetables? Why not get him a trowel that tells him he is the best gardener. This is a brand which is highly recognized in the gardening world.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Gardening Mug Gift for Men

There is nothing better than drinking out of a mug down at the allotment of your favorite coffee, tea or something stronger. With this mug it can be there pride and joy in there allotment shed.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Daddy’s Grass Garden Lawn Shed Father’s Day

Is your daddy the head gardener of the house? Is it is pride and joy? Well they will certainly need a sign putting up in the garden telling them that.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Gardening So Exciting I Wet My Plants Sign! 

Gardening can be exciting growing your own flowers, fruit and vegetables. Is it so exciting they actually wet there plants (with a watering can of cause). If they like humour they will like this funny gardening sign.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Crazy Gardening Man Travel Mug

If your dad loves to go to the allotment he will need a nice drink to keep him warm down there. If he has not got access to a stove he will have to make it at home before taking it to the allotment. With this amazing travel mug it will last him a few hours while on the allotment.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Month-by-month Planning Instructions and Inspiration 

Is your dad always looking for inspiration? Do they know what they want to do in the garden each month? This book is perfect for them. With great reviews online from gardeners they will certainly find this gardening book useful.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Grandpa’s Shed wooden sign

Has Grandapa locked himself in his shed during lockdown? Well soon he will be able to get his little helpers planting seeds and helping in the shed again soon. Why not get this sign for him for when you are allowed back in the shed to help him.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Keep Calm and Carry On Gardening

If your dad is an avid gardener – they will certainly have the best garden at the minute as during lockdown it will be the only thing they have been able to do. So at the moment they will be keeping calm and carry on gardening. This will be the perfect cup for them for the garden shed or on the allotment

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Supplies property of Head Gardener Metal Storage Tin Box 

Does you dad or granddad like to eat mints? Well this is the perfect tin to save those little sweet treats in while on the allotment or in the garden. They can also use it for storing other items as well.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Personalised Slate hanging sign

Does your dad have his own man cave or man shed? Well he needs to tell others that it is his and no one else! Get these personalised signs made.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


GRUMPY’S SHED-DIY-KEEP OUT

Have you got a grumpy dad or granddad? Well no one best go in his shed or he might get even more grumpy. Get this sign so that no one goes in and makes him more grumpy.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Grandads Garden Trespassers Composted 

Does Grandad not allow anyone else in his garden? Is it his prize possession? Well this sign will be perfect for his garden. Who would want to be composted going in his garden. If he has a sense of humor he will love this present

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Granddads Allotment Cushion

Has you Granddad got his own shed on the allotment? Well there will be every chance he has a chair to relax in and drink his brew. Make it more comfortable for him with this perfect cushion for his allotment shed.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


10 Piece Garden Tools Set-Gardening Tools

Does your dad like to potter round in the garden or his allotment? This tool set comes with 10 items for all them general gardening tasks that require being done.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


Paper Plant Pot Maker

Does you dad grow all his own plants? Purchasing plant pots can be extremely expensive plus plastic is now classed as bad for the environment. With this paper plant pot maker he can make plant pots out of his old newspapers. Which will rot down.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


AvoSeedo – Grow Your Own Avocado Tree

Does your dad like experimenting growing uniusual fruit, vegetables and plants? Well this is the perfect gift for him! He can try and grow his own Avacardo plant. It has great reviews online.

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can get it directly from the amazon link here. Remember to check the delivery date.


We hope you find these Fathers Day gardening gifts suggestions useful and that they help you decide on a present. Just remember to order your present in advance and check the delivery date before purchasing.

You can find more gardening gift ideas here.

Garden and Allotment Tour 6th June 2020

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Garden and Allotment Tour 6th June 2020

Welcome to our weekly tour of the garden and allotment. This tour is for the 6th of June 2020. We say it’s weekly but we did not get chance to do one last week as we were extremely busy on the plot. You will notice this week we have now got the poly tunnel up and running with our tomatoes and cucumbers potted up. Fingers crossed we get all the rest of our vegetables planted out this week. Enjoy Garden and Allotment Tour 6th June 2020

Click the below button to subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay up to date with all our videos.


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.


runner beans

How to grow French Beans for bountiful harvests

Home/2020 (Page 19)

How to grow French Beans


About

French Beans are ideal to grow in the garden and in the allotment. The French Bean plant will only grow around 60cm in height so not as tall as the runner beans which can grow to 10ft. One of the other differences with French Beans and Runner beans is that the French Beans will not produce as many pods. French Beans should not have any issues with the flowers setting and producing pods. A lot of the varieties of runner beans have been cross bred from french bean genes to help them produce beans.


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.



When to plant French Beans

Here you will find the best time to sow, plant and harvest French beans in the UK. Remember also it all depends on the weather when planting seeds. Look after your plants and you will get a long cropping period.

SowApril to July
PlantJune to July
HarvestJuly to October

Varieties of French Beans

There are many varieties of French beans that are worth trying to grow in the garden or allotment. You can get dwarf or climbing French Beans. Here we give you the best variety that you can try growing.

Dwarf beans tend to grow in small bushy plants around 50cm in height. Climbing beans are like the runner bean and will grow round canes and reach heights of up to 2.5 meters. Climbing beans can grow many more pods than dwarf beans. They also take up less space.

These are our favorite varieties:-

Climbing Bean

  • Blue Lake
  • Kingston Gold
  • Algarve

Dwarf Bean

  • Purple Teepee
  • Golden Teepee
  • Annabel

Where to grow French Beans

When choosing an area to grow French Beans they need to be planted in soil that is in a sunny warm spot that holds water and moisture well but it can be too wet and soggy. Choose the area in autumn and winter. Once you have chosen the area add some well rotted manure or compost to the area to improve the soil.


How to sow French Beans

If you are sowing French beans straight outdoors you need to be careful as they do not like frost at all. Wait until the chance of frost has passed then plant the seeds outdoors. If you do want to plant them outdoors earlier put a plastic cloche over the top to protect the young vulnerable plants from getting frost damage.

The best time to plant french beans outdoors is the end of spring or mid summer so you miss the chance of the frost and them getting killed or damaged from it. You can plant both varieties of French Beans – Climbing beans and dwarf beans outdoors from mid summer and they will last until mid autumn till they die off from the cold, they will not survive the winter.

To sow the French beans outdoors dig two trenches around 6cm deep and 12cm apart. Plant the beans in the trenches to the recommended spaces as per the seed packet. Cover with soil or compost. If you are starting your French Beans indoors plant them in seed trays or ideally plant pots. Put a couple of beans per plant pot. Let them grow to around 8cm before planting outdoors. Before you plant them outdoors make sure you harden the plants off for around 12 days though so they get used to the drop in temperature.


How to plant French Beans

When you are ready to plant your French Beans outdoors you need to make sure that the soil has been prepared in advance by adding well rotted manure to it and that it is weed free. Make sure that the area is in a sunny position and the ground is well draining.

You need to work out what you need to support your beans. Dwarf French beans do not need supports but the climbing French beans will need supports as they grow quite tall. You can grow the climbing beans up netting, chicken wire or up garden canes like you would runner beans. The reason for growing them upwards and not trailing along the floor is that the slugs and other animals will eat them and destroy the crops.


Caring for the crop

French Bean’s don’t take much care and attention. If you are growing the climbing french bean make sure that you pinch out the top of the climbing bean plants once they reach the top of the canes. This is so that they can bush out. You can grow them to around 6ft.

Keep the plants well watered especially in dry periods. You can keep the plants moist by adding mulch round the bottom of the stems.


How to harvest

This is the best time picking the produce. You know the beans are ready to be picked when the pods just snap off the plant. Make sure you pick the french beans off when the beans just start showing through the pods. Don’t let them swell too much. French beans will start producing around 12 weeks after sowing.

Like runner beans the more you pick the French beans the more they will produce. You could be picking French beans for a few week. Your friends will love you as you will probably have to many to eat yourself.

One handy hint is that once you have picked them all you should keep watering them as you might get a second crop on your French bean plants. The French Beans won’t essentially be big but they will still taste delicious.


Pests

There are a few pests which can affect French Beans. Here we will try and help you prevent them.

Slugs:- When young plants are popping through the ground they will be more attractive to slugs, especially in damp weather. One tip is to plant them in pots first and wait until they are big before planting out. You can always protect them by putting plastic bottles round them until they are bigger and can survive

Pigeons:- They will love to see new shoots popping through the ground like the slugs. You can again put bottles round them or protect them with netting so nothing can get to the plants.

Aphids:- Greenfly and black fly like French Beans. You can spray plants with soapy water which will hopefully kill the aphids and the eggs off.



Facts

Did you know the French Bean was originally brought from South and Central America by Christopher Columbus and was very popular in France. The green French Beans are the ones you will see most commonly but you can get them in purple, cream and yellow.


Freezing French Beans

When freezing French Beans they are best frozen when the French Bean pods are still young and small. They will taste best when they are that size. If you want you can dry French beans as well. Wait until the pods on the plant start to die off, then pick the pods and lay them some where dry so that the pods dry out. Then you can store the beans in a airtight jar. Before cooking the dried beans though you will need to soak them.


Cooking French Beans

The best way to cook French Beans is to boil them for around 5 minutes in a pan. Make sure you have trimmed away the stems before cooking though.


Growing Questions

How do French beans grow at home?

French beans can be grown at home in the ground or you can grow them in troughs if you do not have any ground to grow them in

Are French beans easy to grow?

French Beans are easy to grow as long as you protect them from getting eaten

Can you grow French beans in pots?

You are better growing French Beans in troughs rater than pots.

Do French beans need full sun?

French Beans need to be in the sun to grow well. Just keep them watered but not water logged.

Why are my french beans not growing?

Check that the soil you are growing them in is good quality. Have you been keeping them watered?

How far apart plant French beans?

Plant French beans around 15-20cm apart in the ground.

How tall do climbing French beans grow?

Climbing beans can grow to about two meter tall. Dwaft French Beans can grow to around 60cm

When to plant out climbing French beans?

Plant French Beans outside after the last frost has been, ideally plant mid summer and they will keep growing till the middle of Autumn

Should you soak bean seeds before planting?

There is no need to soak the beans before planting

Do French beans climb?

The variety climbing French beans climb, the dwarf beans do not need to climb.

Why are my beans dying?

Is it too cold for them. They do not like to grow in the cold. Make sure you are giving them enough water.

Do you pinch out French beans?

You can pinch out the climbing French beans when they get to the top of the canes but dwarf french beans you do not need to pinch out.

Can beans grow in shade?

They are best grown in the sun for better results.


You can find out how to grow other fruit and vegetables here

allotment gifts

Allotment gifts – find the perfect gardening gift

Home/2020 (Page 19)

Allotment Gifts

Are you stuck for a gift for Fathers Day, Mothers Day or even a birthday? If you know someone loves gardening we have found the best gardening gifts which any person would love if they have a garden or allotment that they spend all their time in.

Here below you will find all the allotment gifts at great prices and will fit your budget for not spending a huge amount.

You will be able to find awesome gardening gloves, notebooks so they can make all there gardening notes in. Signs to put on there allotment, maybe a mug to drink their coffee out of while relaxing on the plot.


Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend here.



Gardening Toolbag and tools

If they are a keen gardener they will love this. Gardeners are forever putting tools down and wondering where they have put them in the garden. Now they will be able to store them in this bag and never lose a tool again.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Month By Month Gardening Journal

Gardeners love to make notes of when they have planted things, anything they learn on the allotment or if something has worked or failed. They will be able to make notes in this month by month gardening book.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Gardening mug for him – ideal for Fathers day or birthday

If you are looking for an ideal fathers day or birthday present this enamel mug will be ideal for anyone with an allotment. While they are drinking there tea or coffee down at the allotment they will be able to drink out of this awesome gardening mug.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Gardening mug for her – Ideal mothers day gift or birthday

If you are looking for a gardening mothers day gift or birthday gift they will love this. If they have an allotment they will be able to sip there coffee or teas while relaxing and looking at there hard work they have done. If it is an anniversary why not get the mug for him as well above? They will both love you for them if they have an allotment.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Allotment sign for him or her

If you know someone who has an allotment it will be there little paradise. Somewhere for them to enjoy the open air, listen to the birds and enjoy growing their own produce. They will make it there second home. Here you can find a sign for them to have on the allotment. Have there name printed on it on the plot number.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Seed Tin

If someone you know grows there own seeds, you will know that they have packets of seeds everywhere. The only thing about having loose seeds is mice and rats like to eat them. With this seed tin this will protect them from getting eaten by mice and rats and keep them dry and organised.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Starter gardening tool kit

Do you know someone who has just took on an allotment or a garden and has no tools? These tools are essential for any gardening. Made of stainless steel they will last years and are fantastic quality. With a great brand name which is recognized in the garden industry.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Tough Gardening Gloves

When you own an allotment, you will go through many pairs of gloves. You can never have enough pairs. Make sure you purchase someone like the ones above as these are thick and they will stop any thorns going through and sticking in your fingers which is extremely painful.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Garden Apron

Aprons or for men and women. When on the allotment you can be walking round and forget where you have put your garden tools. Now you can put all your odds and sods in these and not loose anything while on the allotment.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Garden Trug ideal allotment gift

The best thing about having an allotment is collecting the produce that you grow on your plot. Here is the ideal gift for collecting that produce. A garden trug they will be able to go round there allotment collecting the fresh produce and you never know they may give you some if you are lucky.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


Garden Box of tricks

Are you still unsure of what to buy someone? This little box of gardening tricks will be good for any gardener. It comes with all the essentials that any allotment holder will require on there plot.

Purchase Item

Below you can see the price this is currently being sold for on Amazon. You can click the link below where it will take you straight to Amazon and you will be able to find out more information on the product for sale. You can also purchase it from Amazon where it is safe and secure with a speedy delivery.


We hope you have found these allotment gifts ideas useful. Any Gardener will love all these items. They will certainly come useful on any allotment or garden. The receiver will be happy with one of these as a gift from you.

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