As Seen on ITV Gardening Club
Grape vines (Vitis spp.), ancient fruit crops grown for wine, table use, & more, need warm climates, sun, & well-drained soil. Pruning, trellising, & pest management are crucial for quality & yield. Harvested in late summer/early autumn, grapes are versatile...
by Phil Chester
Grow nutritious blackcurrants: plant in sun/part shade & well-drained soil. Water, mulch, fertilize, & prune 1-2 yr old wood annually for abundant fruit. Watch for pests/diseases. Harvest dark, plump berries in summer for jams, pies, or freezing.
by Phil Chester
Apricot trees need cold winters, warm summers, 6-8 hrs sun, & well-drained soil. Plant dormant, water, fertilize, & prune for health/fruit. Manage pests/diseases with IPM. Harvest ripe, orange fruit late spring/early summer. They're sweet, nutritious, and globally cherished.
by Phil Chester
Quince trees yield unique, aromatic fruit, typically cooked (jams, membrillo) as it's astringent raw. These robust, ornamental trees offer beautiful spring blossoms, golden autumn fruit, and are easy to grow. Valued for aesthetics and distinctive culinary uses.
by Phil Chester
Sweetgum trees offer vibrant fall foliage & star-shaped leaves, but their spiky "gumballs" are a nuisance. These adaptable North American shade trees grow tall, have historical uses (medicine, gum), & provide valuable timber, despite the gumball challenge.
by Phil Chester
Gooseberry bushes (Ribes) offer tart, versatile fruit. European types have larger fruit but are mildew-prone; American are disease-resistant. Plant in sun/part shade, well-drained soil. Care involves pruning, watering, mulching. Watch for sawfly/mildew. Harvest in summer for pies, jams, or fresh...
by Phil Chester
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns 12-18" apart. Don't harvest for the first 2 years to establish roots. Begin harvesting 6-10" spears in the 3rd year for 6-8 weeks. Proper care, including...
by Phil Chester
Hazelnut trees (Corylus) are deciduous, nut-bearing plants native to the N. Hemisphere. They need cross-pollination, temperate climate, well-drained soil, and full sun. Harvested late summer, they face pests/diseases. Valued for nuts, oil, wood, and ecological benefits.
by Phil Chester
Dogwood trees are cherished ornamentals, offering year-round beauty. Popular species like Flowering, Kousa, and Red Osier are known for showy bracts, seasonal color, and wildlife support. They thrive in partial shade, well-drained, acidic soil. Minimal pruning; Kousa is notably anthracnose-resistant.
by Phil Chester
Rhubarb is a tart perennial vegetable needing full sun & well-drained soil. Plant crowns in early spring. Care involves moist soil, fertilizing, & removing flower stalks. Harvest 12-18" stalks from the 2nd year by pulling; leaves are toxic. It's a...
by Phil Chester
Plum trees (Prunus) offer diverse, delicious fruits (European/Japanese types) & ornamental beauty. They thrive with full sun, well-drained soil, and care like pruning/watering. Plums are enjoyed fresh, in preserves, dried (prunes), and enhance gardens with their stunning blossoms.
by Phil Chester
