What to Sow in May in the UK

Close up of a hand placing seeds into a drill of fine soil in a UK garden in May

If you only have one good month for sowing in the UK, May is probably it. The soil has warmed up properly, days are long, and seeds that would have sat in cold ground doing nothing in March will germinate quickly and reliably now. You also still have enough growing season ahead of you that … Read more

Growing Brussels Sprouts in the UK

Growing Brussels sprouts in the UK with firm sprouts forming on the stem in a vegetable garden

Brussels sprouts have a reputation for being slow, awkward, and often disappointing. In many gardens they grow tall, leafy plants but produce only a handful of usable sprouts. This is usually not a problem with the crop itself, but with how it is grown. Brussels sprouts are a long-season vegetable that demand planning and patience. … Read more

Brassicas Explained: Understanding the Cabbage Family in UK Gardens

Healthy brassica crops including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts growing in a UK vegetable garden

Brassicas are some of the most productive vegetables you can grow in a UK garden — and some of the most frustrating when they go wrong. They sit at the heart of traditional kitchen gardens, yet they behave very differently to most other crops. Understanding those differences is the key to growing them well. Many … Read more