MH
Molly Hartley
Plants & Borders Editor
Has gardened the same heavy-clay plot for fifteen years and won the argument with it roughly half the time. Writes about planting, pruning, borders, bulbs and lawns - plus the furniture and lighting that make a garden somewhere you actually sit. Firm believer that the right plant in the right place beats any amount of expensive kit. Rarely seen without soil under her fingernails.
Articles by Molly Hartley
- Hand Weeders and Long-Handled Tools for Pain-Free WeedingTired 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 AlonePrune 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 FlowersPrune 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 WinterProtect 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 PatchesSoggy 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 ExplainedTackle 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 WinterForget 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 WinterProtect 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 PipesFrozen 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 FitStop 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 LawnDiscover 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 GuttersTackle 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 WinterDiscover 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 HomeChop 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 FastDitch 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 GuideTransform 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 WindowsillDiscover 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 WinterPropagate 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 BackBrambles 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 InsteadBurn 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 PlantsProtect 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 HarvestUnlock 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 BordersAchieve 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 WinterMaster 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 WorkProtect 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 MulchTransform 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 FrostFrozen 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 SummerRain, 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 EveningsTransform 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 BuyingProtect 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 WinterBare-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 LeavesTransform 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 DisplayTransform 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 GravelStubborn 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 PatioTiny 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 GoldDiscover how worms silently transform your kitchen waste into a powerful liquid fertilizer that supercharges plant growth naturally.
- Greenhouse Heaters & Frost Protection for Winter GrowingKeep 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 WhenLearn 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 DarkExtend 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 & TimingTransform 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 DropBeat 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 ChecklistProtect 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 TreesPlant 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 YearDon'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 GoodBanish 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 EnoughTired 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 ThemMaster 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 GuideTransform your dull, patchy lawn into a lush green paradise with our expert step-by-step guide to diagnosing, treating, and reviving dead grass.
