Gardening at moss and moor
Our horticultural team
Alex
Alex is our horticultural manager at Moss & Moor and has worked in horticulture retail for the past 26 years since leaving college. He studied at Askham Bryan college near York where he obtained a HND in Horticulture.
Kerstin
Kerstin is originally from Malta and moved to England almost 5 years ago where she has since completed her theory and practical level 2 diploma in horticulture with the RHS and is currently working towards her level 3.
Jenny
Jenny has worked in high street retail for 20 years before starting her career with Moss & Moor. Her qualifications including RHS Level 2 diploma in principles and practices of horticulture and RHS Level 3 certificate in practical horticulture has allowed Jenny to thrive within the plant area, taking pride in the houseplants section.
David
David joins Moss & Moor with over 30 years of experience working in garden centres and plant nurseries. A graduate of Shipley College with a City and Guilds in horticulture, David’s passion for plants and dedication to customer service make him a valuable addition to our team. Whether you’re seeking expert advice or looking for inspiration, David is here to help guide you in making the most of your garden.
Gardening Tips for January
Kickstart your gardening year with these essential tasks and tips to keep your garden thriving through the winter months:
- Plan for the Year Ahead
Get inspired for 2025 by exploring our seed collection in the Potting Shed and planning your planting schedule. - Prune Fruit Trees
Now is the time to prune apple and pear trees while they’re dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and aim for an open goblet shape to improve airflow and fruit production. - Care for Garden Birds
Keep bird baths filled with water, and melt any ice with warm water. Don’t forget to join the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch from 24th to 26th January to count the feathered visitors in your garden. - Tidy Winter Containers
Keep winter tubs neat by deadheading and removing debris. Water if needed, especially during dry spells. - Chit First Early Potatoes
Place seed potatoes in a bright, frost-free spot to start chitting, ready for planting from February to April. - Indoor Herb Gardens
Sow herb seeds now for an indoor garden on a sunny windowsill – a simple way to bring fresh flavour to your cooking. - Protect Tender Plants
Shield delicate plants from frost with fleece to help them survive the cold. - Winter Garden Stars
For seasonal interest, plant hellebores, mahonia, hamamelis, and skimmia. As long as the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged, they’ll thrive in your winter garden.
Discover all you need to prepare your garden this January at Moss & Moor!
January Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Viburnum tinus
Kerstin’s Tips for Growing Viburnum tinus
If you’re looking for a plant that offers year-round interest and a touch of elegance, Viburnum tinus is one of my favourites. It’s an evergreen shrub that’s hardy and reliable – perfect for UK gardens.
I recommend planting it in well-drained, fertile soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Choose a spot sheltered from cold winds to give it the best start. What I love about Viburnum tinus is that it tolerates a variety of soils, even chalky or clay ones, as long as they aren’t waterlogged.
When you first plant it, be sure to water regularly during dry spells – this helps it establish strong roots. Once it’s settled, it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant and easy to care for. A little mulch in the spring works wonders, helping to lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay.
After its delicate flowers fade, a light prune will keep its shape looking tidy. Its winter blooms are not only beautiful but also an important food source for pollinators when they need it most.
If you’re after a low-maintenance shrub that brings structure and seasonal charm, Viburnum tinus is a wonderful choice – and a firm favourite of mine!
Houseplant of the month
Dracaena Marginata
Jenny’s Pick
Why Jenny Loves It:
“The Dracaena marginata, or Madagascar Dragon Tree, is my go-to plant for filling spaces after the Christmas decorations come down. It’s beautifully architectural without overwhelming a room, and its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for this time of year. I also love how it quietly purifies the air – a fresh start for the new year!”
How to Care for Your Dracaena Marginata:
Light:
Dracaena marginata thrives in bright, indirect light but can handle light shade too. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its slender, spiky leaves.
Water:
Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering – its roots are prone to rot. It’s more forgiving of underwatering than being left to sit in water.
Humidity:
This plant prefers warm, humid conditions, so misting its leaves occasionally will keep it happy.
Jenny’s Tip:
“With its slow-growing nature, this plant can reach up to three metres indoors over time, so it’s perfect for adding height without the hassle!”
looking after houseplants
NEW arrivals: seed potatoes
January is the perfect time to plan your garden’s year ahead, and we’re excited to help you grow your own fruit and vegetables. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, seed potatoes are a great starting point!
Our potting shed is stocked with a wide selection, available in convenient small taster packs or larger 2kg sacks for those with ample growing space. Whether you enjoy your potatoes boiled, baked, mashed, or in salads, you’ll find the perfect variety in our range.
Visit us in-store to explore our January offers and let us help you grow something amazing this year!
Offers for January
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the seasons ahead. At Moss & Moor, we’re offering fantastic January deals to help you nurture your green space while enjoying great savings. Don’t forget, with a Moor Rewards card, you can unlock exclusive discounts!
Bird Care
- Tub of 50 Fat Balls: RRP £12.99 – Moor Rewards Card Price £9.99
- Suet Feast 300g: £2.49 each – Moor Rewards Card Price 3 for £5
- Harvester Bird Feeding Station: RRP £34.99 – Moor Rewards Card Price £24.99
- Friary Bird Table: RRP £79.99 – Moor Rewards Card Price £59.99
- Mealworms 500g: RRP £9.99 – Our Price £7.99
Gardening Essentials
- Window Sill Propagator: RRP £7 – Moor Rewards Card Price £4
- Wooden Growhouse: RRP £149.99 – Our Price £99.99
- Pro Walk-In Polytunnel: RRP £199.99 – Our Price £99.99
Seasonal Plants
Seasonal Perennials: £5 each – 3 for £12
Single Pot Winter Viola: £1.30 each – 3 for £5
Spring Flowering Bulbs: £2.49 each – 3 for £5
Help us go PEAT FREE !
As we continue to work with the ENVIRONMENTAL campaign group Climate Action Ilkley to educate our customers on the choices available, shop our range of peat-free and organic composts. Play your part and switch to peat free for healthy plants while protecting the planet too!
We worked really hard in 2023 to move away from peat based composts and as we currently stand at the start of 2024 we are 97% there.
The Best of British Plants
With our passion for plants, we champion the very best of British Growers, selecting and nurturing an exciting range of trees, outdoor plants and shrubs that will help you create a home and garden you love.
Lifetime Plant Guarantee
We are so confident in the quality of our hardy plants that we offer a Lifetime Guarantee on all our hardy outdoor garden plants. We offer a free replacement or credit note providing the plant hasn’t died as a result of neglect of care, for example watering. All we ask is you return your plant with a receipt or garden centre label as proof of purchase. Hardy plants do not include seasonal bedding plants or Houseplants.
ASK ALEX!
Got a houseplant dilemma, a garden question, or in need of expert advice? Just ask Alex! Reach out to our horticultural team at hello@mossandmoor.co.uk, and we’ll be delighted to help you flourish!