How to Grow Strawberries in the UK: Complete Guide

Growing strawberries is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you can do in a British garden or allotment. There’s something wonderful about picking a perfectly ripe strawberry straight from the plant, especially when you’ve grown it yourself.

Homegrown strawberries can have fantastic flavour, and they’re surprisingly easy to grow once you understand what they need.

Whether you have a large allotment, a small garden, a patio or even a few hanging baskets, strawberries are an excellent crop to consider.

One of the great advantages of strawberries is that they are perennial plants. With suitable care, they can produce delicious fruit for several years.

They also produce runners, allowing you to propagate new plants and gradually increase your strawberry collection.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I’ve always enjoyed growing strawberries. They’re a fantastic crop for making use of different growing spaces, from traditional strawberry beds to containers and hanging baskets.

In this complete UK guide, we’ll explore when to plant strawberries, the best varieties to grow, how to prepare the soil, watering and feeding requirements, strawberry runners, common pests and diseases, harvesting and caring for plants throughout winter.

Can You Grow Strawberries Successfully in the UK?

Yes. Strawberries grow extremely well in the UK.

They are well suited to our temperate climate and can tolerate ordinary British winter conditions when suitable varieties are grown in appropriate locations.

Strawberries belong to the genus Fragaria.

Most modern garden strawberries are varieties of Fragaria × ananassa.

They are perennial plants that produce new leaves, flowers and fruits each growing season.

Strawberry Growing Facts

Feature	Details
Botanical name	Fragaria × ananassa
Crop type	Perennial fruit
Main planting seasons	Spring and autumn
Preferred position	Full sun
Soil	Fertile, well-drained soil
Plant spacing	Approximately 35–45cm
Row spacing	Approximately 60–75cm
Main harvesting period	June–August, depending on variety
Container growing	Excellent
Propagation	Runners or purchased plants
Productive lifespan	Often around 3–4 years

When Is the Best Time to Plant Strawberries in the UK?

Strawberries can be planted during spring or autumn.

Both planting periods have advantages.

Planting Strawberries in Spring

Spring is a popular time to plant strawberries.

March, April and May can all be suitable, depending on weather and soil conditions.

Spring-planted strawberries have time to establish before summer.

However, newly planted strawberries may produce a smaller harvest during their first year.

Planting Strawberries in Autumn

Autumn is an excellent time to establish strawberry plants.

September and October are particularly useful months in many UK gardens.

The soil may still retain some warmth, encouraging root development before winter.

Autumn-planted strawberries can establish well before the following growing season.

However, avoid planting into waterlogged or frozen ground.

Can You Plant Strawberries in November?

Yes, container-grown strawberries can sometimes be planted during November when conditions are suitable.

However, planting earlier in autumn generally gives the plants more time to establish.

In cold or exposed locations, delaying planting until spring may be preferable.

Strawberry Growing Calendar for the UK

Month	Gardening activity
January	Check overwintering plants and containers
February	Remove damaged foliage and prepare beds
March	Plant strawberries and tidy established plants
April	Monitor flowers and protect against frost
May	Water, mulch and protect developing fruits
June	Harvest early and main-season strawberries
July	Continue harvesting and manage runners
August	Propagate new plants from runners
September	Plant new strawberries and renovate established beds
October	Continue autumn planting where suitable
November	Check drainage and winter protection
December	Monitor containers and prevent waterlogging

Harvesting dates vary with variety, location and seasonal weather.

Best Strawberry Varieties to Grow in the UK

Choosing the right strawberry varieties can help you enjoy fruit over a longer period.

Some varieties produce their main harvest during early summer, while others fruit later or produce several flushes.

Cambridge Favourite

Cambridge Favourite is a traditional British strawberry variety.

It is known for its flavour and reliable cropping.

It is widely grown in gardens and allotments.

Elsanta

Elsanta is a popular strawberry variety that produces firm, attractive fruits.

It is commonly grown commercially and by home gardeners.

Florence

Florence is a late-season strawberry variety.

It can help extend the strawberry harvest after earlier varieties have finished.

Honeoye

Honeoye is an early-season strawberry variety.

It is valued for its productivity and relatively early harvest.

Mara des Bois

Mara des Bois is a remontant strawberry variety, meaning it can produce fruit over an extended period.

It is particularly valued for its aromatic flavour.

Albion

Albion is a day-neutral strawberry variety.

Under suitable conditions, it can produce fruit over a longer season rather than one concentrated early-summer harvest.

Which Strawberry Variety Is Best?

The best variety depends on your priorities.

If you want traditional summer strawberries, choose a suitable June-bearing variety.

If you want to extend the harvest, grow a combination of early, mid-season, late and repeat-fruiting varieties.

June-Bearing vs Everbearing Strawberries

Strawberries are commonly grouped according to their fruiting habits.

June-Bearing Strawberries

June-bearing strawberries generally produce one main crop during early or midsummer.

The exact harvest period depends on the variety and weather.

They are often highly productive during their main fruiting period.

Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing, or remontant, strawberries can produce more than one flush of fruit during the growing season.

Some may continue fruiting into autumn under suitable conditions.

Day-Neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral varieties are less dependent on day length for flower initiation.

They may produce fruit repeatedly when temperatures and growing conditions are favourable.

Which Should You Choose?

For a large traditional summer harvest, June-bearing strawberries are excellent.

For a longer picking season, consider repeat-fruiting or day-neutral varieties.

Growing a combination can provide the best of both.

Best Position for Growing Strawberries

Strawberries perform best in a sunny, sheltered position.

Sunlight

Aim for approximately six to eight hours of direct sunshine where possible.

Good sunlight helps support flowering, fruit development and flavour.

Shelter

A sheltered position can reduce damage from strong winds.

Drainage

Good drainage is essential.

Strawberries dislike sitting in waterlogged soil, particularly during winter.

Airflow

Avoid overcrowding.

Good airflow helps reduce prolonged moisture around leaves and fruits.

Best Soil for Growing Strawberries

Strawberries prefer fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.

They generally perform well in slightly acidic conditions.

A soil pH of approximately 5.5–6.5 is often suitable.

Improving Heavy Clay Soil

If you have heavy clay soil, incorporate suitable well-rotted organic matter to improve soil structure over time.

Raised beds may be helpful where drainage is poor.

Improving Sandy Soil

Sandy soil can dry out quickly.

Adding compost can help improve moisture retention.

Avoid Fresh Manure

Avoid placing fresh manure directly around strawberry crowns and roots.

Well-rotted organic matter is preferable.

How to Prepare a Strawberry Bed

Preparing the growing area properly can improve plant establishment and future harvests.

Step 1: Choose a Sunny Position

Select somewhere that receives plenty of sunlight.

Step 2: Remove Weeds

Clear perennial weeds carefully.

Strawberry plants can be difficult to weed around once established.

Step 3: Improve the Soil

Add well-rotted compost where needed.

Step 4: Check Drainage

Avoid areas that remain saturated during winter.

Step 5: Level the Bed

Prepare an even planting surface.

Step 6: Mark Planting Positions

Allow enough space for mature plants and access for harvesting.

How to Plant Strawberry Plants Step by Step

Planting depth is particularly important with strawberries.

Step 1: Prepare the Planting Hole

Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots.

Step 2: Remove the Plant from Its Pot

Gently loosen the root ball if necessary.

Step 3: Position the Crown Correctly

The crown is the central growing point where leaves emerge.

It should sit approximately level with the soil surface.

Step 4: Avoid Planting Too Deeply

Burying the crown can encourage rotting.

Step 5: Avoid Planting Too Shallowly

Exposed roots can dry out.

Step 6: Firm the Soil

Gently firm the soil around the roots.

Step 7: Water Thoroughly

Water to settle the soil around the roots.

Step 8: Monitor Establishment

Keep the soil appropriately moist while plants establish.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Strawberries?

Many garden strawberry varieties can be spaced approximately 35–45cm apart.

Allow approximately 60–75cm between rows if growing in traditional beds.

This provides room for foliage development, airflow and harvesting.

Compact varieties may tolerate closer spacing in suitable containers.

Always check the supplier’s recommendations.

Growing Strawberries in Raised Beds

Raised beds are excellent for growing strawberries.

They can be particularly useful where existing garden soil is heavy or poorly drained.

Advantages of Raised Beds

• Easier access
• Improved drainage where designed appropriately
• Clearly defined growing areas
• Convenient weed management
• Good opportunities for soil improvement

Avoid allowing raised beds to dry out excessively during warm weather.

Growing Strawberries in Pots

Strawberries are excellent container plants.

They can produce useful harvests even where garden space is limited.

Choosing a Pot

Use a container with sufficient room for the root system.

A pot approximately 25–30cm wide can accommodate a small number of plants, depending on the variety.

Larger containers are useful for growing several plants together.

Compost

Use a good-quality peat-free multipurpose compost suitable for fruiting plants.

Drainage

Ensure containers have drainage holes.

Position

Place pots somewhere sunny.

Watering

Check moisture regularly.

Containers can dry out quickly during summer.

Feeding

Container strawberries may need additional nutrients because compost supplies are limited.

Growing Strawberries in Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are a fantastic way to grow strawberries.

They make excellent use of vertical space and can help keep fruits away from soil.

Choosing a Basket

Select a basket large enough to provide suitable root space.

Choosing Varieties

Compact and trailing varieties are particularly useful.

Planting

Use suitable compost and avoid overcrowding.

Watering

Hanging baskets can dry out rapidly during warm weather.

Check moisture frequently.

Feeding

Apply an appropriate fertiliser according to the product instructions.

Harvesting

Pick ripe fruits regularly.

Growing Strawberries in a Polytunnel

Strawberries can also be grown in a polytunnel.

Protected growing may bring flowering and harvesting forward.

However, managing temperature, ventilation and pollination is important.

Advantages

• Protection from heavy rain
• Earlier harvest potential
• Reduced weather damage
• Easier management of certain growing conditions

Potential Problems

• Excessive heat
• Poor ventilation
• Rapid compost drying
• Reduced pollinator access
• Greater risk of certain pests

Pollination

Strawberry flowers require effective pollen transfer for well-shaped fruits.

Insects are valuable pollinators.

Where access is limited, gentle hand pollination may help.

How Often Should You Water Strawberries?

Strawberries need adequate moisture, particularly during flowering and fruit development.

However, waterlogged conditions can damage roots.

Watering Newly Planted Strawberries

Keep the soil appropriately moist while plants establish.

Watering Established Plants

Water when the root zone begins drying.

During Flowering

Avoid allowing plants to suffer prolonged drought stress.

During Fruiting

Consistent moisture helps support fruit development.

Watering Containers

Pots and hanging baskets may require frequent watering during warm weather.

Best Watering Method

Apply water around the root area where practical.

Avoid repeatedly wetting ripe fruits and foliage unnecessarily.

Best Fertiliser for Strawberries

Strawberries benefit from fertile soil and a balanced supply of nutrients.

However, excessive feeding can encourage leafy growth rather than fruit production.

Feeding Before Planting

Well-rotted compost can help improve soil conditions.

Feeding Established Plants

A suitable fertiliser may be useful where soil nutrient levels are insufficient.

Feeding During Flowering and Fruiting

A liquid feed formulated for fruiting plants can be useful, particularly for container-grown strawberries.

Can You Use Tomato Feed?

Yes.

Tomato feed is commonly used for strawberries during flowering and fruiting.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Avoid Too Much Nitrogen

Excessive nitrogen can encourage vigorous leaf growth.

This may reduce flowering and fruit quality.

Should You Mulch Strawberry Plants?

Mulching is particularly useful when growing strawberries.

Benefits of Mulching

• Helps suppress weeds
• Reduces moisture loss
• Keeps fruits away from bare soil
• Can reduce soil splashing onto fruit
• Helps maintain more consistent soil conditions

Using Straw

Clean straw is traditionally placed around strawberry plants as fruits begin developing.

It helps keep strawberries off the soil.

Using Compost

Well-rotted compost can be used around plants to improve soil conditions.

Avoid covering the crowns.

Using Strawberry Mats

Strawberry mats can help separate fruits from the soil.

Ensure they don’t trap excessive moisture around crowns.

How to Protect Strawberry Flowers from Frost

Strawberry plants are generally hardy, but their flowers can be damaged by frost.

This is particularly important during spring.

Why Frost Is a Problem

Open flowers are more vulnerable than dormant plants.

Frost damage can affect fruit development.

Signs of Frost Damage

The centre of a damaged flower may turn dark or black.

Affected flowers may fail to develop normal fruit.

How to Protect Flowers

Use suitable horticultural fleece during forecast frosts.

Avoid crushing the flowers.

Remove or adjust protection when conditions improve to allow pollinator access.

How Are Strawberries Pollinated?

Strawberry flowers require successful pollination for normal fruit development.

Bees and other insects are important pollinators.

Why Pollination Matters

Poor pollination can produce misshapen fruits.

Some sections of the strawberry may remain underdeveloped.

Helping Pollination

• Encourage pollinating insects.
• Avoid unnecessary insecticide use.
• Provide access to flowers in protected structures.
• Maintain suitable growing conditions.

When Do Strawberries Flower in the UK?

Many traditional strawberry varieties flower during spring.

However, flowering times vary by variety and weather.

June-bearing varieties commonly flower during April and May.

Repeat-fruiting varieties may continue producing flowers later in the season.

When Are Strawberries Ready to Harvest?

Strawberries are generally ready to harvest when they have developed their expected mature colour.

For most familiar varieties, this means the fruits are fully red.

However, some specialist varieties ripen to different colours.

Signs of Ripe Strawberries

• Fully developed mature colour
• Good fruit size
• Characteristic strawberry aroma
• Suitable softness
• Easy harvesting with the stalk attached

Should You Pick Strawberries When They’re Still White?

Generally no.

Strawberries don’t continue ripening significantly after picking.

For the best flavour, allow them to ripen on the plant.

How to Harvest Strawberries Correctly

Harvesting carefully helps prevent bruising.

Step 1: Choose Ripe Fruits

Look for strawberries that have reached their mature colour.

Step 2: Hold the Stalk

Avoid squeezing the fruit.

Step 3: Cut or Pinch the Stalk

Leave a short section of stalk attached.

Step 4: Place Carefully into a Container

Avoid piling large quantities of fruit on top of one another.

Step 5: Harvest Regularly

During peak production, check plants frequently.

Remove damaged or rotting fruit promptly.

How Many Strawberries Will One Plant Produce?

Yield varies considerably depending on variety, plant age and growing conditions.

Factors include:

• Variety
• Plant health
• Sunlight
• Water availability
• Soil fertility
• Pollination
• Pest and disease pressure
• Growing method

Healthy established plants can produce useful crops, but it’s difficult to guarantee a particular number of strawberries per plant.

For the best results, focus on healthy plants and suitable growing conditions.

What Are Strawberry Runners?

Strawberry runners are long stems that grow away from the parent plant.

They can produce small new plants at their nodes.

These new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant, unless a mutation occurs.

Runners are one of the easiest ways to propagate strawberries.

How to Grow New Strawberry Plants from Runners

Propagating strawberries from runners is straightforward.

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Parent Plant

Select a productive plant without obvious disease problems.

Step 2: Identify a Runner

Look for a long stem producing a small plantlet.

Step 3: Prepare a Small Pot

Fill a pot with suitable compost.

Step 4: Position the Plantlet

Place the young plantlet on the compost surface.

Step 5: Secure It

Use a small peg or suitable clip to hold the plantlet in contact with the compost.

Step 6: Keep Moist

Water carefully while roots develop.

Step 7: Check Root Development

Once the plantlet has established a suitable root system, it can be separated from the parent.

Step 8: Plant Out

Move the new plant into its final growing position when conditions are suitable.

Should You Remove Strawberry Runners?

It depends on your growing plans.

Remove Runners When:

• You want to encourage the parent plant to concentrate on fruit production.
• The bed is becoming overcrowded.
• You don’t need additional plants.

Keep Runners When:

• You want to propagate new plants.
• You’re replacing older strawberry plants.
• You’re creating a new strawberry bed.

For gardeners wanting to expand their strawberry collection, runners are extremely useful.

When Is the Best Time to Take Strawberry Runners?

Summer is an excellent time to propagate strawberries from runners.

July and August are particularly useful months.

New plants established during summer may be ready for autumn planting.

However, exact timing depends on the variety and growing conditions.

How Long Do Strawberry Plants Last?

Strawberry plants can survive for several years.

However, productivity often declines as plants become older.

Many gardeners replace traditional strawberry plants approximately every three to four years.

This helps maintain healthy, productive beds.

Why Replace Older Plants?

Older plants may:

• Produce smaller harvests
• Become overcrowded
• Accumulate disease problems
• Develop reduced vigour

Healthy runners can be used to establish replacement plants.

Avoid propagating from diseased parent plants.

How to Look After Strawberries After Harvesting

Once the main harvest has finished, strawberries still need attention.

Remove Old Fruit

Clear away damaged or rotting strawberries.

Manage Runners

Decide which runners to keep for propagation.

Remove Damaged Leaves

Cut away diseased or dead foliage.

Feed if Appropriate

Where needed, a suitable feed after harvesting can support plant recovery and development.

Water During Dry Weather

Don’t allow plants to suffer prolonged drought stress after fruiting.

Prepare Replacement Plants

Summer is an excellent time to establish new plants from runners.

Should You Cut Back Strawberry Plants?

Traditional June-bearing strawberry plants can sometimes benefit from removing old foliage after harvesting.

However, aggressive cutting isn’t suitable for every plant or growing situation.

When Cutting Back May Help

Removing tired or diseased leaves can improve hygiene and encourage healthy new growth.

Important Precautions

Avoid damaging the central crown.

Don’t cut plants back excessively late in the season.

Repeat-fruiting strawberries may still be producing flowers and fruits, so they should not be treated in the same way as finished June-bearing plants.

How to Look After Strawberry Plants in Winter

Strawberry plants are generally hardy in the UK.

However, winter conditions can still cause problems.

Protect from Waterlogging

Poor drainage can damage roots and crowns.

Check Containers

Pots can become saturated during prolonged rain.

Protect Exposed Roots

Repeated freezing and thawing can sometimes disturb shallow-rooted plants.

Remove Dead Material

Clear away rotting leaves and fruit.

Avoid Excessive Feeding

Strawberries generally don’t require heavy feeding during winter dormancy.

Protect Vulnerable Containers

In very cold or exposed locations, move pots to a sheltered position or provide suitable insulation.

Common Strawberry Growing Problems

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails can damage ripe strawberries.

To reduce problems:

• Remove rotting fruit.
• Keep the growing area tidy.
• Use suitable physical barriers where effective.
• Harvest ripe fruits promptly.
• Encourage natural predators.

Birds

Birds may eat strawberries as they begin ripening.

Suitable fruit netting can help.

Ensure netting is securely fitted and regularly checked to reduce the risk of wildlife becoming trapped.

Grey Mould

Grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea, can affect strawberry flowers and fruits.

Symptoms include soft, rotting fruit and grey fungal growth.

Good airflow, careful watering and prompt removal of infected fruit can help reduce problems.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew can cause pale fungal growth and leaf distortion.

Maintain suitable airflow and avoid overcrowding.

Vine Weevil

Vine weevil larvae can damage strawberry roots, particularly in containers.

Plants may wilt or collapse despite apparently adequate moisture.

Inspect roots if a container plant suddenly deteriorates.

Strawberry Crown Rot

Crown rot can cause plants to decline or collapse.

Poor drainage and infected planting material can contribute to problems.

Avoid planting crowns too deeply.

Why Are My Strawberries Small?

Small strawberries can result from several factors.

Insufficient Water

Drought during fruit development can reduce fruit size.

Poor Pollination

Incomplete pollination can produce small or misshapen fruits.

Old Plants

Older strawberry plants may become less productive.

Overcrowding

Plants competing for water, nutrients and light may produce smaller crops.

Nutrient Problems

Poor soil fertility can affect growth.

Variety

Some varieties naturally produce smaller fruits.

Not every small strawberry indicates a problem.

Why Are My Strawberries Not Sweet?

Strawberry flavour depends on several factors.

Variety

Some varieties are naturally sweeter or more aromatic than others.

Ripeness

Strawberries harvested before full maturity may lack sweetness.

Sunlight

Adequate light helps support fruit development.

Weather

Cool, dull weather can affect flavour development.

Watering

Excessively irregular watering can stress plants.

For the best flavour, choose suitable varieties and allow fruits to ripen fully on the plant.

Why Are My Strawberries Not Producing Fruit?

Possible causes include:

• Plants are too young.
• Flowers have suffered frost damage.
• Pollination is poor.
• Excessive nitrogen is encouraging leaf growth.
• Plants are receiving insufficient sunlight.
• The variety has a different fruiting season.
• Plants are old or unhealthy.

Check the variety and growing conditions before assuming something is wrong.

Can You Grow Strawberries from Seed?

Yes.

Strawberries can be grown from seed, although most garden strawberries are propagated from runners or purchased plants.

Growing from seed takes longer and may not produce plants identical to the parent, particularly with hybrid varieties.

Alpine strawberries are commonly grown from seed.

For beginners wanting reliable fruit production, purchased plants or healthy runners are usually easier.

Can You Grow Strawberries in the Same Bed Every Year?

Strawberries are perennial, so established plants naturally remain in the same bed for several seasons.

However, when replacing an old strawberry bed, it’s often sensible to choose a different growing area.

This can help reduce the buildup of certain soil-borne pests and diseases.

Avoid planting new strawberries into soil known to have serious strawberry root or crown diseases without addressing the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Strawberries

What Month Should You Plant Strawberries in the UK?

March to May and September to October are popular planting periods, depending on plant type and conditions.

Can You Plant Strawberries in October?

Yes. October is suitable for autumn planting in many UK gardens when soil conditions are favourable.

Do Strawberries Come Back Every Year?

Yes. Strawberries are perennial plants.

How Many Years Do Strawberry Plants Produce Fruit?

They can fruit for several years, although many gardeners replace plants after approximately three to four years.

Do Strawberries Need Full Sun?

They generally perform best with at least six hours of direct sunlight.

Can You Grow Strawberries in Pots?

Yes. Strawberries are excellent container plants.

Can You Grow Strawberries in Hanging Baskets?

Yes. Compact and trailing varieties are particularly suitable.

How Often Should You Water Strawberries?

Water according to soil moisture and weather conditions, keeping moisture reasonably consistent during flowering and fruiting.

What Is the Best Fertiliser for Strawberries?

A suitable fertiliser for fruiting plants can be useful. Tomato feed is commonly used during flowering and fruiting.

Should You Remove Strawberry Runners?

Remove unwanted runners if you want to concentrate on fruit production. Keep healthy runners for propagation.

When Should You Take Strawberry Runners?

Summer, particularly July and August, is a useful time.

Should You Cut Strawberry Leaves Back?

Old foliage can sometimes be removed after harvesting, but avoid damaging crowns or cutting back repeat-fruiting plants unnecessarily.

When Do Strawberries Ripen in the UK?

Many varieties ripen during June and July, while late and repeat-fruiting varieties can extend the season.

How Do You Know Strawberries Are Ripe?

Look for their mature colour, characteristic aroma and suitable texture.

Will Strawberries Ripen After Picking?

Strawberries don’t ripen significantly after harvesting, so pick them when fully ripe.

How Do You Protect Strawberries from Birds?

Use suitable securely fitted fruit netting and inspect it regularly.

How Do You Protect Strawberries from Slugs?

Keep the area tidy, remove damaged fruits promptly and use appropriate slug-management methods.

Can Strawberries Survive Winter in the UK?

Yes. Most suitable garden strawberry varieties are hardy, although containers and exposed plants may benefit from protection.

Final Thoughts: Growing Strawberries Successfully in the UK

Growing strawberries is one of the most enjoyable ways to produce fresh fruit in a British garden or allotment.

They’re suitable for traditional vegetable beds, raised beds, containers, hanging baskets and polytunnels, making them a fantastic crop for gardeners with different amounts of space.

The key to success is choosing suitable varieties, planting at the correct depth and providing fertile, well-drained soil.

Keep plants watered during flowering and fruiting, feed appropriately and protect developing strawberries from birds, slugs and rotting.

Once the harvest has finished, look after the plants and use healthy runners to establish replacements.

With good care, strawberry plants can reward you with delicious fruit for several seasons.

Whether you’re planting your first strawberry bed or expanding an established collection, there’s nothing quite like picking fresh strawberries that you’ve grown yourself.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!