Coming to terms with rising prices

The rising cost of energy is affecting every one of us and we don’t know when, or if, it will slow down. Naturally it’s a concern for many people and businesses who are struggling to pay their bills, and it’s clearly hitting the world of horticulture, too.

On page 4 we highlight the plight faced by some of the top gardens in the country as they face everincreasing bills. Those with large greenhouses face a tough winter, but that’s something with which individual gardeners will also have to come to terms – a heated greenhouse is going to cost a not insignificant amount of money this winter.

While some of our precious plants will need to be kept under cover and in the warm over the coming months, there are plenty that can be protected through winter in other ways. On page 14 we bring you some easy methods that can give your plants ample protection through the colder months that are now upon us. It’s hard to remember those stifling summer days of heatwaves and hosepipe bans when we look outside right now!

Indeed, our very own kitchen gardener Rob Smith is getting set for winter (see page 34), though as we know with Rob, he never stops growing produce of some description!

The days feel short now, and for many of us it’s a case of dodging the rain to find some time in the garden. Still, poring over seed catalogues with a cup of tea can be a very therapeutic way of spending the time!

Have a great gardening week…