D.T. Brown Blog

Which crops you grow determines how the seeds are sown. Some can be direct sown where they are to grow, others are sown in a seed bed and then transplanted to their final growing position, while others need to be sown indoors in pots of compost with some bottom heat.

Yields for most crops will be reduced if weeds are allowed to take over. The plant’s growth will be limited as it competes with the weeds for light, space and nutrients. Provided you have given the patch a good dig at the start of the season and removed all the perennial weeds, the only ones that should be a problem are annuals and the seeds of perennials. These can be easily dealt with if you hoe regularly.

To get the most from your plants they will also need a constant supply of nutrients. Adding compost and well rotted manure will add little in the way of nutrients, as their role is to improve the soil structure. To hold on to the nutrients, you will also need a fertiliser.

When you receive your plants is it important to plant them out in the garden as soon as possible, spreading out the roots and firming the soil into good contact with them. If you are unable to plant out immediately, temporarily heel the plants in. It’s important to keep the roots moist at all times.

Wherever possible, dig over the ground thoroughly before planting, removing any perennial weeds. At the same time enrich it by digging in some well-rotted manure, compost or leafmould and a dressing of bone meal. While successful in a very wide range of soils, most bulbs are intolerant of poor drainage so, if your soil is heavy, also dig in plenty of sharp sand or horticultural grit. For planting in containers, use general purpose compost unless otherwise stated. Bulbs are usually most effect...

With thanks to David Metcalf from the NVS for sharing his methods for growing onions at exhibition level practices should you wish to try a different approach. Growing to exhibit may not be for all of us however, there are many considerations, skills with tried and tested methods not to be ignored, in which we hope you can make good use of in your own growing practices...

Firstly, get stuck in and give it a go! What is the worst that can happen? You can try again next time with the gained knowledge under your belt. We’re building a community of likeminded fellow growers who have experience to share and take a note of.

Kiwis are a fantastic fruit to grow that have a wonderful flavour and contain many beneficial nutrients. Though they may be thought of as exotic fruits, certain varieties can be grown in the UK under the right conditions. With our in-depth growing guide below, you can discover the best ways to grow kiwi plants here in the UK to produce delicious, fresh-grown fruit. We’ve got expert tips on where to grow them, how to care for them, and everything you need to make your crop excellent.