After a long winter and a slow start to spring, gardens across the UK are finally bursting into life. Fresh green growth is appearing, blossoms are opening and there’s a real sense that the gardening season is underway.
National Gardening Week is the perfect moment to embrace that energy. Led by the RHS, it’s a celebration of everything gardening brings, from colourful borders and homegrown produce to the simple joy of being outdoors.
If you’re looking to start gardening or building on what you already have, now is the time to get stuck in. Even the smallest changes now can make a big difference as the season develops, helping you create a garden full of colour, life and productivity.
Gardening for wellbeing: the health benefits of spending time outdoors
There’s something uniquely rewarding about spending time in the garden. It’s not just about how things look, but how it makes you feel.
Gardening has long been linked to improved wellbeing. Time spent outdoors, surrounded by plants, can help reduce stress and lift your mood. The RHS highlights how gardening encourages mindfulness and provides a sense of purpose, both of which are hugely beneficial for mental health.
It’s also a gentle way to stay active. Digging, planting and watering all contribute to physical fitness, often without it feeling like exercise at all. A short session in the garden can leave you feeling both relaxed and accomplished.
There’s also the simple pleasure of watching something grow, such as a pot of herbs on the windowsill or a newly planted border, seeing progress day by day is one of gardening’s greatest rewards.
Grow your own vegetables and herbs: fresh, simple and satisfying
If you’ve ever thought about growing your own food, National Gardening Week is a great time to begin.
There’s something uniquely rewarding about spending time in the garden. It’s not just about how things look, but how it makes you feel.
Gardening has long been linked to improved wellbeing. Time spent outdoors, surrounded by plants, can help reduce stress and lift your mood. The RHS highlights how gardening encourages mindfulness and provides a sense of purpose, both of which are hugely beneficial for mental health.
Growing your own is not only rewarding but practical too. Fresh herbs picked straight from the garden can transform everyday meals, while homegrown vegetables bring a real sense of achievement.
Start small and choose things you enjoy eating. A few well-tended plants will always be more satisfying than trying to do too much at once. As your confidence grows, you can expand and try new varieties each season.
Easy gardening projects to try during National Gardening Week
Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. A few simple projects can quickly build confidence and transform your space.
Planting a hanging basket is a great way to add instant colour. A mix of trailing and upright plants creates a full, vibrant display that works beautifully by a front door or on a patio.
If you’re short on space, a strawberry tower is a fun and productive option. It makes the most of vertical space and gives you a steady supply of fruit through the summer.
Herbs are another easy win. Basil, mint and rosemary are all straightforward to grow and incredibly useful in the kitchen. A small collection of herbs near the back door is both practical and attractive.
Plant of the week: how to grow azaleas successfully
Azaleas are a standout plant during spring, known for their vibrant colours and stunning floral displays. They’re a fantastic choice for adding impact to borders, patios or containers.
To grow azaleas successfully, they need acidic soil and a sheltered position with partial shade. They thrive in ericaceous compost and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. Feeding with a specialist product like Azalea, Rhododendron & Shrub Fertiliser will also help support strong growth and encourage more vibrant blooms throughout the season.
Azaleas are ideal for brightening up shaded areas where other plants may struggle. Their bold colours, ranging from soft pinks to rich reds and purples, make them a focal point in any garden.
With the right care, azaleas will return year after year, providing reliable seasonal colour and structure. They also support pollinators, making them a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Celebrate National Gardening Week with us
National Gardening Week is all about getting involved, trying new ideas and enjoying your outdoor space.
To help you get started, we’ve created a special video filled with practical gardening tips and inspiration. In this video, we cover:
- How to pot a strawberry tower
- Tips for planting and growing herbs
- Step-by-step guide to planting a hanging basket
- Our plant of the week: azaleas
- A quick guide to essential gardening tools
Grab a cup of tea, sit back, watch and get inspired to make the most of your garden this National Gardening Week:
