Welcome to November in the Garden
As autumn fades and winter approaches, November is the perfect month to prepare your garden for the colder days ahead.
Whether you’re tidying up fallen leaves, planting for next spring, or bringing colour indoors, our Potting Shed team has plenty of advice to keep your garden looking beautiful through the season.
This month, Alex shares his top gardening jobs, David picks a plant that brings colour through winter, and Oli introduces a cheerful festive houseplant to brighten your home. Plus — don’t miss our new arrivals and Moor Rewards member offers!
Alex’s Gardening Jobs for November
Here’s what Alex recommends for your November gardening checklist:
🌹 Plant roses, trees, and shrubs before the cold weather sets in.
🍂 Collect fallen leaves and make your own nutrient-rich leaf mould.
🪴 Lift pots off the ground using pot feet to prevent waterlogging or frozen compost.
❄️ Dig up dahlia tubers after the first frosts and store in a cool, dark place.
🌿 Protect tree ferns by packing the crown with straw and wrapping in fleece.
🧣 Wrap containers with fleece or bubble wrap to prevent frost damage.
🌷 Keep planting spring bulbs – there’s still time!
🌼 Lift and divide perennials to improve plant health for next year.
“It’s all about getting ahead this month,” says Alex, our Potting Shed Manager and Horticultural Expert. “A little work now makes all the difference when spring returns.”
November Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Erica gracilis
Chosen by David, our plant specialist, Erica gracilis brings much-needed colour to the garden during the darker months.
A low-growing evergreen, Erica gracilis flowers from autumn through to spring, providing much-needed colour in the winter months. It works beautifully on its own or mixed with seasonal favourites such as pansies, violas, and primroses. Flower colours typically range from pink to red or white.
David’s Top Care Tips:
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade
- Plant in well-drained soil
- Reaches 20–30cm at maturity
- Ideal for borders or winter containers
Houseplant of the month
Schlumbergera (Christmas Cacti)
Chosen by Oli
Bring a burst of tropical colour indoors with Oli’s pick of the month — the Christmas Cactus.
Oli’s Care Tips for Your Christmas Cactus
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sun, which can scorch or fade the leaves.
- Water: In spring and summer, water when the top soil feels dry. In autumn and winter, water less to give the plant a rest.
- Humidity: Enjoys a little extra humidity – a light mist now and then keeps it happy.
- Temperature: Likes 18–24°C. During autumn and winter, allow two short rest periods in cooler conditions.
looking after houseplants
✨ Wrap Up the Season with Moss & Moor
From pruning and planting to brightening your home with seasonal colour, November is full of opportunities to enjoy your garden.
While you’re preparing for winter, don’t forget to explore our Gardening Page for the New In range and our Potting Shed Moor Rewards offers — from garden tools and winter bedding to festive treats and exclusive member savings, there’s something to inspire every gardener this season.
Let’s keep your garden thriving — there’s always something to discover at Moss & Moor!
As the seasons shift and autumn settles in, the garden is full of little jobs that make a big difference. This month, Alex shares his essential gardening tasks to keep everything looking its best, while we shine a spotlight on our houseplant and outdoor plant of the month – perfect for adding colour and life both indoors and out. And if you’re a Moor Rewards member, don’t miss our latest Potting Shed offers to help you get set for the season ahead.
Our horticultural expert, Alex, shares his essential jobs for this month:
October is the perfect time to plant trees and shrubs – the soil is still warm, giving roots the best start before winter.
Show your lawn a little love with an autumn feed to keep it healthy through the colder months.
Help our prickly friends prepare for hibernation. A hedgehog house in a quiet corner of your garden makes the ideal winter home.
Pop garlic cloves in the ground now – that essential chill will help them develop beautifully.
Keep planting spring bulbs for a burst of colour and joy next year.
As the days shorten, garden birds need a helping hand. Our bird feeders, tables and seed will keep them well fed and visiting your garden all season.
Rake up fallen leaves and store them – they’ll transform into rich, crumbly leaf mould in time.
Brighten up your doorstep with cheerful autumn pots and baskets, filled with heathers, cyclamen and violas.
Alex’s Gardening Tips for October
October Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
heather ‘Twin Girls’
Chosen by Kerstin
Bring a splash of colour to your garden just when it needs it most.
Bees will still visit for those precious late-season flowers.
Pretty pink and white buds appear from late summer and shine right through autumn.
Sturdy, closed-bud form means they stand strong against wind and rain.
Compact, evergreen and perfect for pots, borders, or cheerful groundcover.
Kerstin’s Top Care Tips:
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained, acidic soil, and give it a light trim after flowering to keep it neat and bushy for years to come.
Houseplant of the month
Indoor Cyclamen
Chosen by David
Bright and showy, Cyclamen bring a touch of colour indoors for up to six weeks of flowering with the right care.
Not pet-friendly.
Deadhead regularly to encourage new buds.
David’s Top Care Tips
- Light: Bright but indirect light. Keep cool (10–15°C) – too much warmth can cause early dormancy.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Best watered from below by standing in a tray of water and allowing the soil to soak it up.
- Re-flowering: Naturally goes dormant in spring.
- Allow soil to dry slightly, then store in a cool, dry, shaded spot over summer. Bring it back into the light when flowering starts again in September.
looking after houseplants
Visit Moss & Moor This October
We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news — our very own General Manager, Dan Lawton, has been appointed as the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Area Co-Chair for the North. This role covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the North of England, and sees Dan joining forces with Justin Williams, Managing Director at Fron Goch Garden Centre, to lead and support the region’s members.
Dan’s horticultural journey
Dan’s career in horticulture started at just 14, working as a trolley boy at his nearest garden centre in Northumberland. After studying horticulture for three years at Kirkley Hall College, he discovered a real passion for plants.
His career has taken him across Yorkshire, where he’s worked in a variety of roles with Klondyke before becoming a Director at Langlands Garden Centres. Since joining Moss & Moor, he’s brought his experience, energy and vision to lead our team here in Ilkley.
What it means for Moss & Moor
Dan’s appointment is a proud moment for us as a business. His leadership has already made a huge impact in-store, from reimagining how we work as a team to improving our customer experience. Having his passion and expertise recognised at a national level is something we’re all delighted about.
What the team say about Dan
We asked a few members of our team to share their thoughts about working with Dan:
💬 “Dan is motivated, driven and full of ideas, but he’s also approachable, grounded and down-to-earth. He’s got a cheeky side too, which makes working with him really enjoyable.” – Kerstin
💬 “He’s understanding, enthusiastic and has a real eye for detail. Dan has turned around the business, made major changes in-store and always makes it work for both customers and staff. He’s sociable, approachable and leads with great energy.” – Mick
💬 “Dan is organised, knows what he wants, focused and hardworking. He sets clear goals and always drives us forward.” – Alex
💬 “He’s knowledgeable, full of good ideas and professional — a great leader for our team.” – Andrea
Looking ahead
On his new role, Dan says:
“We’re very committed GCA members at Moss & Moor and I am delighted to have been asked to join the Executive Committee as Area Co-Chair for the North. I’m looking forward to connecting with members across the region and working alongside Justin to support the GCA.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Dan and can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll bring to the wider GCA community. 🌿✨
As summer fades and autumn begins to show its colours, September is the perfect month to prepare your garden for the seasons ahead. Here’s everything happening this month at Moss & Moor – from Alex’s top gardening tips to our latest arrivals, featured plants, and Moor Rewards offers.
Our horticultural expert, Alex, shares his essential jobs for this month:
Pot up containers & baskets – fill them with violas, pansies and cyclamen for bursts of autumn colour.
Plant spring bulbs – daffodils, tulips and crocus can be planted now for dazzling displays next year.
Lawn care – scarify with a rake, feed, and re-seed any bare patches.
Care for wildlife – clean out bird feeders and restock ready for hungry visitors as the weather cools.
Secure plants – use tree and shrub ties to protect against autumn winds.
Tidy paths & patios – give surfaces a good scrub to remove slippery moss and algae.
Mulch bare soil – enrich and protect your beds with farmyard manure, bark, or Strulch mulch.
Keep colour going – deadhead late-flowering plants to extend their display into early autumn.
Alex’s Gardening Tips for September
September Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Echinacea (Coneflowers)
Chosen by Kerstin
Echinacea are easy-to-grow perennials that bring bold colour to the garden from midsummer onwards. Thriving in sunny spots, they’re a favourite with bees and butterflies and need little care once established.
Plant them in well-drained soil, water well in their first year, and then enjoy their drought tolerance. Deadhead spent flowers for more blooms, or leave the seed heads standing for striking winter interest and natural bird food.
Kerstin’s Top Care Tips:
☀️ Plant in full sun, in well-drained soil
💧 Water regularly in the first year
🌱 Avoid rich soil (can make stems floppy)
✂️ Deadhead for more flowers
🐦 Leave seed heads for winter interest & birds
Houseplant of the month
Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)
Chosen by David
With glossy green leaves and striking blooms in a variety of colours, Anthuriums add a vibrant tropical feel to any room. In their native Caribbean and South American habitats, these plants grow as epiphytes in the nooks of trees — bringing a little rainforest magic indoors.
David’s Top Care Tips
- Light – Needs bright, indirect light to flower (too shady and it won’t bloom).
- Water – Allow the top few inches of soil to dry before watering. Avoid overwatering or soggy roots.
- Temperature – Keep warm, ideally above 15°C, and away from draughts.
- Humidity – Loves humidity – mist regularly for best results.
- Height – Slow-growing, reaching around 1m tall.
A stunning plant, but best admired in pet-free spaces.
looking after houseplants
Visit Moss & Moor This September
As the garden basks in late summer warmth, it’s the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the season — whether you’re harvesting, trimming, planting or simply enjoying a quiet cuppa among the blooms.
Here’s what we’re loving this August…
Our horticultural expert, Alex, has put together his top Tips to keep your garden looking its best this mONTH:
Collect summer rain in water butts to use during dry spells — your plants will thank you for it later!
Feed tomato plants regularly with a good tomato feed, and water consistently for a healthy harvest.
Mow wildflower meadows to help scatter seeds and encourage next year’s flowers.
Give hedges their final trim of the season, but check carefully for nesting birds first.
Support local wildlife — leave out water and hedgehog food to help fatten up hoglets before hibernation.
Tidy up hanging baskets and containers with regular deadheading, feeding and watering.
Protect ripening fruit like blackberries from birds with netting or fleece.
Pinch out tomato tops so all the plant’s energy goes into ripening the fruits.
Alex’s Gardening Tips for August
aUGUST gardening TiPS of the Season: Smarter Watering
As the summer rolls on, smart watering makes all the difference. Here’s Alex’s advice this season:
💧 Water early or late in the day — when the sun’s not too strong, so less water evaporates.
🌿 Soak deeply, not little and often — this encourages roots to grow downwards where it’s cooler.
🍅 Focus on the base of the plant — avoid splashing the leaves, which can encourage disease.
🪴 Group pots together — they’ll shade each other and reduce water loss.
🌧️ Make the most of summer rain — set up water butts and save every drop!
Need help choosing the right tools? Ask in-store — Alex and the team are happy to recommend the best hoses, watering cans or irrigation kits for your garden size.
August Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Verbena bonariensis
Chosen by Nigel Eaton
If you’re looking for a plant that brings effortless height, colour and movement to your garden, Verbena bonariensis is one to try. With its delicate lilac flowers dancing on tall, slender stems, it adds a lovely lightness to borders and tall containers — all while flowering from mid-summer well into autumn.
Nigel recommends pairing it with Black Eyed Susie (Thunbergia alata), a fast-growing annual climber with tangerine-orange blooms that weave beautifully through the verbena’s upright stems. The cool lilac and warm orange tones make a stunning late-summer combination.
Why we love it:
🌸 Long-lasting flowers
☀️ Loves a sunny spot
🪴 Perfect for borders and containers
🌿 Pairs beautifully with climbers
Pop into the Potting Shed to pick some up while they’re still in bloom — and ask our team for more late-summer planting ideas!
Houseplant of the month
Calathea
Chosen by David
This month, we’re celebrating the beautiful Calathea, also known as the prayer plant for its habit of moving its leaves throughout the day. With stunning foliage and a tropical feel, it’s a standout addition to any indoor space.
Why we love it:
- Pet friendly
- Air purifying
- Packed with personality
Care tip: Calatheas love a bit of humidity, so place them in kitchens or bathrooms — or boost moisture with regular misting.
looking after houseplants
Visit Moss & Moor This August
🌼 Don’t forget: Moor Rewards members enjoy exclusive offers on plants, pots, feeds and more this month. Ask in-store for details or view some of our favourite offers here.
There’s something special about Dahlias. With their bold colours, intricate petals, and endless variety, they bring a joyful burst of energy to the garden just when it’s needed most — high summer into early autumn.
This month, we’re celebrating their beauty here at Moss & Moor with a vibrant display in our plant area, created as part of the Allensmore Dahlia Festival 2025. It’s a joyful showcase of colour and creativity, brought to life by our fantastic plant team.
Whether you’re already a Dahlia devotee or just discovering them for the first time, now is the perfect time to explore these spectacular bloomers and learn how to grow them in your own garden.
Why Dahlias Deserve a Place in Your Garden
Dahlias are one of the hardest-working flowers of the season. Here’s why we love them:
Bees and butterflies love them, especially single-flowered varieties.
They flower for months — from mid-summer right through to the first frost.
They come in every colour imaginable, from soft creams and pastels to fiery reds and vibrant purples.
There’s a style for everyone — from frilly dinner-plate Dahlias to neat pom-poms and star-shaped blooms.
They’re great for cutting and look beautiful in a vase.
How to Grow Dahlias – It’s Easier Than You Think
If you’ve never grown Dahlias before, don’t be daunted. They’re easier than many people realise. Here are some simple tips to get you started:
If you’ve never grown Dahlias before, don’t be daunted. They’re easier than many people realise. Here are some simple tips to get you started:
- Choose a sunny, sheltered spot — Dahlias love warmth.
- Plant tubers in well-drained soil after the last frost (or buy young plants from us).
- Water regularly and feed with a high-potash fertiliser once they start to flower.
- Deadhead often to encourage more blooms.
- Stake taller varieties to prevent wind damage.
- Lift tubers after the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place over winter – or leave them in the ground with protection in milder areas.
🌼 Top Tip: Growing Dahlias in pots? Use a deep container, water well, and feed fortnightly for best results.
Come See the Display!
Our Dahlia Festival display is now live in-store and well worth a visit. We’re proud to be entering the Allensmore Dahlia Festival 2025 and sharing our love of these joyful blooms with our wonderful customers.
Pop in, explore the display, and pick up some planting inspiration while you’re here.
Whether you’re growing for beauty, bees or bouquets, Dahlias never disappoint.
Moss & Moor Plant Team
Where nature meets nurture.
The warmth of July brings growth, colour and a garden full of life. It’s a busy month outdoors, from keeping bedding plants in bloom to checking in on wildlife and watering wisely. Whether you’re relaxing in a shady spot or potting up something new, we’ve gathered our favourite gardening tips and plant picks to help you make the most of the summer season.
Alex’s Gardening Jobs for July
Alex shares his top gardening tips for July to help your garden stay strong through the heat:
Cover brassicas with insect mesh to prevent damage from cabbage white butterflies
Feed and deadhead summer bedding plants to keep them blooming
Top up bird baths daily to support garden wildlife
Use a lawn feed to maintain lush, green grass
Water newly planted shrubs and flowers regularly while they settle in
Watch out for pests like vine weevil, lily beetle and slugs
Remove blanket weed from ponds – leave it by the edge so wildlife can crawl back in
Sow quick-growing salad leaves for a fresh summer harvest
Water tomatoes daily to prevent blossom end rot
Use supports for tall plants to protect them in wind or rain
July Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Miscanthus
Chosen by Kerstin
“Miscanthus is one of those plants that quietly does it all – structure, softness, movement and wildlife value. It’s a real garden workhorse with elegance to spare.” – Kerstin
This month, Kerstin has picked Miscanthus, also known as Chinese silver grass – a striking, easy-to-grow ornamental grass that adds bold texture and graceful movement to any border. It’s perfect for softening hard landscaping, adding height, and supporting wildlife with its airy plumes and seed heads.
Why we love it:
- Tall and architectural
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Great for wildlife – birds love the shelter and seeds
- Works beautifully in naturalistic planting schemes or modern borders
Kerstin’s Care Tips:
Pair with late summer perennials for seasonal colour ect shady spot? Speak with Kerstin and the team next time you visit 🌿
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot
Cut back old growth in late winter or early spring
Leave seed heads over winter for wildlife interest
Houseplant of the month
Sansevieria
Chosen by David
David’s houseplant highlight this month is the ultra-dependable Sansevieria, also known as the snake plant. With its striking, upright leaves and air-purifying powers, it brings calm, structure and greenery to indoor spaces with minimal effort.
Why it’s a favourite:
- Extremely low maintenance
- Ideal for beginners
- Air purifying and drought tolerant
- Great for homes or offices
David’s Care Tips:
Keep away from pets and little ones
Best in bright, indirect light, but copes well with shade
Water only when the soil is completely dry
Avoid overwatering – this plant hates soggy roots
looking after houseplants
Visit Moss & Moor This July
Whether you’re shopping for easy-care houseplants, choosing the perfect ornamental grass, or looking for expert gardening advice, our team is always happy to help. Explore our garden centre for tools, seasonal plants and inspiration to keep your outdoor space flourishing through summer.
🌼 Don’t forget: Moor Rewards members enjoy exclusive offers on plants, pots, feeds and more this month. Ask in-store for details or view some of our favourite offers here.
British summer wouldn’t be the same without strawberries and cream — and with the Lexus Ilkley Trophy just around the corner, there’s no better time to grow your own! If you’ve been meaning to plant strawberries, now’s your last call to pop them in with a chance to enjoy homegrown sweetness later this summer.
Whether you’re gardening in a border or on a sunny patio, it’s not too late — give your strawberries the right start now and they’ll reward you with juicy berries next summer.
Can I Still Plant Strawberries in June?
Yes — just!
If you’re planting young strawberry plants or runners now, you can still expect a small harvest this summer, especially if we get a warm June. If not, they’ll get nicely established for a bumper crop next year.
Now’s the time to take action — and we’ve got everything you need to help them along.
Pots or in the Ground?
Strawberries are happy in both!
Plant them directly into well-drained soil or grow them in Woodlodge pots, perfect for patios, balconies, or sunny corners. Choose a good-quality compost and space them out so the crowns sit just above the soil surface.
Top tip: add a slow-release fertiliser or strawberry feed when planting to help them settle in quickly.
Caring for Your Strawberries
Here’s how to keep them happy through summer:
Feed fortnightly with a tomato fertiliser like Tomorite to encourage more fruit.
Mulch around the base with straw or bark to retain moisture and keep fruit off damp soil. It also helps deter slugs.
Use wildlife-friendly slug pellets to protect young leaves and fruit — available in-store.
Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Strawberries hate drying out, particularly in pots.
Protect Those Berries!
Birds love strawberries just as much as we do.
Use insect mesh or crop & pond netting to keep berries safe from peckish visitors — especially once the fruit begins to ripen.
Everything mentioned is available in our gardening department, and our team is always happy to help you choose the right tools and treatments.
Alex’s June Gardening Tips
Your monthly guide from Alex, plus plant picks from Kerstin and David
Welcome to our June gardening update – your monthly source of inspiration, advice, and plant favourites, straight from our team at Moss & Moor.
June is a busy month outdoors, with plenty to do to keep your garden looking its best. Here are Alex’s top gardening jobs to tackle this month:
- Feed baskets and containers every 2–4 weeks with a liquid fertiliser
- Support tall perennials with canes or metal rings
- Boost your lawn with a seasonal feed treatment
- Sow biennials like wallflowers, foxgloves and honesty
- Check roses for black spot and mildew – spray if needed
- Stay on top of weeds – use hoeing or weed fabric
- Tie in new growth on climbing plants (clematis, honeysuckle, etc.)
- Keep bird baths topped up in dry weather
- Apply a mulch to help retain moisture around your plants
June Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Chosen by Kerstin
Astilbe
“Astilbes are wonderful for brightening up those tricky shady spots – they’re low-maintenance, yet so rewarding.” – Kerstin
This month, Kerstin has picked Astilbe – a graceful, shade-loving perennial that brings elegant texture and long-lasting colour to the garden. Loved for its feathery plumes and reliable blooms, Astilbe is ideal for damp, semi-shady borders or woodland-style planting.
Why We Love It:
- Shade tolerant
- Moisture-loving
- Adds softness and structure
Kerstin’s Top Care Tips:
Maintenance: Mulch yearly and divide every few years
Light: Best in partial shade, tolerates sun if kept moist
Soil: Moist, humus-rich, and well-drained
Some of our favourites:
💗 Astilbe ‘Deutschland’ (soft pink)
❤️ Astilbe ‘Fanal’ (deep red)
💜 Astilbe ‘Amethyst’ (lilac-pink)
Looking for advice on planting the perfect shady spot? Speak with Kerstin and the team next time you visit 🌿
Houseplant of the month
Chosen by David
Aglaonema
“Aglaonemas are so easy to live with – beautiful, undemanding, and full of character.” – David
David’s pick for June is the Aglaonema, also known as Chinese Evergreen. With its stunning patterned leaves in silvers, greens and pinks, it adds elegance and calm to any indoor space. Even better? It’s low maintenance, air purifying, and perfect for beginners.
David’s Top Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal – paler varieties need more light
Water: Water when the top few inches of soil are dry
Humidity: Mist regularly for best growth
Height: Can grow up to 1 metre
Pet safety note: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Need help choosing the right houseplant for your home? David and the team are always happy to help!
looking after houseplants
Alex’s May Gardening Tips
Your monthly guide from Alex, plus plant picks from Kerstin and David
As the days grow longer and the garden bursts into life, May is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the new season. Whether you’re sowing seeds, planting summer colour, or caring for houseplants, there’s plenty to do — and we’re here to help.
Our garden expert Alex shares his top jobs for the month to keep your garden looking its best:
Plant out tomatoes in grow bags or large pots, and tie them to a support system.
Sow grass seed to repair patchy lawns or establish new ones.
Earth up potatoes, covering green shoots with soil to protect from frost and encourage strong growth.
Use a liquid feed on spring bulbs that have finished flowering – it helps next year’s display.
Net soft fruits like strawberries and currants to keep the birds at bay.
Hang pheromone traps on apple and plum trees to monitor and control pests.
Protect young plants from slugs and snails using eco-friendly methods like beer traps or wool pellets.
Keep fleece handy for any surprise late frosts.
Install a water butt to collect spring showers and save on water in summer.
mAY Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Chosen by Kerstin
GEUM
Kerstin’s pick for May is the ever-reliable Geum – a bright, cheerful perennial that adds a vibrant splash of colour to borders. Blooming from late spring through summer, Geums are hardy, easy to grow, and beautifully long-flowering.
You’ll find stunning varieties at Moss & Moor including:
- Totally Tangerine – fiery orange blooms
- Mrs J. Bradshaw – rich ruffled red
- Mai Tai – soft apricot tones
Perfect for cottage-style borders, Geums pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and early summer perennials. Deadhead regularly for months of colour and joy.
“Geums are such happy plants – so easy to grow and full of colour for months on end.” – Kerstin
Houseplant of the month
Chosen by David
Dieffenbachia (Leopard Lily)
David has chosen the bold and beautiful Dieffenbachia this month – a houseplant with striking tropical foliage and rich variegated patterns. It’s perfect for brightening up indoor spaces and makes a real statement.
🪴 Care Tips
Likes bright, indirect light – avoid direct sun
Keep the soil lightly moist, watering when the top inch dries out
Enjoys high humidity – mist regularly
Prefers warm spots between 18–24°C
“I love Dieffenbachia for its bold, tropical leaves – it’s an easy way to add a real splash of colour and life to your home.” – David
⚠️ Please note: Dieffenbachia is not pet- or child-friendly, so keep out of reach and wash hands after handling.
looking after houseplants
Alex’s Gardening Tips for April
Spring into Action
As spring takes hold, the garden bursts into life—and so do the weeds and pests! April is a key month for sowing, planting, and protecting your garden from the unpredictable British weather. Here’s what to focus on this month:
Lawn Care
Now’s the perfect time to sow lawn seed and repair any bare patches after winter. We stock a variety of lawn seed to suit every garden, from shaded areas to high-traffic lawns.
Weed Control
As temperatures rise, so do the weeds! Keep them in check with our range of hand tools or choose from chemical-free and targeted weed control options available in-store.
Protect New Shoots from Slugs & Snails
Young plant shoots are irresistible to slugs and snails. Try environmentally friendly deterrents such as beer traps, wool pellets, or copper tape to keep them at bay without harming wildlife.
Help Garden Birds Through Breeding Season
Keep bird feeders topped up this month to support birds as they raise their young. We stock a variety of high-quality bird food to keep your feathered visitors well-fed.
Shield Tender Plants from Frost
Late frosts can still catch us out in April! Protect tender plants with horticultural fleece or cloches, both available in-store.
Freshen Up Paths & Patios
Give your garden a spring refresh by cleaning paths and patios. Remove slippery algae and moss using our selection of brushes and path cleaners for a safer, neater space.
Plant Potatoes & “Earth-Up”
Now is the time to plant potatoes. Remember to earth-up by covering new shoots with soil as they grow—this stops light from reaching the tubers and protects them from frost.
Sow Hardy Annual Seeds
Direct sow hardy annual seeds such as Nigella, Calendula, radish, and peas. These easy-grow favourites bring colour and fresh produce to your garden.
Time to Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs
For a stunning summer display, plant summer-flowering bulbs such as Dahlias, Lilies, and Gladioli. We still have a great selection available in The Potting Shed—pop in and take your pick!
April Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Chosen by Kerstin
azalea & rhoDoDendron
For a spectacular spring display, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are a must-have. Their vibrant blooms and lush foliage bring colour and structure to any garden, thriving in partially shaded, sheltered spots with acidic, well-drained soil. If your garden has alkaline soil, they will flourish in raised beds or containers filled with ericaceous compost.
“For something a little different, try the variety ‘Silver Edge’, which boasts striking variegated foliage. Mix different varieties to extend the blooming season and enjoy a long-lasting floral display.” – Kerstin
Kerstin’s Top Care Tips:
🌿 Planting – Best planted in early spring or autumn to help establish strong roots.
💧 Watering – Use rainwater whenever possible, as tap water can alter soil acidity. Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
🌱 Feeding – Apply an ericaceous fertiliser in spring and after flowering to support healthy growth.
✂️ Pruning – Minimal maintenance required—just remove dead flowers and damaged branches as needed.
🦋 Wildlife Benefits – These plants attract pollinators and provide shelter for birds, making them a fantastic choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Houseplant of the month
Chosen by David
Oxalis triangularis (Purple Shamrock)
“I love the Purple Shamrock for its deep purple leaves and how they fold up at night—it’s a plant with real personality!” – David
This month, David has chosen the Purple Shamrock, a striking houseplant known for its rich purple, heart-shaped leaves that resemble a shamrock. Adding to its charm, the leaves open in the morning and close at night, a fascinating movement designed to conserve moisture.
Not only is it easy to care for, but it also purifies the air, making it a fantastic addition to any home.
David’s Top Care Tips:
💧 Watering – Allow the top two inches of soil to dry out before watering. Avoid overwatering, as sitting in water can cause root rot.
☀️ Light – Thrives in bright, indirect light. Keep out of harsh direct sunlight, which may scorch the leaves.
🌿 Humidity – If the leaves start to crisp or brown, mist the plant regularly to increase humidity.
🍂 Dormancy – In winter, Oxalis may enter a dormant phase, where leaves die back. Reduce watering and wait for new shoots to appear before resuming normal care.
⚠️ Pet Warning – Not pet-friendly, so keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
looking after houseplants
Alex’s Gardening Tips for March
Spring is here! Our March gardening guide covers everything you need to do this month—from planting hardy annuals to preparing your soil for the growing season.
Spring is just around the corner, and March is the perfect time to give your garden a refresh and get ready for the growing season ahead. Here are some key jobs to tackle this month:
Spring Clean & Tidy Up
A little effort now will set your garden up for success later! Sweep paths, clear debris, and prune back dead growth to make way for fresh shoots. We’ve got a great selection of brushes, garden tidy bags, and secateurs in-store to help you get started.
Protect New Growth
As plants start to wake up, so do slugs and snails! Use wool pellets or beer traps to keep them away from tender new shoots without harming wildlife.
Lawn Care Begins
Give your lawn a spring feed to help it recover from winter and encourage lush, green growth. A little attention now will make all the difference in the months to come.
Harvest Rainwater
Install a water butt now to collect valuable rainfall – it’s an easy way to make your garden more sustainable and keep plants hydrated during dry spells.
Create a Wildflower Meadow
Sow wildflower seeds this month to create a haven for bees and butterflies. A simple mix of native flowers will bring colour and biodiversity to your garden all summer long.
Help Our Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs start emerging from hibernation in March. Leaving out fresh water and specialist hedgehog food can help them regain strength after the colder months.
Sow & Plant for the Season Ahead
- Tomatoes – Start seeds in pots and keep them warm and bright for strong early growth.
- Onion Sets – Plant now for a delicious late-summer harvest.
Feed Your Beds & Borders
Give your plants a head start with a general-purpose fertiliser like Chicken Manure or Growmore. Feeding now will support strong growth and healthy blooms.
There’s plenty to do in the garden this month, and we’re here to help! Pop into Moss & Moor for all your spring gardening essentials and expert advice from our team.
March Plants of the Month
Plant of the month
Forsythia
Hi, it’s Kerstin! This month, I’ve chosen Forsythia – a wonderfully hardy and fast-growing shrub that brings gardens to life with its brilliant yellow blooms in early spring. Just when winter feels like it’s dragging on, Forsythia bursts into flower, filling borders and hedges with colour and attracting early pollinators.
Why Forsythia?
- Early spring colour – one of the first shrubs to bloom, brightening up the garden before most plants wake up.
- Wildlife-friendly – attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low maintenance – pest-resistant and easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
- Versatile – works beautifully as an informal hedge, screening plant, or a standout feature in borders.
Kerstin’s Top Growing Tips
- Light & Soil: Prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil but can tolerate partial shade.
- Pruning: Trim after flowering to keep its shape and encourage fresh new growth for next year’s display.
- Care: Once established, Forsythia needs very little attention – just an occasional tidy-up and a light feed in early spring.
With its golden blooms, fast growth, and easy care, Forsythia is a must-have for adding warmth and vibrancy to any garden. Pop into Moss & Moor to find yours and get planting!
Houseplant of the month
Peace Lily
(Spathiphyllum)
Hi, it’s David! This month, I’ve chosen the Peace Lily – a houseplant classic that never goes out of style. With its glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers, it brings a calming, timeless beauty to any home. It’s even said to symbolise peace, thanks to its flowers resembling white flags of truce.
Not only does the Peace Lily look stunning, but it’s also an air-purifying powerhouse, helping to remove toxins and improve indoor air quality.
David’s Top Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Just keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If the leaves start to droop, it’s time for a drink – they’ll perk up again quickly!
- Humidity: Loves a humid environment, so mist regularly, especially in warm, dry rooms. Bathrooms and kitchens are ideal spots.
- Temperature: Thrives between 15–24°C but struggles below 10°C, so keep it cosy.
- Height: Grows to around 45cm over 5–10 years – a slow and steady beauty!
The Peace Lily is a fantastic choice for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike. Why not pop into Moss & Moor and find the perfect one for your home?
looking after houseplants