Harry and Meghan's new vegetable patch sparks huge spike in gardening sales
After it was reported that Harry and Meghan have their very own organic vegetable patch at their new Frogmore Cottage home, eBay witnessed a 50% surge in searches for gardening products.
As the weather gets warmer, many of us are getting our outdoor spaces set for summer, from planting our own produce to planning new flower beds and reviving hanging baskets.
New research from eBay has revealed that Brits are becoming a nation of mini farmers, with more of us growing our own vegetables in the spaces we have at home. Searches for vegetable seeds and vegetable trays are up 53% and 32% since February 2019, compared to the same period last year.
"The UK is really embracing the grow your own trend and we are delighted to be able to support garden and outdoor retailers," says Chris Gardener, Head of Home and Garden Trading at eBay.co.uk.
From growing trays to pop-up greenhouses, we stock a whole host of products to help anybody get started with growing their own plants or vegetables, whether that’s in a window box or in an established garden.
Top gardening retailer Thompson & Morgan have shared their top tips for growing your own garden. Keep reading for their clever advice below...
1. Size doesn’t matter
Even if you don’t have a large amount of space for garden beds, opt for growing vegetables in window boxes, pots, grow bags or even by making plant pots from old water bottles or yogurt pots. Just ensure the roots of the vegetables aren’t cramped and have enough room to move around.
2. You are what you eat
Get your hands on good-quality compost to ensure you have the right nutrients to grow lots of fresh, tasty produce. Investing in the best products for your plants and vegetables will result in a healthier garden.
3. Start life with good foundations
When growing seedlings, ensure they are planted underground or indoors to prevent them being eaten by insects. This will ensure they grow undisturbed.
4. Keep hydrated
While we all know the importance of watering plants, keep careful not to overwater them. Beans especially can encourage leafy growth and reduce the yield, so ensure you stick to 1/2 inch of water each day. Check the other vegetables you are growing to see how much water each of them need to thrive.
5. Protect against pests
Especially during spring and summer, garden pests are known for being attracted to growing vegetables and luscious plant leaves. Simply use a garden netting over your crops or keep your vegetables in a pop-up greenhouse, which can be zipped closed to keep all pests away. This is a great chemical-free way to guard your produce.
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