This month Mr McGregor talks about dealing with the hosepipe ban and what gardeners' can do to to save water while maintaining a healthy garden.


With the hosepipe ban now in place, there are a few lingering questions, after all how will this affect nature reserves and national parks, never mind our gardens at home? However, on quite the reverse, the ban has been welcomed by many reserves as this prolonged drought has already had a big impact on RSPB wetland nature reserves. The ban will enable trusts to preserve their water for birds and other animals, but for the average gardener, it’s a different story.

Read more: Working with the hosepipe ban

Following the drought warning recently, London's Clifton Nurseries, will be helping gardeners' to beat the drought with a range of plants and sundries that will help keep gardens blooming without using too much precious water.

Managing Director, Matthew Wilson, knows a thing or two about watering – in 2001 he designed a zero irrigation garden for the Royal Horticultural Society, which has never been watered! Matthew is the author of several books and articles covering drought and is keen to ensure that gardeners beat the drought: "From April we will increase the type of products we sell to help conserve water, such as new types of water buts, controlled watering systems and clever products such as moisture gel and self-watering planters and drip-feed systems,” says Matthew.

Read more: Beat the Drought

With March being the time of year to begin growing early varieties of potatoes, I have recently received a flood of emails asking me what measures should be taken, in order to tackle a variety of related potato problems.

So I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you how to prevent your yields from being riddled with pests and diseases.

After all, even if you know how to prevent such happenings it’s always good to have a small reminder at the beginning of the growing season.

Read more: Growing Pest and Disease Free Potatoes