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Ideas & Advice

Ideas & advice

How to create an outdoor reading nook

How to create an outdoor reading nook

Our gardens are great for many different things; entertaining friends and family, growing your favourite plants, and getting some much-needed rest and relaxation

How to create a spring centrepiece

How to create a spring centrepiece

Bring the new season into your home with this spring-themed centrepiece, made with everyone’s favourite spring flowers

How to create a herb planter

How to create an indoor herb planter

Fill your home with the aroma of fresh herbs with this DIY herb planter - ideal for brightening up your kitchen or dining room with some greenery

How to repot a houseplant

How to repot a houseplant

Repotting your plant is a crucial, often over-looked step in houseplant care that keeps your leafy companions healthy, flourishing, and alive for many years

Bulb Lasagne

How to Plant a Bulb Lasagne

If you’re looking for a unique way to show off your favourite flowers this summer, then why not try this fun, easy, and visually rewarding planting project? 

Tomatoes

HOW TO GROW TOMATOES FROM SEED

Nothing tastes better than your own freshly home-grown fruit and veg, and late February into March is the perfect time to start sowing your tomato seeds 

Spring gardening content

Gardening jobs for Spring

Get your garden ready for spring and grow the right way – from tidying up to sowing seeds, find out everything you need to do for a successful season

5 Lucky Plants & Flowers

5 LUCKY PLANTS AND FLOWERS FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR 

Usher out the old year and bring luck and prosperity into the new one with this list of lucky flowers and plants, especially for Chinese New Year  

Gardening tips for February

GARDENING TIPS FOR FEBRUARY

As early spring bulbs begin to colour your garden, you want to enjoy every moment that you can outside, as well as make sure the rest of your outdoor space is beautifully maintained

Summer flowering bulbs

How to plant summer flowering bulbs

Whether you’re a newbie or a spring gardening enthusiast, bulbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow

5 microgreens to grow indoors

5 microgreens to grow indoors

Microgreens are the sprouts of leafy herbs and plants that are harvested at an early stage to give a miniature punch of flavour in salads and sandwiches

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How to plant young plants

If you don’t have the time or space to sow seeds or take cuttings, then growing young plants is a super easy, convenient, and quick way to get a head start on your very own summer flowers

How to grow microgreens

How to grow microgreens

If you’re looking for something to do to keep your green fingers busy, or want to start growing vegetables yourself, then you can’t go wrong with growing microgreens 

Houseplants to boost your wellbeing

Houseplants to boost your wellbeing

The benefits to houseplants go beyond their aesthetics. Did you know that some houseplants may help improve the air quality in your home, which as a result has energy and mood-boosting benefits, including reducing anxiety and increasing productivity?

How to grow potatoes

How to grow potatoes

Baked, mashed, roasted or fried, nothing tastes as good as your own home-grown crop of potatoes. This versatile veg is loved by everyone and is one of the easiest to grow at home, making it ideal for beginners or a fun family project

Gardening tips for January

Gardening tips for January

Sometimes the only way to get through winter is to start gearing up for spring. Whether you'd rather curl up on the couch and start planning what to plant, or brace the cold and get to work outside, there’s something to do to keep you busy, warm, and prepare for your best growing season yet

How to create a foliage chandelier

Create a foliage chandelier

If you’re looking for an elegant and space saving decoration to enhance your home this Christmas, Dobbies chandelier wreath could offer the perfect, stylish solution

Episode 30 Winter Gardening

Podcast: Winter gardening

Dobbies’ Ambassador, Mike Griffiths, is joined by Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, to chat about winter gardening jobs and sustainable Christmas trees

Caring for your Christmas tree

Caring for your Christmas tree

With only 3 weeks until Christmas, now is the perfect time to bring your real Christmas tree home. Learn more about how to care for your real cut or pot grown tree once it's home with our handy tips and advice

Gardening tips for December

Gardening tips for December

The last of the leaves fall from the trees as our gardens slip into the frosty winter chill, plants with evergreen leaves and any with winter flowers are even more appreciated at this time.  Take pleasure in wrapping up warm and spending some wellbeing time in the garden, for some valuable fresh air and in the company of your resident robin

Episode 29

Podcast: Christmas decorating trends

Dobbies' newest Ambassador, Mike Griffiths, also known as The Mediterranean Gardener, is joined by Stylist, Rebecca Stanton, and Christmas Buyer, Anna Service, to discuss the four new decorating themes for Christmas 2023 and discover top trends for the season

Create a festive eco swag

Create a festive eco swag

This beautiful eco swag can be made using foraged greenery or collected stems from your garden – this not only looks stunning but it’s easy to make too. A modern take on a traditional Christmas wreath, get the whole family involved in foraging and you can even add new dried elements to it every year

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Create a wildlife haven with your real Christmas tree

The days are getting colder and the remaining fiery colours of autumn are slowly drifting away – winter is almost upon us. With the changing seasons comes essential garden maintenance and November is the time to get yours organised and tidied for the months ahead

Gardening tips for November

Gardening tips for November

The days are getting colder and the remaining fiery colours of autumn are slowly drifting away – winter is almost upon us. With the changing seasons comes essential garden maintenance and November is the time to get yours organised and tidied for the months ahead

Create a showstopping entrance

Create a showstopping entrance

This festive bauble display is a cost-effective way to create a striking first impression for guests and you can get the whole family involved! All you need is some baubles and coloured ribbon

Gardening tips for October

Gardening tips for October

It is the spookiest month of the year but there is no reason to let your garden become a nightmare this October. As autumn draws in, there are steps you can take to nourish your garden and prepare it for the season ahead

Create a houseplant haven with Phillip

NYAG Blog - Create a houseplant haven with Phillip

Phillip Stewart, a Digital Learning Consultant by day and houseplant parent by night from Magherafelt, was the winner of our Creative Indoor Gardener category in our Not Your Average Gardener Awards

Allotment advice with Jenny

NYAG Blog - Allotment advice with Jenny

Jenny’s endless efforts to create a thriving fruit and vegetable crop has seen her take home the Plant to Plate title in our Not Your Average Gardener Awards

Gardening tips for September

Gardening tips for September

After the busy summer garden season, September is the perfect month to reset your flower and vegetable garden, whilst starting to make plans for next spring

National Allotment Week

National Allotments Week in partnership with the Stroke Association

National Allotments Week returns from 7 to 13 August

Warm Roasted Allotment Salad with Hummus

WARM ROASTED ALLOTMENT SALAD WITH HUMMUS

A mixture of sweet flavours and crunchy textures, this salad is perfect to enjoy after a hard day’s gardening

August Gardening Tips

Gardening tips for August

There’s lots to be getting on with in August and long summer days allow you to garden well into the evening

Gardening Tips for July

Gardening tips for July

Mid-summer and the garden is at its most colourful. The frantic rush of exuberant growth is past, and our garden plants show off their glorious foliage

Beetroot Fritters with Leafy Blue Cheese and Hazelnut Salad

Beetroot Fritters with Leafy Blue Cheese and Hazelnut Salad

This unique and vibrant dish is packed full of flavours and visually makes a fantastic centrepiece

Gardening for mental wellbeing, with Jo Whiley

Gardening for mental wellbeing, with Jo Whiley

It’s a well-known fact that gardening has both physical and mental health benefits, and we believe horticultural happiness is within reach, even if you don’t have a garden

Prawn Caesar Salad

 Prawn Caesar Salad

This salad is perfect for summer, featuring a range of flavours from salty seaweed adding some crunch, creamy parmesan and buttery shrimp

Gardening Tips for June

Gardening tips for June

Now that summer is finally here and daylight hours are at their longest, the garden will be putting on an exuberant burst of growth and flower

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GROW YOUR OWN HEIRLOOM TOMATO, HERB AND CHICKEN SALAD

This delicious and fresh tomato, herb and chicken salad is perfect for summer evening dinner parties or an easy lunch

No-knead Picture Book Focaccia

No-knead Picture Book Focaccia

This picture book inspired focaccia is a beautiful and tasty centrepiece for your next summer dinner party!

Gardening Tips for May

Gardening tips for May

May is a fabulous month in the garden! Trees and shrubs burst into leaf and flower, cottage garden plants fill borders with their exuberant growth

Create a terrarium

Create your own terrarium

Follow our simple 6 step guide to create your own indoor garden

How to grow tomatoes

How to grow your own tomatoes

No matter how big or small your garden space, this easy grow-your-own project is a great way to enjoy home-grown tasty tomatoes

Episode 28: Grow your own

Podcasts

Welcome to our gardening podcasts, your one-stop-shop for all things plants and gardening related. Whether you’re a keen gardener or just getting started, we’ve got something for everyone

Spinach Crêpes Filled with Goats Cheese and Garlic Mushrooms

Spinach Crêpes Filled with Goats Cheese and Garlic Mushrooms

These savoury crepes are perfect for a quick and easy summer lunch enjoyed outside. The filling is rich, flavourful and creamy featuring garlic infused mushrooms and three different types of cheeses

Outdoor living 2023

Outdoor living

Our handy guide gives options for every space, style and budget. Download now to get your garden ready for summer

SPRING BACON, EGG AND ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH CROUTONS

SPRING BACON, EGG AND ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH CROUTONS

Gardening Tips for April

Gardening tips for April

As the weather begins to get warmer and our hedges and trees burst into blossom, April is always a busy month in a gardener’s calendar

Barbecued carrot, ricotta, almond salad with sultana dressing

BARBECUED CARROT, RICOTTA, ALMOND SALAD WITH SULTANA DRESSING

Vegetables are the main star of this dish, but beautifully barbequed and packed full of flavour they’re not like any you will have tried before

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Gardening tips for March

The new season starts in earnest this month. Nature stirs into growth as the weather improves and the soil warms

Gardening tips for February

Gardening tips for February

As the days begin to lengthen, snowdrops and early spring bulbs start to colour the garden, a sign that spring is tantalisingly close

Plants

How to grow Begonias

Plants

How to grow Dahlias

Dahlias are the all-purpose summer flowers. With so many colours and flower shapes to choose from

Plants

How to grow Gladioli

Plants

Types of Lilies

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Summer flowering bulbs

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Gardening tips for January

January brings us the shortest and coldest days of the year, the perfect excuse to curl up in front of the fire making plans for the new gardening year

Christmas

Create a striking Foliage Centrepiece

Surprise your friends and family this year with the most stunning, homemade centrepiece

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Goats Cheese Bonbons

Christmas

Baked Camembert with Roasted Grapes

Christmas

Virgin Earl Grey Martini

Christmas

Spiced Beetroot Tarte Tatin

Christmas

Cheat's Cherry Trifle

Gardening tips for December

Gardening tips for December

The last of the leaves fall from the trees as our gardens slip into their winter slumber

Gardening tips for November

Gardening tips for November

As leaves fall carpeting the ground in a tapestry of fiery colours, structural evergreen plants start to take centre stage

Gardening Tips for October

Gardening tips for October

As autumn draws in on the garden, October brings warm seasonal colours to our beds and borders

Gardening Tips for September

Gardening tips for September

After the frenzied activity of the summer period, September is the perfect month to take stock of the flower and vegetable garden

Fritillarias

HOW DO YOU GROW FRITILLARIAS?

Tips and tricks to get these tender beauties to thrive

Crocus

PLANTING CROCUS

Brighten your spring lawn with clumps of crocuses, planted in swathes

Amaryllis

HOW TO PLANT AMARYLLIS IN POTS & CONTAINERS

Perfect for windowsills and patios, learn how amaryllis will grow happily in a small pot

Snowdrops & Bluebells

SNOWDROPS & BLUEBELLS

Divide clumps of bluebells and snowdrops regularly to enjoy swathes and banks of blooms every spring

Gardening tips for August

Gardening tips for August

August is the time to relax in the garden enjoying long summer days. Watering is key this month

Alluim

WAYS TO PLANT YOUR ALLIUM BULBS

Versatile bulbs, there are plenty of options of how and where to plant Alliums to make beautiful displays

Narcissus

GROW YOUR OWN NARCISSUS

A springtime staple, there’s a daffodil for every occasion. Follow the tips below for glorious displays

HYACINTH

HOW TO GROW HYACINTHS FOR CHRISTMAS

Possible to grow in soil or water, plant your hyacinths in time to bloom beautifully through the festive period

Watering your garden

Watering your garden

Watering your garden is an easy but very important task. We have mapped out below some very helpful tips to hydrate your garden.

Weeding your garden

WEEDING YOUR GARDEN

A weed is an unwanted plant that can be invasive. They can spoil the appearance of your garden and can harbour pests and diseases.

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DOBBIES AT CHELSEA

The world’s most iconic horticultural event, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is back in May for 2022, and we have marked our return with an inspirational stand

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Dobbies donates indoor plants to Stroke Association

We are collaborating with one of our charity partners, Stroke Association, to show our support for Stroke Awareness Month, with the donation of indoor plants from our five star, award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show stand

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Dobbies donates plants to Horatio’s Garden

At Dobbies, we’re committed to supporting charities on a national and regional level and we are proud to be collaborating with Horatio’s Garden by donating plants from this year’s five star, award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show ‘green sanctuary’ stand

Peat Free Compost

THREE AWARDS WON AT CHELSEA

We received a trio of awards at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

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Garden Herb Pizza

Get the perfect pie every time with our pizza recipe, add home grown toppings from your garden and cook to perfection with an Ooni pizza oven  

Top tips for making pizza featuring ooni pizza ovens

TOP TIPS FOR MAKING PIZZA FEATURING OONI PIZZA OVENS

Ooni Pizza Ovens have pulled together some top tips for pizza making to share with you whether you’re just starting your pizza making journey or you’re a seasoned pizzaiolo

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DISCOVER WEBER

We've teamed up with Weber to help you get BBQ ready this spring. 

Just pop in store for your chance to discover how to make the perfect pizza or epic steaks

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How to make the most of food waste in your garden

Since Dobbies partnered with Too Good To Go, the surplus food app in February 2021, more than 37,500 Magic Bags of fresh and delicious surplus food have been bought from Dobbies’ foodhalls across the country

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Show your support for Ukraine by growing a Sunflower

We have teamed up with the Daily Express to offer their readers a free packet of Mr Fothergill’s Giant Single Sunflower seeds, as we show our support for Ukraine, with their national flower  

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Roasted salmon fillets with a herby crumb topping

A delicious fresh fish recipe that's perfect for dining al fresco

How to plant bulbs in pots

How to plant bulbs in pots

You don’t need a lot of space to grow bulbs – lots of varieties grow well in pots and hanging baskets, so you can add them to any garden

summer flowers

How to plant bulbs in the ground

Give your garden a colour boost by planting summer-flowering bulbs this spring

green lawn in front of shrubs

How to get your lawn summer ready

Our lawns are at the heart of our gardens - a place to relax, entertain and play with the kids. With just a few easy steps you can get your lawn into great shape ready for the summer season

young plants

How to plant young plants

Enjoy the sense of achievement & satisfaction of growing your own beautiful flowering plants to brighten up your borders, pots & baskets this season

young plants

Planting out young plants

Once your young plants are a bit more established and showing healthy growth, they will still need a bit of extra care to get them fully ready for planting out into beds & borders and your pots & baskets

indoor seeds

How to grow from seed indoors

Don’t worry if you don’t have a greenhouse, your seedlings will happily grow on a bright windowsill until they are ready to go out in the garden

Hedgehog surrounded by foliage

Top tips for reusing your real cut tree

We are encouraging people to think sustainably when they dispose of their real cut trees this festive season

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Veggie stuffed butternut squash

A delicious Autumn dish that can be served as either a main or a side

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HotBin

Chomp through all your food and garden waste turning it into rich, organic compost your garden will love

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Autumn Lawn Care

Now’s the time to treat your lawn to some TLC – it's worked hard over the summer and deserves pampering to see it through winter and into next year

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Garden gin punch

A twist on a classic hot gin punch. It has a balanced blend of citrus fruits and it’s perfect for sharing on an Autumn evening

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Not your average gardener awards

We are proud to announce the winners for our  ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ awards

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Layered planting

Layered planting is a great way of creating a potted bulb display that’s full of colour and interest – it will also change and evolve as spring progresses

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How to plant indoor bulbs

Several of our bulbs are suitable for growing indoors giving you early colour and fragrance

Italian sandwich

Italian picnic sandwich

A perfect sandwich for a summer picnic. Filled with salami, rocket, homemade relish and mozzarella, it has all the flavours of Italy that kids and grownups will enjoy

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Bloomin Amazing

A unique triple action soil enricher made entirely from a by- product of the UK’s first commercial biomethane generating plant

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How to grow runner beans

Planting and growing runner beans is the perfect activity for budding gardeners and experts alike. Find out how to grow your runner beans with Dobbies

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World whisky day mint julep

Make a classic Whisky Cocktail, combining whisky, mint and sugar syrup, stirred to the perfect dilution with lots of ice

How to Plant Dahlias

How to plant dahlias

Dahlias make a delightful addition to any garden thanks to their bright colours and versatile shapes and sizes

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Plant, grow, eat… Edible roses collection

Now you can plant a range of roses that don’t just look and smell gorgeous, they’ll tickle your tastebuds too

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Our expert events

Welcome to our expert events. These virtual events aim to provide you with engaging tips and tricks, tutorials and live demonstrations across a variety of topics

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Spicy cauliflower & bean tacos with pickled red onions

Make these tasty tacos for a Mexican-inspired feast. Pack your tortillas with delicious fillings, including spicy cauliflower, borlotti beans and vegetables

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Healthy soil this spring with #sustainabledobbies

Healthy soil plays a vital role in allowing your garden to flourish. Not only does soil allow plants to thrive, but it also provides a great habitat for biodiversity, attracting a whole host of wildlife to your green space

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#sustainabledobbies

At Dobbies, we are committed to educating about the importance of soil health and delivering environmentally-friendly practices and products, and sustainable solutions

Apple tree

How to grow an apple tree

Apple trees are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow and a focal point for any garden. They also have many benefits besides the juicy fruit they produce

Greek Quinoa Salad

Greek quinoa salad

This fresh, zingy salad has it all: colour, flavour and texture

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5 top trees for small spaces

There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a tree for a small garden

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Mexican style summer salad

Spice up your summer with this simple Mexican-style salad

Herb Pyramid

How to plant a herb pyramid

No matter what size your garden space, it’s easy to grow your own herbs to use for cooking, salads, BBQs and herbal teas

How to grow your own strawberries

How to grow your own strawberries

No matter how big or small your garden, this easy project is a great way to enjoy delicious home-grown strawberries and get all the family involved

Windowsill Crops

How to grow speedy windowsill crops

Growing your own speedy windowsill crops is a great, low cost way to grow a variety of leaves and sprouting seeds

Hanging Basket

How to plant a hanging basket

A quick and easy garden project that’ll brighten up your outside space instantly

How to grow your own rhubarb

How to grow your own rhubarb

Rhubarb is a surprisingly versatile ingredient that is great for all kinds of recipes from classic crumbles to jams and compotes, or simply roasted or poached with spices and a little orange zest

HOW TO:  Grow a sweet pea wigwam

How to grow a sweet pea wigwam

Sweet peas are one of the UK's favourite cottage garden plants

How to grow your own garlic

How to grow your own garlic

Easy to grow, garlic is the perfect low maintenance crop if you’re new to growing your own vegetables

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Scones

Scones are the perfect tea-time treat, whether jam-and-cream-topped, plain or slathered in butter

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns

These classic hot cross buns are not quick to make but are well worth the wait

Summer Bedding Plants

Summer bedding plants

You can’t beat summer bedding plants for a colour burst and fast results

Cottage Garden

How to grow a cottage garden

The great thing about cottage gardens is that there are no rules. Just grow what you love to create a garden that’s uniquely yours

Alpine trough

How to plant an alpine trough

While alpines will grow happily in rock gardens and stone walls, a lovely traditional way to display them is in a stone trough

Easter nest cupcakes

Easter nest cupcakes

Easter is the perfect time to tuck into chocolate and these Easter nest cupcakes are the perfect chocolate fix

Veg in containers

How to grow vegetables in containers

No matter how small your garden space, many vegetables will grow very happily in containers, from shallow bowls to larger pots, window-boxes and even hanging baskets

Flowering Pot

How to plant a flowering pot

A quick easy and rewarding garden project that'll brighten up your outside space in an instant

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Lasagne

Lasagne is a classic that everyone loves. Make this easy lasagne recipe to share with the whole family and everyone will love this classic Italian dinner

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Burgers

Learn how to make succulent beef burgers with just a few ingredients. Get inspired with this easy recipe for perfect homemade patties

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Noodle salad

A deliciously light and zingy noodle salad with flavours inspired from all over Asia

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No gluten fish and chips

You can't beat homemade fish and chips. It's a British institution and a national dish that everyone can't help but love

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Chilli no carne (Vegan)

This vegan twist on a traditional chilli con carne provides a protein-packed, hearty meal that’s full of flavour

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Meatless burger (Vegan)

This quick and easy veggie burger recipe uses chickpeas and sweetcorn to tempt even the most carnivorous of meat eaters. It's vegan too

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Eggy brioche and bacon

Eggy bread, pain perdu or French toast - this classic breakfast dish has plenty of names and just as many options for toppings

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How to grow onions and shallots

Onions and shallots are easy to grow and make the perfect low maintenance crop if you’re new to growing your own vegetables. They fit neatly in rows between other crops and don’t need a lot of attention except occasional watering

Mac and Cheese Toastie

Mac and cheese toastie

Macaroni Cheese has always been one of the well-loved classic dishes, but we have added a modern twist

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How to plant an acid loving shrub

A quick and easy garden project that will brighten up your outdoor space in an instant. Whether you choose a handsome acer with stunning foliage colour or an evergreen rhododendron with striking flowers, you’ll have an eye-catching focal point that will look good for years