News - Page 48

Houseplant of the month: Poinsettia

The Poinsettia is especially popular because of its beautifully coloured leaves. Whilst these are often seen as its flowers, these are actually bracts that are formed in a star shape. At this time of the year, you might be used to seeing the Poinsettia in red mostly. However, this year pastel colours such as pink, apricot, lemon and salmon are trending.

Source: Thejoyofplants.co.uk

Plant-based Christmas Recipes

Try some delicious plant-based Christmas recipes this festive season instead of the traditional turkey and surprise your guests with some healthy plant-based, festive food. The options for plant-based food are endless now with so many ingredients and recipes to choose from. From using vegetables with tofu, seitan or jackfruit you can create some interesting and incredibly tasty plant-based dishes. We have picked some great recipes for you to try.

Guide to choosing the right Christmas Tree

Our guide to choosing the right Christmas Tree will help you to decide on the perfect Christmas tree to give your home the festive feel for December. From real Christmas trees with that traditional smell of pine needles to something pre dressed and easy to install, there are so many options. All you have to do is pick the perfect one for you and your family.

Celebrate National Tree Week

National Tree Week has begun, from 23rd November to 1st December we celebrate the UK’s largest yearly tree celebration. It is timed to mark winter tree planting season which is November to March every year and the perfect time to plant trees. National Tree Week has been running since 1975 by The Tree Council and is a great way to spread the word about the importance of trees and do something really special for trees. There are many ways to celebrate the importance of trees from running events to talking a walk in woodland and educating children and communities. Have a read of our ideas to celebrate this important week.

Microgreens for fresh nutrition over the winter months

The festivities can take over any kind of healthy diet plus there is less growth in the kitchen garden but there is a very special something that can be grown on a windowsill or in the greenhouse during the winter months. Plus you’ll be harvesting within one to three weeks. Microgreens are easy to grow and packed full of nutrition, in fact, more than the fully matured vegetable. Microgreens are the seedlings of many well-loved vegetables and herbs, simply grown to a few inches before harvesting. Perfect as garnishes, mixed in soups, salads and sandwiches to add a packed punch of nutrition to a dish.

Tips on tackling mice in your garden

They may be small, but mice can be a big problem for gardeners. These hungry little rodents can wreak havoc in a vegetable bed, eating both seeds and young seedlings. Fruit and vegetables stored in sheds are fair game, as are bulbs, and they’ve also been known to bite strawberries off the bushes. Mice breed prolifically and it’s not really possible to keep them out of your garden altogether, but there are steps you can take to protect your plants from their sharp little teeth.