Alan Titchmarsh: The immutable truth of gardening? You only get out what you put in
In gardening, there are no shortcuts says Alan Titchmarsh: you only get out what you put in.
Alan Titchmarsh is one of Britain's best-loved gardeners, writers and television presenters. He started his gardening career at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew before moving into gardening journalism in the 1970s, and has been a regular fixture in print, on our screens and on the airwaves ever since.
Alan is a regular contributor to the gardening section of Country Life, writing a monthly article covering everything from his favourite plants to details about the gardens at his homes in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.
You can find many of his columns below, and to get you started here are some links to some of his most popular pieces.
In gardening, there are no shortcuts says Alan Titchmarsh: you only get out what you put in.
Alan Titchmarsh doesn't like soggy socks, but there are plants that love standing around in the damp all day.
I'm not an obsessive, pleads Alan Titchmarsh, but just an enthusiast — and he tells us which plants he's most 'enthusiastic' about over the course of a year.
The gardener, writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh shares his favourite flowers for early in the season — including one with a simply unbeatable fragrance.
There is often more than a grain of truth in gardening wisdom that comes from folklore.
The best of Alan Titchmarsh's gardening books have helped shape his career — he takes a look at some very special items in his library.
Alan Titchmarsh's Christmas column looks at all the plants of the festive season.
Writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh generally enjoys the patience and anticipation of gardening, but is happy to make an exception when it comes to forcing bulbs for Christmas. Here's how he does it.
Alan Titchmarsh shares his tips on bringing exotic blooms to life in the gardens of Britain.
Frost, deluges, heatwaves... the weather this year has been nothing short of madness, but Alan Titchmarsh has come through the other side and is enjoying his garden like never before.
We should stop beating ourselves up and cultivate responsibly for wildlife and the environment, but also enjoy the pleasure of a well-mown lawn.
Alan Titchmarsh thought his 'old friends' growing peacefully in their pots would be safe. He was wrong.
Our columnist takes aim at the plant collectors whose desire to hit bigger numbers overtakes their love of gardening — but he pours praise on the honourable exceptions who manage to balance both impulses.
Alan Titchmarsh admits that it's not just gardening's most challenging tasks, but also its the mundane chores that 'give me a deep sense of pleasure'.
The gardener, writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh reminisces about the gardening letters he's received — and despairs at the thought of what might have become of them if they'd been sent by e-mail.
Why buy your Christmas tree when you can grow your own and enjoy these handsome, statuesque trees all year round? Alan Titchmarsh offers his tips.
The gardener, writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh shares his tips on the flowers which make gardening at this time of year worthwhile.
Alan Titchmarsh has always loved Dahlias — and he's all too glad that his fellow gardeners have seen sense in recent years.
Alan Titchmarsh on the joys of the flowers that come to our late summer gardens — and the anticipation of starting to plan for next year.
Gardener, writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh shares the secrets of what planters to buy — and what plants to put in them.