Gardening aficionados have something to cheer about even as winter temperatures linger—thanks to British horticulturist and television presenter Monty Don, who is encouraging early planting this season. Don, widely recognized for his tenure on the beloved show Gardeners' World, revealed on his website significant vegetables you can sow right now, challenging the notion of cold and frost being deterrents.
Monty Don shared, “If the ground is at all workable then I always try and sow some broad beans in February for an early crop. This allows the plants to get started before the warmer spring weather arrives, meaning early picking.” He emphasizes the benefits of early sowing, adding, “Sooner crops could provide harvests about a week earlier than later sown beans—a delightful treat.”
The seasoned gardener elaborated on his practices, stating, “The potting shed and greenhouse become the center of activity, sowing seeds, taking dahlias out of hibernation, chitting potatoes.” Despite the chilly weather, Don advises tackling any dry and workable soil, reflecting on his enthusiasm for sowing crops even during winter months. “There is always so much to do before spring,” he noted.
Don also shares tips on sowing tomatoes, highlighting the strategy of staggering planting times to mitigate risks associated with fluctuated weather. “I like to sow tomatoes in two batches,” he explained, “the first in February and another later, both to time the harvest and as insurance against bad weather.” This kind of forward-thinking horticulture encourages both novice and experienced gardeners alike to stay active.
On the other side of the gardening world, Hestercombe Gardens—a renowned gardening destination based in Somerset—recently bade farewell to its extraordinary Head Gardener, Claire Greenslade, marking the end of 17 impactful years. Having begun her time at Hestercombe back in 2007, Greenslade has played an instrumental role, being described by her peers as a cornerstone of the gardens.
According to Hestercombe Gardens' social media post honoring her work, “Her forward-thinking leadership has ensured the gardens honour their heritage.” It’s clear her contributions have transformed the estate, blending creativity with sustainable practices, and aligning past traditions with present needs.
Greenslade’s influence extended beyond horticulture. Her warmth and approachability molded the gardens as well as the community surrounding them. The heartfelt farewell on Facebook acknowledged her vibrant presence, stating, “Her warmth, humour, and authenticity have left an indelible mark on all who’ve had the pleasure of working with her.” It’s evident her legacy at Hestercombe will be cherished for many years to come.
The gardens, originally commissioned by the Hon Edward Portman, saw their most transformative iterations marked by Greenslade’s unique touches. The collaboration between famous designers Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens gave birth to some of the finest landscaping examples, securing the site as Grade 1 heritage and ensuring its splendor for future generations.
Throughout her tenure, Greenslade brought attention to the gardens’ significance and sustainability, impacting both visitors and staff. Her recent departure, recognized publicly with tributes from the Hestercombe community, serves as both celebration and opportunity for future growth.
“On behalf of the whole Hestercombe community, we thank Claire for her incredible contributions and wish her all the best in the future,” concluded the Facebook post, highlighting the gratitude felt throughout this magical location.
Meanwhile, as Monty Don continues to inspire folks to get their hands dirty and grow their own food—even as the winter chill hangs around—it’s clear the heart of gardening is about growth, community, and legacy. Both Don’s advice and Greenslade’s story serve as beautiful reminders of the joys and the work involved within the gardening world.