Molly Hartley

Articles by Molly Hartley

• Hori Hori Knives: The One Tool Serious Gardeners Swear By
  Forget the trowel. This Japanese soil knife digs, cuts, measures, and weeds—making it the only garden tool you'll ever truly need.
• Choosing a Log Store That Keeps Firewood Dry and Ready to Burn
  Wet wood kills your fire before it starts. Discover how the right log store protects your firewood and ensures a perfect burn every time.
• Trugs, Buckets and Garden Tidy Bags for Faster Clear-Ups
  Discover how the right trugs, buckets, and tidy bags can slash your garden clean-up time, making tidying smarter, easier, and surprisingly satisfying.
• Snow Shovels, Grit Spreaders and Winter Path Kit for the Garden
  Discover essential garden snow shovels and grit spreaders to keep winter paths safe and clear when frost arrives.
• Getting the Garden Ready for Spring: A February and March Checklist
  Warmer days are coming—is your garden ready? Our February-March checklist helps you prep soil, plan beds, and get a head start on spring growth.
• How to Prune Lavender So It Stays Bushy and Doesn't Go Woody
  Discover the simple pruning secrets that keep lavender lush and full—before woody stems take over and your plant becomes impossible to revive.
• How to Get Rid of Bindweed and Ground Elder for Good
  Bindweed and ground elder are every gardener's nightmare—but with the right tech-driven tactics, you can finally win the battle for good.
• How to Repair a Lawn Damaged by Dog Urine
  Tired of yellow patches ruining your lawn? Discover quick, proven fixes to restore lush, green grass damaged by dog urine—starting today!
• How to Stop Cats Fouling in Your Garden and Borders
  Tired of cats treating your garden as their litter box? Discover clever, humane tricks to protect your borders and reclaim your outdoor space.
• The Best Weed Burners and Thermal Weeders for Chemical-Free Paths
  Ditch the chemicals! Discover the top weed burners and thermal weeders that blast weeds from paths effortlessly, keeping your garden green and toxin-free.
• The Best Garden Sofa and Corner Lounge Sets for Relaxed Evenings
  Transform your outdoor space into a luxurious retreat with our top picks for garden sofas and corner lounge sets perfect for lazy summer evenings.
• The Best Garden Parasols and Cantilever Umbrellas for Real Shade
  Beat the heat in style—discover the top-rated garden parasols and cantilever umbrellas that deliver serious shade for your outdoor space.
• How to Make Comfrey and Nettle Feed for Free Fertiliser
  Turn weeds into liquid gold! Learn how to brew free, nutrient-rich comfrey and nettle fertiliser that'll supercharge your garden naturally.
• How to Clean Patio Furniture and Cushions Before You Store Them
  Protect your outdoor investment! Learn the right techniques to deep clean patio furniture and cushions before winter storage to prevent mold and damage.
• How to Grow Onions and Shallots from Sets
  Unlock a bumper harvest with minimal effort—discover the foolproof technique for growing flavorful onions and shallots from sets in your garden.
• How to Repair Bare Patches Under Trees and in Deep Shade
  Struggling with dead grass under trees? Discover expert techniques to revive bare, shaded patches and achieve a lush lawn in even the darkest spots.
• How to Deal With Powdery Mildew and Blackspot on Plants
  Protect your plants from powdery mildew and blackspot with proven treatment strategies that stop fungal spread and restore your garden's health fast.
• Hanging Baskets That Look Full and Last All Summer
  Discover the secrets to lush, overflowing hanging baskets that stay vibrant all season with smart plant combos, watering hacks, and pro-level care tips.
• How to Get a Stripy Lawn Like a Groundsman
  Unlock the secret to a perfectly striped lawn using the same pro techniques groundsmen use—no fancy equipment required, just smart mowing tricks.
• How to Grow Runner Beans and French Beans up Wigwams
  Discover how wigwam structures transform your garden into a bean-growing powerhouse, maximizing space while creating a stunning vertical display.
• How to Get Rid of Aphids Without Reaching for Chemicals
  Tiny aphids can devastate your garden fast. Discover natural, chemical-free methods to eliminate these pests and keep your plants thriving!
• Best Gazebos and Garden Shelters for Sun and Sudden Showers
  Shield your outdoor space in style! Discover the top gazebos and garden shelters that handle blazing sun and surprise downpours with ease.
• Kettle and Ceramic BBQs vs Flat-Top Griddles: Which Suits You?
  Smoky char or sizzling sear? We break down the key differences between kettle, ceramic BBQs, and flat-top griddles to find your perfect outdoor cook.
• Best Outdoor Solar and Low-Voltage Wall Lights for Patios
  Illuminate your patio beautifully while cutting energy costs with our top picks for outdoor solar and low-voltage wall lights built to impress.
• Garden Rake Types Explained: Leaf, Landscape and Spring-Tine
  Discover which rake rules your yard—leaf, landscape, or spring-tine—and tackle every outdoor task with the perfect tool in hand.
• What Should You Never Plant Next to Each Other? A Beginner's Guide to Companion Planting
  Discover which plants are garden enemies! Learn the surprising combos that stunt growth & invite pests—and what to pair instead for a thriving garden.
• How to Make Your Garden Smell Amazing: 15 of the Best Scented Plants
  Transform your garden into a fragrant paradise with these 15 stunning scented plants that'll delight your senses from spring through autumn.
• 12 Garden Projects You Can Complete in a Single Weekend
  Transform your outdoor space fast! These 12 beginner-friendly garden projects deliver stunning results in just 48 hours—no experience needed.
• The Best Plants for People Who Always Forget to Water Them
  Discover the best drought-tolerant houseplants and garden plants that thrive even when you forget to water them for weeks.
• 10 Brilliant Things You Can Do With a Tiny Garden
  Transform your small outdoor space into a thriving oasis with these 10 clever ideas that prove big dreams don't need a big garden.
• 15 Plants That Come Back Every Year – Plant Them Once and Enjoy Them for Years
  Discover 15 perennial plants that return year after year, creating a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that improves with time.
• Choosing a Garden Kneeler Seat That Doubles as a Bench
  Protect your knees and boost comfort with a dual-purpose garden kneeler that flips into a sturdy bench—your back and joints will thank you!
• Choosing a Soil pH and Moisture Meter (And Trusting the Reading)
  Healthy plants start with accurate data—learn how to pick the right soil meter and actually trust what it's telling you.
• Best Wall Planters and Vertical Garden Kits for Small Spaces
  Transform any blank wall into a lush garden! Discover the top vertical planters perfect for tiny patios, balconies, and indoor spaces.
• Hand Weeders and Long-Handled Tools for Pain-Free Weeding
  Tired of back pain after weeding? Discover the best hand weeders and long-handled tools that make garden maintenance effortless and injury-free.
• What to Prune in Winter and What to Leave Well Alone
  Prune at the wrong time and you could kill your prized plants. Discover which tech tools and timing tricks help you cut smart this winter.
• How to Prune Hydrangeas Without Losing Next Year's Flowers
  Prune hydrangeas at the wrong time and you'll sacrifice next summer's blooms. Learn exactly when and how to cut for stunning flowers year after year.
• Frost-Proof Pots and Planters That Won't Crack Over Winter
  Protect your garden investment with these durable frost-proof planters designed to withstand freezing temps without cracking, splitting, or crumbling.
• How to Deal With Waterlogged Lawns and Boggy Patches
  Soggy lawn ruining your yard? Discover expert drainage fixes and simple DIY solutions to transform waterlogged patches into lush, healthy grass.
• The Best Loppers for Thick Branches: Bypass vs Anvil Explained
  Tackle tough pruning jobs with confidence—discover the top-rated loppers for thick branches and learn which cutting style wins for your garden.
• Cold Greenhouse Growing: What Actually Survives an Unheated Winter
  Forget the heating bills—discover which hardy crops truly thrive in an unheated greenhouse when temperatures plummet, and which ones won't survive the cold.
• How to Store Dahlia Tubers, Begonias and Bulbs Over Winter
  Protect your prized blooms from frost damage! Learn expert techniques to properly store dahlia tubers, begonias & bulbs so they thrive next spring.
• How to Winterise Your Garden Taps and Outdoor Pipes
  Frozen pipes can burst and cause costly damage. Learn how to winterise your outdoor taps and pipes before the cold snap strikes.
• Long-Handled Bulb Planters vs Trowel Planting: Which Is Faster?
  Planting dozens of bulbs? We timed both methods so you don't have—the winner might surprise your back and your schedule.
• Insulated Outdoor Furniture Covers That Actually Fit
  Stop battling ill-fitting covers that trap moisture and blow away. We tested insulated outdoor furniture covers that truly protect all season long.
• How to Get Rid of Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets in Your Lawn
  Discover proven techniques to identify and eliminate destructive chafer grubs and leatherjackets before they turn your lawn into a patchy, dying mess.
• Choosing a Garden Vacuum for Leaves, Gravel and Gutters
  Tackle every outdoor mess with confidence—discover how to pick the perfect garden vacuum for leaves, gravel, and clogged gutters this season.
• Bird Feeding Stations vs Hanging Feeders: Setting Up for Winter
  Discover which bird feeding setup survives winter best—and attracts the most feathered visitors to your backyard when food is scarce.
• Log Splitters & Axes for Prepping Firewood at Home
  Chop smarter, not harder. Discover which log splitters and axes save you time, money, and backaches when prepping firewood at home.
• Cordless Drills & Augers for Planting Bulbs and Posts Fast
  Ditch the hand tools—cordless drills and auger bits make planting bulbs and setting posts faster, easier, and less back-breaking than ever.
• Wildflower Lawns and No-Mow Areas: A Beginner's Guide
  Transform your yard into a buzzing wildlife haven! Ditch the mower, plant wildflowers, and create a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn nature loves.
• What to Sow in Winter on the Windowsill
  Discover which seeds thrive indoors during winter, turning your windowsill into a year-round micro-garden with fresh herbs, greens & edible sprouts.
• How to Take Hardwood Cuttings From Shrubs This Winter
  Propagate your favorite shrubs for free this winter! Learn the simple technique of hardwood cuttings to grow new plants with minimal effort.
• How to Get Rid of Brambles and Stop Them Coming Back
  Brambles fight back—but with the right tools and timing, you can reclaim your garden for good and keep those thorny invaders from returning.
• Choosing a Garden Incinerator or Going Smoke-Free Instead
  Burn or ban? Discover whether a garden incinerator suits your outdoor space—or if smoke-free alternatives offer a cleaner, greener solution.
• How to Overwinter Dahlias, Cannas and Tender Plants
  Protect your prized dahlias, cannas, and tender plants from winter's wrath with these expert storage tips to ensure stunning blooms return next season.
• How to Grow Garlic: Planting Through to Harvest
  Unlock the secrets to growing perfect garlic—from choosing the right cloves to knowing exactly when to harvest for maximum flavor and storage life.
• Lawn Edging Tools & Half-Moon Edgers That Give Crisp Borders
  Achieve razor-sharp lawn borders effortlessly with the right edging tools—discover how half-moon edgers transform ragged edges into clean, professional lines.
• How to Prune Apple and Pear Trees in Winter
  Master winter pruning to boost fruit yields! Learn expert techniques for shaping apple & pear trees during dormancy for a thriving spring harvest.
• Best Garden Gloves for Thorns, Brambles and Wet Work
  Protect your hands from sharp thorns and soggy soil with our top-tested garden gloves built for the toughest outdoor tasks.
• Garden Shredders and Chippers: Turn Prunings Into Mulch
  Transform garden waste into valuable mulch with the right shredder or chipper—saving money, reducing trips to the tip, and feeding your soil naturally.
• Bird Baths and Heated Options to Keep Birds Going in Frost
  Frozen water stops birds from surviving winter—discover how heated bird baths can be a lifesaving solution for your backyard flock.
• Garden Furniture Sets That Survive a British Summer
  Rain, wind, or rare sunshine—discover the garden furniture sets built tough enough to handle whatever a British summer throws at them.
• Fire Pits That Make the Most of Cool Evenings
  Transform chilly nights into cozy gatherings with smart fire pit tech that blends safety, style, and warmth for the perfect outdoor experience.
• Pizza Ovens for the Garden: Gas, Wood or Multi-Fuel?
  Craving authentic pizza at home? We compare gas, wood, and multi-fuel garden ovens to help you find your perfect outdoor cooking match.
• Garden Knee Pads, Kneelers and Tool Belts Worth Buying
  Protect your knees and keep tools within reach—these top-rated garden knee pads, kneelers, and tool belts make yard work easier on your body.
• How to Plant a Bare-Root Hedge This Winter
  Bare-root hedges offer the best value for winter planting—discover the simple steps to get them established before spring growth begins.
• How to Make Leaf Mould From Autumn Leaves
  Transform autumn's fallen leaves into gardening gold! Learn how to create nutrient-rich leaf mould that supercharges your soil naturally.
• Charcoal vs Gas BBQs: Which Is Right for Your Garden?
  Smoky flavour or instant heat? We compare charcoal and gas BBQs to help you choose the perfect grill for your garden this summer.
• How to Plant Spring Bulbs in Pots for a Knockout Display
  Transform boring pots into vibrant spring showstoppers! Learn the simple layering secrets that guarantee a dazzling, season-long bulb display.
• How to Kill Weeds in Block Paving and Gravel
  Stubborn weeds destroying your driveway? Discover the smartest tech-backed methods to permanently banish weeds from block paving and gravel.
• How to Get Rid of Ants in the Lawn and Patio
  Tiny invaders taking over your outdoor space? Discover fast, effective methods to reclaim your lawn and patio from stubborn ant colonies for good.
• Wormeries Explained: Turn Kitchen Scraps Into Liquid Gold
  Discover how worms silently transform your kitchen waste into a powerful liquid fertilizer that supercharges plant growth naturally.
• Greenhouse Heaters & Frost Protection for Winter Growing
  Keep plants thriving all winter—discover the best greenhouse heaters and frost protection strategies to extend your growing season year-round.
• Lawn Feed Through the Year: What to Use and When
  Learn what lawn feed to use each season and decode NPK ratios to grow thick, healthy turf throughout the year.
• Patio Heaters and Chimineas: Keeping the Garden Usable After Dark
  Extend your outdoor season long after sunset—discover how patio heaters and chimineas transform chilly gardens into warm, inviting evening retreats.
• How to Improve Heavy Clay Soil: Practical Amendments & Timing
  Transform dense, waterlogged clay into thriving garden soil with proven techniques that boost drainage, aeration, and nutrient flow fast.
• How to Water Your Garden in a Heatwave Without Wasting a Drop
  Beat the heat without wasting a drop! Discover smart watering strategies to keep your garden thriving during a heatwave while cutting water waste.
• Getting Your Garden Ready for Winter: A Checklist
  Protect your garden before frost hits! Follow our essential winter prep checklist to keep your plants thriving until spring. 🌱❄️
• What to Plant in October: Bulbs, Veg and Bare-Root Trees
  Plant now for spring rewards! October is prime time for bulbs, winter veg & bare-root trees—your future garden starts today.
• Autumn Lawn Care: The Jobs That Set Up Next Year
  Don't let falling leaves fool you—autumn is your lawn's most critical season. The work you do now determines next year's lush, green success.
• How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn for Good
  Banish stubborn lawn moss forever with proven techniques that target root causes—poor drainage, shade, and soil acidity—for a lush, green yard.
• Solar Garden Lights That Are Actually Bright Enough
  Tired of dim, decorative solar lights? We tested dozens to find the ones that actually illuminate your yard—not just flicker pathetically in the dark.
• How to Prune Roses Without Ruining Them
  Master the art of rose pruning with expert tips that promote lush blooms—not bare stems. Your roses will thank you all season long.
• How to Fix a Patchy Lawn: A Step-by-Step Guide
  Transform your dull, patchy lawn into a lush green paradise with our expert step-by-step guide to diagnosing, treating, and reviving dead grass.