Latest news with #JulianPalphramand
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Lidl is selling 29p seeds to transform your garden & give you veg for months – I'm a gardening pro & I swear by them
ALLOT OF FUN Lidl is selling 29p seeds to transform your garden & give you veg for months – I'm a gardening pro & I swear by them NATIONAL Allotment Week starts on Monday - and it couldn't have come at a better time. It's been reported this week the Labour government has quietly sold eight council-owned allotments since they took over power. 3 It's National Allotment Week - with the theme 'Wellbeing.' Credit: Getty 3 Get radishes in the ground now - for crunchy, healthy autumn snacks Credit: Getty - Contributor 3 Gardening with kids is a great way of teaching them where food comes from. Credit: Getty And new rules mean cash-strapped local authorities can sell off sites to help 'deliver transformation and invest to save projects.' Although the National Allotment Society has said that it was ok to sell those particular plots, it didn't stop Jeremy Corbyn - who loves his North London plot - slamming those in charge. Especially as no one knows what this could mean for the future. What isn't in doubt, is the amount of positives to owning an allotment. Not only do they keep you fit and active, they reduce your shopping costs as your vegetables come through - and they can help improve your mental health. If you've got an allotment - or even if you've got pots on the patio, borders or a small veg patch in your garden - there's all sorts of seeds you can plant during National Allotment Week to give you healthy veg all autumn - and sometimes even into winter. Lidl are currently selling Saxa 2 Radish Seeds AND Rote Riesen 2 carrot seeds - for just 29p. I've used Lidl seeds in the past and for that price - you can't go wrong. They've also got Premium veg seeds - like Courgette Black Beauty for £1.49 and packets of Chard seeds for just 49p Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres recommended Radishes as one of the quickest and easiest crops to sow during late summer. Julian said: "They thrive in well drained, fertile soil and produce crisp, mildly peppery roots in just a few weeks. David Beckham gives fans a tour of his vegetable patch at £12million home as he swaps motorbikes for kale and plums "They fit perfectly into tight spaces and mature rapidly, making them ideal for filling garden gaps, container planting and providing fresh crunch for autumn salads and snacks. "Spinach, especially hardy varieties like 'Superhero,' is another good choice to plant now. This leafy green is particularly resilient; it tolerates cooler temperatures and resists bolting, even when the weather turns chilly. "Swiss chard, including varieties such as 'Apollo' and 'Celebration,' add splashes of colour to your autumn garden with its bright stems and grow well in cooler conditions and hold their flavour even after frost." He added: "Mustard greens and rocket offer more punchy, peppery flavours, bringing variety to your cold season greens after being sown this August. Both crops respond well to late summer sowing. "Turnips can be sown in fertile soil this Allotment Week for an excellent winter crop. And Carrots are another staple, with varieties like 'Autumn King 2' perfect for late sowing and will develop sweet, dense roots over the coming months. "Broad beans are not just a spring crop; they have some autumn varieties that can be sown now to establish robust plants for an early harvest next season. Allotments are hubs of community spirit, wellbeing, and environmental awareness. Mike Forrest "And varieties like 'The Sutton' and 'Aquadale Claudia' are particularly suited to later sowings and show resilience to colder soil and weather." He told Sun Gardening that Winter lettuces, such as 'Winter Gem' and 'Valdor,' can be sown this Allotment Week and will provide crisp, tender leaves as temperatures drop. Autumn onions and shallots can also be started now to set a strong foundation for next season's bulbs, while containers or bags filled with seed potatoes like 'Charlotte' or 'Maris Peer' can be moved indoors before the frost for a festive Christmas harvest. And finally he added: "Don't forget garlic – varieties like 'Provence Wight, Carcassonne' & 'Provence' thrive when planted now and into autumn, establishing strong roots through the colder months for an early summer harvest." Mike Farrell, Chair of the National Allotment Society, said: 'Allotments have always been more than just a place to grow food. "They are hubs of community spirit, wellbeing, and environmental awareness. 'National Allotments Week is our chance to celebrate their enduring value and to invite others to experience the joys and rewards of allotment gardening.' Although council-run waiting lists are often huge - it's worth contacting them to get added to the list. Or visit - a brilliant new site that links up people with spare space to hire out in their gardens with those who want to grow but have no room. is also worth checking out - they're buying up land all over the country and turning it into whole grids of no-dig plots to hire - with no ridiculous years-long waiting lists. You just pay monthly. And there are private allotments locally - that manage their own application procedures - just search for 'private allotments near me' online. During National Allotment Week local sites will be opening their doors to the public to welcome people to different events. These include quizzes, wellness on the plot events, open days, garden competitions and much more. They're also asking all allotment holders to take part in a special photo competition - all you need to do is send them a photo of your personal 'happy place' - a corner that brings you peace, pride or joy. First prize is a £200 gift voucher.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Lidl is selling 29p seeds to transform your garden & give you veg for months – I'm a gardening pro & I swear by them
ALLOT OF FUN Lidl is selling 29p seeds to transform your garden & give you veg for months – I'm a gardening pro & I swear by them NATIONAL Allotment Week starts on Monday - and it couldn't have come at a better time. It's been reported this week the Labour government has quietly sold eight council-owned allotments since they took over power. 3 It's National Allotment Week - with the theme 'Wellbeing.' Credit: Getty 3 Get radishes in the ground now - for crunchy, healthy autumn snacks Credit: Getty - Contributor 3 Gardening with kids is a great way of teaching them where food comes from. Credit: Getty And new rules mean cash-strapped local authorities can sell off sites to help 'deliver transformation and invest to save projects.' Although the National Allotment Society has said that it was ok to sell those particular plots, it didn't stop Jeremy Corbyn - who loves his North London plot - slamming those in charge. Especially as no one knows what this could mean for the future. What isn't in doubt, is the amount of positives to owning an allotment. Not only do they keep you fit and active, they reduce your shopping costs as your vegetables come through - and they can help improve your mental health. If you've got an allotment - or even if you've got pots on the patio, borders or a small veg patch in your garden - there's all sorts of seeds you can plant during National Allotment Week to give you healthy veg all autumn - and sometimes even into winter. Lidl are currently selling Saxa 2 Radish Seeds AND Rote Riesen 2 carrot seeds - for just 29p. I've used Lidl seeds in the past and for that price - you can't go wrong. They've also got Premium veg seeds - like Courgette Black Beauty for £1.49 and packets of Chard seeds for just 49p Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres recommended Radishes as one of the quickest and easiest crops to sow during late summer. Julian said: "They thrive in well drained, fertile soil and produce crisp, mildly peppery roots in just a few weeks. David Beckham gives fans a tour of his vegetable patch at £12million home as he swaps motorbikes for kale and plums "They fit perfectly into tight spaces and mature rapidly, making them ideal for filling garden gaps, container planting and providing fresh crunch for autumn salads and snacks. "Spinach, especially hardy varieties like 'Superhero,' is another good choice to plant now. This leafy green is particularly resilient; it tolerates cooler temperatures and resists bolting, even when the weather turns chilly. "Swiss chard, including varieties such as 'Apollo' and 'Celebration,' add splashes of colour to your autumn garden with its bright stems and grow well in cooler conditions and hold their flavour even after frost." He added: "Mustard greens and rocket offer more punchy, peppery flavours, bringing variety to your cold season greens after being sown this August. Both crops respond well to late summer sowing. "Turnips can be sown in fertile soil this Allotment Week for an excellent winter crop. And Carrots are another staple, with varieties like 'Autumn King 2' perfect for late sowing and will develop sweet, dense roots over the coming months. "Broad beans are not just a spring crop; they have some autumn varieties that can be sown now to establish robust plants for an early harvest next season. Allotments are hubs of community spirit, wellbeing, and environmental awareness. Mike Forrest "And varieties like 'The Sutton' and 'Aquadale Claudia' are particularly suited to later sowings and show resilience to colder soil and weather." He told Sun Gardening that Winter lettuces, such as 'Winter Gem' and 'Valdor,' can be sown this Allotment Week and will provide crisp, tender leaves as temperatures drop. Autumn onions and shallots can also be started now to set a strong foundation for next season's bulbs, while containers or bags filled with seed potatoes like 'Charlotte' or 'Maris Peer' can be moved indoors before the frost for a festive Christmas harvest. And finally he added: "Don't forget garlic – varieties like 'Provence Wight, Carcassonne' & 'Provence' thrive when planted now and into autumn, establishing strong roots through the colder months for an early summer harvest." Mike Farrell, Chair of the National Allotment Society, said: 'Allotments have always been more than just a place to grow food. "They are hubs of community spirit, wellbeing, and environmental awareness. 'National Allotments Week is our chance to celebrate their enduring value and to invite others to experience the joys and rewards of allotment gardening.' Although council-run waiting lists are often huge - it's worth contacting them to get added to the list. Or visit - a brilliant new site that links up people with spare space to hire out in their gardens with those who want to grow but have no room. is also worth checking out - they're buying up land all over the country and turning it into whole grids of no-dig plots to hire - with no ridiculous years-long waiting lists. You just pay monthly. And there are private allotments locally - that manage their own application procedures - just search for 'private allotments near me' online. During National Allotment Week local sites will be opening their doors to the public to welcome people to different events. These include quizzes, wellness on the plot events, open days, garden competitions and much more. They're also asking all allotment holders to take part in a special photo competition - all you need to do is send them a photo of your personal 'happy place' - a corner that brings you peace, pride or joy. First prize is a £200 gift voucher.
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Garden expert names vegetables you should plant now for huge winter crop
Gardening experts have revealed seven perfect vegetables to sow right now for perfect crops for winter - and they are fast growers so you can enjoy them sooner too All gardeners dream of growing huge plants in their gardens - especially when it comes to veggies, and there are certain ones you can plant now for a huge harvest in autumn and winter. According to experts, planting these specific crops for winter may be your smartest move as you can get the most out of your garden in the late summer. There's pretty much something for every gardener to grow at this time of year that can reap the benefits from, and Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres revealed some of the best vegetables to sow right now. It comes as a warning was made over savage garden invaders that can 'destroy' your plants Turnips Offering edible roots and leafy greens, Julian told Country Living: "When sown now, turnips mature as the weather cools, which tends to improve their flavour, making them sweeter and less bitter. They typically take between 6 and 10 weeks to reach harvest size, so you can expect fresh turnips on your plate by early autumn. They grow well in most soils and require minimal care, making them suitable for all gardeners, new and experienced." Lettuce A classic summer crop, Julian said now is the ideal time to plant in order for a "steady supply of salad leaves for lunches, dinners, barbecues, and everything in between." He said sowing it every two weeks means you will be able to enjoy a continuous harvest well into autumn, keeping your salad bowl full and fresh. Sugar snap peas The perfect accompany to a Sunday roast, the sweet and crunchy pods are always popular, however July is the last chance to sow sugar snap peas and mangetout. "Sowing peas now allows you to enjoy their fresh taste well into autumn before the colder weather sets in, or simply freeze for a hearty pea and ham soup," Julian explained. Carrots According to Hamid Ali, Airtasker's Horticulture and Gardening Expert, carrot varieties such as 'Autumn King 2' can be planted now and then pulled in autumn. While they are typically harvested in October, you can also leave them in the ground for winter harvesting. Pak choi One of the easiest vegetables to grow, Pak Choi can be first sown indoors or straight into the ground. The fast growing crop can be ready in just 30 to 45 days and thrives in the warmth. Beetroot July is the recommended time to plant beetroot as the warmer weather is perfect for germination and growth. "Beetroot grows well in a range of soils and is relatively low maintenance, making it ideal for those new to gardening. You can harvest baby beetroot leaves early for salads or wait for the roots to mature in late summer. Their natural sweetness intensifies as the weather cools, making them a delicious autumn vegetable." Cabbage Sowing cabbage in July sets you up for a winter harvest, according to Julian. They need to be sown in seed trays first and then moved to the ground for their final growing stage once they have grown at least five leaves.
Tom's Guide
02-07-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
11 top summer vegetables to grow in July — there's still time to enjoy a homegrown crop
The summer is now in full swing, and although I have started to harvest my broad beans and zucchini, there is still a golden window left to sow and grow many other vegetables and herbs. With plenty of long, warm days to look forward to and an abundance of daylight hours, there's still time to plant a kitchen garden in July to enjoy the long-lasting benefits right through to the end of summer, autumn and beyond. Here are 11 vegetables and herbs you can grow right now. Lettuce is a classic summer crop, beloved for its crisp, refreshing leaves that brighten up any meal. Now is an ideal time to sow varieties that will provide you with a steady supply of salad leaves for lunches, dinners, outdoor grills, and everything in between. Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, recommends growing 'Salad Bowl' and 'Little Gem', which are varieties suited to summer sowing. 'They grow quickly and tolerate the warmer weather better than some other types,' he says. Top tip One key tip for growing lettuce now is to provide partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Palapramand says this prevents bolting, which causes the plants to become bitter. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. You can also enjoy a continuous harvest by sowing lettuce every two weeks, and look forward to keeping your salad bowl full well into autumn. These greens are fast growers, often ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days For gardeners looking to sow something other than the common lettuce, Palphramand recommends pak choi and arugula, which thrive in the warmth of summer and can be enjoyed during late summer and autumn. 'These greens are fast growers, often ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days,' says Palphramand. 'They are excellent for stir-fries, salads, and soups, offering a peppery, fresh flavour that complements many dishes,' he adds. I'm a particular fan of arugula for its peppery taste and eat it as a green salad, while I also add it into my go-to summer salmon quiche. Turnips are a real multitasker, offering both edible roots and leafy greens, with nothing going to waste. Palphramand says, 'When sown now, turnips mature as the weather cools, which tends to improve their flavour, making them sweeter and less bitter.' They typically take between 6 and 10 weeks to reach harvest size, so if you sow them in early July, you can expect fresh turnips on your plate by early autumn. What's more Palphramand adds that turnips grow well in most soils and require minimal care, making them an ideal crop for both experienced and novice gardeners. This Felco bypass pruner is perfect for medium-sized hands and comes with a comfortable ergonomic handle. It has a sturdy design, yet is lightweight and gives a consistent performance. What's more, this pruner is given a 5-star rating in our best pruning shears buying guide. If space is limited and you don't have a large backyard to grow vegetables, you can still grow your own if you have a small patio garden or balcony. Dwarf French beans make an excellent choice and can be sown directly into the ground or planted in containers and placed on a sunny balcony, making them ideal for compact spaces. Palphramand says you can expect Dwarf French beans to produce a steady harvest from late summer into early autumn, and that they are perfect for eating fresh, steaming, or adding to casseroles and salads. Top tip I enjoy Dwarf French beans slightly steamed and cooked in garlic with some freshly grated lemon rind. You'll have to get your skates on if you want to grow carrots, but you've still got a chance to plant late-season crops, such as 'Nantes' or 'Amsterdam Forcing'. However, Palphramand says there is an advantage of growing carrots at this time, 'Sowing carrots later in the year often helps avoid the main carrot fly season, reducing the risk of damage to your crop.' What's more, he adds, 'These varieties tend to produce sweet, tender roots that are perfect for roasting, steaming, or eating raw.' Top tip Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells. You can harvest baby beetroot leaves early for salads or wait for the roots to mature in late summer This brightly-colored root vegetable is another crop that thrives when sown in the summer months. Apart from enjoying your beetroot harvest, the leaves will add vibrant color to your vegetable plot. The seeds can be planted in the ground or in containers, with multi-colored varieties to choose from, creating an array of colors. 'Beetroot grows well in a range of soils and is relatively low maintenance, making it ideal for those new to gardening,' says Palphramand, and adds, 'You can harvest baby beetroot leaves early for salads or wait for the roots to mature in late summer. Their natural sweetness intensifies as the weather cools, making them a delicious autumn vegetable.' Perpetual spinach (a type of Swiss chard) and Swiss chard are resilient, easy-to-grow greens that can be sown in July for a steady supply of leaves into autumn and even winter. Palphramand says, 'These crops tolerate cooler temperatures and can be harvested as baby leaves or mature plants. Both are packed with nutrients and versatile in the kitchen, suitable for salads, sautés, and soups.' Top tip I'm a big fan of baby spinach and enjoy it in salads, mixed and tossed with roasted pine nuts. You can also partly substitute it with basil for a delicious pesto. Radishes are the ideal crop to grow for impatient gardeners. Palphramand says, 'Radishes are one of the quickest crops to grow over summer, with some varieties ready to harvest in as little as three weeks.' And because they give fast results, he adds, 'This makes them a perfect crop for children and new gardeners who want quick and satisfying results.' Radishes grow well in containers or garden beds and can be harvested continuously with successive sowings. You can start to plant vegetables in July for a winter harvest. Palphramand suggests sowing kale and cabbage, choosing varieties like 'Fizz' and 'Nero di Toscana' kale, and cabbages such as 'Sweetie' and spring cabbage. If the plants can get established now, they will be ready to be enjoyed during the colder months, when you're looking to eat steamed vegetables rather than salads. These peas provide sweet, crunchy pods that are delicious fresh or cooked It's not too late to sow peas in July for a late-season crop, but don't dally. Palphramand says that mangetout and sugar snap peas are particularly reliable varieties for planting now. 'These peas provide sweet, crunchy pods that are delicious fresh or cooked,' he says, adding, 'Sowing peas now allows you to enjoy their fresh taste well into autumn before the colder weather sets in.' Top tip If you don't eat the peas freshly picked, they can be frozen and cooked in a hearty pea and ham soup later in the year. There are plenty of herbs that will thrive if sown right now. Basil, coriander, dill, and parsley can all be sown in pots or directly into the ground. There's nothing better than cutting freshly grown herbs and adding them to your dishes for extra flavor and aroma. Palphramand recommends regularly harvesting your herbs to encourage bushier growth, and I can vouch for that!
