Get gardening
Our tenant and leaseholder garden competition will be returning in 2026. Following a fantastic showing last year the judges are keen for even more tenants and leaseholders to get involved.
Judge Gillian Jenkins said: ‘It shows a sense of pride in your home and it creates a lovely neighbourhood and a sense of community for the tenants who have communal gardens. We have seen some truly stunning outdoor spaces this last few years, no matter how big or small, and it shows the care and effort they have put in to caring for their outdoor space. It is always a pleasure.
When asked why tenants should enter Judge Sharon Gasson added: “There is so much pride and self-satisfaction in creating and growing your garden. Planting your own veg, for example, is fairly easy and you get to eat the fruits of your labour! Children also love to get involved, having their own little plot to dig and grow flowers in is great fun and good for them.”
Further details about this year’s competition will be in our April Bulletin and you can find out more information on our website.
Cost saving gardening tips
Start with seeds instead of seedlings
Seeds are far cheaper than buying mature plants. Many vegetables and flowers grow easily from seed.
Use kitchen scraps for compost.
Turn food waste like vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and eggshells into compost instead of buying fertilizers.
Grow high-yield crops.
Focus on vegetables that produce a lot for their space, like tomatoes, courgettes, and beans.
DIY mulch
Use grass clippings, shredded leaves, or newspaper as mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
Repurpose containers.
Old buckets, crates, or even yogurt pots can serve as plant pots. Just make sure they have drainage holes.
Collect rainwater.
Install a rain barrel or use containers to collect rainwater for irrigation. This reduces water bills and is eco-friendly.
Propagate plants
Many plants can be multiplied by cuttings or division. This way, you expand your garden without spending extra.
Choose perennials over annuals.
Perennials return year after year, saving you money on replanting.
Swap plants with neighbours.
Plant exchanges are a great way to diversify your garden without spending money.
Plan your garden layout
Proper spacing and companion planting reduce pests and maximize yield, saving on pesticides and wasted seeds.
Your year-round gardening guide
Whether you have a small garden, balcony, or shared outdoor space, these simple monthly tasks will help keep your area green and welcoming
JANUARY
- Plan ahead: Think about what you’d like to grow this year—flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
- Clear debris: Remove fallen leaves and tidy up paths to prevent slips.
- Check tools: Clean and sharpen garden tools.
FEBRUARY
- Prepare soil: Turn over soil in beds and add compost if available.
- Start indoors:Sow seeds like tomatoes or peppers indoors on a sunny windowsill.
- Prune shrubs: Cut back dead branches to encourage new growth.
MARCH
- Weeding: Begin removing weeds before they spread.
- Plant early crops:Potatoes and onions can go in now.
- Lawn Care: If you have grass, give it a light rake to remove moss.
APRIL
- Flower power: Plant hardy annuals like marigolds for summer colour.
- Feed plants: Add slow-release fertilizer or compost.
- Water wisely: Start regular watering if the weather warms up.
MAY
- Hanging baskets: Perfect time to plant for bright displays.
- Thin seedlings: Give growing plants space to thrive.
- Pest watch: Look out for slugs and snails—use natural deterrents like crushed eggshells.
JUNE
- Harvest herbs: Mint, chives, and parsley are ready to pick.
- Deadhead flowers: Remove faded blooms to keep plants flowering.
- Mulch beds: Helps retain moisture during hot spells.
JULY
- Water early or late: Avoid midday watering to prevent evaporation.
- Harvest veg: Lettuce, beans, and early potatoes should be ready.
- Shade plants: Protect delicate plants from strong sun.
AUGUST
- Keep watering: Especially pots and baskets.
- Collect seeds: Save seeds from flowers for next year.
- Trim hedges: Keep shared spaces neat and tidy.
SEPTEMBER
- Plant bulbs: Daffodils and tulips for spring colour.
- Clear spent crops: Compost old plants where possible.
- Tidy borders: Prepare for autumn growth.
OCTOBER
- Leaf collection: Use fallen leaves for compost or bag them for council collection.
- Protect plants: Move tender plants indoors or cover with fleece.
- Clean tools: Before winter storage.
NOVEMBER
- Winter bedding: Plant pansies or violas for colour.
- Insulate pots: Wrap containers to protect roots from frost.
- Plan next year: Make notes on what worked well.
DECEMBER
- Festive touch: Use evergreen cuttings for decorations.
- Minimal watering: Most plants rest now—avoid overwatering.
- Check structures: Ensure fences and sheds are secure before storms.