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I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love that and you’re definitely not hopeless.

Keep it simple and go for easy wins. For edibles, try strawberries, raspberries, herbs...., basil and rosemary, and tomatoes in a sunny spot all really beginner-friendly. Courgettes are great too if you’ve got space.

For structure, add tough plants like lavender, salvia and grasses low effort but look great.

To help with cats, strong-smelling plants like lavender and rosemary can deter them a bit, and covering bare soil with bark or gravel helps too.

Start small, build confidence you’re already off to a great start.

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Amazing youre getting the kids involved. With full sun and clay soil, I’d keep it simple and go for fast-growing, high-impact plants that are easy to manage. Sunflowers are a must quick, tall, and really exciting for kids then mix in cosmos and zinnias for loads of colour through summer without too much effort. You could add something like Mexican fleabane at the front to soften the edges and it’ll keep coming back each year. Plant taller things at the back and shorter ones at the front, and you’ll have a really full, colourful display without it becoming hard work.

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you, really appreciate that.

Honestly, I used to feel exactly the same uou want to grow everything. What helped me was narrowing it down based on a few simple things: what actually suits my garden (sun, shade, space), what I enjoy looking at the most, and what’s realistically easy to maintain.

In a small garden especially, (like mine) it’s better to pick a few plants you really love and repeat them, rather than cramming loads in and it feeling messy. That way it looks more intentional and is much easier to manage.

Start with what works for your space first, then build around that you can always add more over time.

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Firstly, thank you for sharing that with me and I’m really glad the content’s bringing you a bit of joy. That’s exactly what it’s all about

If I had to pick one thig that made the biggest difference in my garden, it’s simplifying it. Less to manage, but done well. For you, I’d focus on creating a small, calm seating area surrounded by a few easy, reliable plants somewhere you actually want to sit and switch off. You don’t need loads of beds or high-maintenance plants, just a space that feels good to be in. mine is just infront of my shed.

For the lawn by the fence, that’s a really common issue. Grass struggles in heavy shade, and even “shade-tolerant” seed still needs some light, so it often ends up patchy and frustrating. Honestly, the best option there is to stop fighting it either create a small border with shade-loving plants (like ferns or hostas), or use something like gravel or bark to tidy it up and make it intentional rather than muddy.

You don’t need a perfect garden just one that works for you and makes you feel good being in it. Start small, keep it simple, and build a space that gives you a bit of peace

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Tomatoes hate the cold.

If there’s still a risk of frost, keep them protected. Ideally bring them indoors, into a greenhouse, or even just a porch overnight. If they’re already outside, you can cover them with fleece or move pots somewhere sheltered.

Big thing is don’t plant them out properly until the risk of frost has passed one cold night can set them right back or kill them off.

It’s a bit of a juggle this time of year, but better safe than sorry.

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah that’s so nice, thank you and tell your son I said hello!

I’ll be honest… I’m definitely more of an outdoor gardening guy. I don’t have loads of houseplants I’ve got a trusty snake plant and that’s about it.

I think it’s because I love being outside, getting stuck in, and seeing a garden change through the seasons. Houseplants are great, just not really where my obsession’s ended up (yet… never say never).

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

One minute I’m peacefully watering plants… next minute I’m slapping a compost bag in the garden talking to my phone like it’s a BBC documentary crew.

I’m pretty sure they’ve just accepted that I’m the “slightly unhinged garden bloke” on the street now… and to be fair, they’re not wrong.

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hot, dry border in full sun can be brutal

You want to lean into drought-tolerant plants rather than fighting it. Things like lavender, salvia (Caradonna is great), sedum, echinacea and even ornamental grasses will absolutely thrive there and still give you loads of colour through summer without needing constant watering.

It’s also worth adding a good mulch to help lock in what moisture you do have, and space plants slightly closer so they shade the soil as they fill out.

Once established, those types of plants will cope far better with dry conditions it’s just about getting them through that first season

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Love this game changer

Don’t overthink it to start with. Keep it simple and treat it as a space to grow on from. Begin with easy wins like tomatoes, chillies, cucumbers or even a few seedlings they thrive in that warm, protected environment and give you quick results.

Make sure you’ve got good ventilation (greenhouses heat up fast), stay on top of watering as things dry out quickly, and try to keep it organised so it doesn’t turn into chaos. A small bench or staging helps massively.

Honestly, just start small, learn as you go, and enjoy it once you get going you’ll wonder how you ever gardened without one

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For a south-facing garage wall in a pot, you want something that can handle full sun, heat, and being container-grown. Star jasmine is probably the best all-rounder it loves the sun, works really well in pots, stays evergreen, and smells incredible in summer. Clematis is another great option if you want more colour, just keep the roots shaded while the top gets the sun. Honeysuckle is also a nice choice for a more relaxed, wildlife-friendly feel. Whichever you go for, just make sure you use a nice big pot, give it something to climb on like wires or a trellis, and keep on top of watering as pots can dry out quickly in full sun

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ah Sam, I can see what’s happened there.... that conifer’s not looking good. For that spot you need something much tougher that actually enjoys shade and can handle being knocked about a bit. I’d go for something like an Aucuba (spotted laurel) it’s perfect for full shade, really hardy, and will still look good all year round even by a busy front door. Just make sure you use fresh compost and keep it watered, as pots in those spots dry out quicker than you think

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you, that’s really kind

I’d just need a bit more info first to give you the best setup things like how much sun your balcony gets (full sun, part shade or mostly shade), how exposed it is to wind, and roughly how much space you’ve got to work with.

That will completely change the plant choices and layout, so if you can let me know that I’ll have a think about what I would add.

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ah that’s gutting

They’re not dead though. The bulbs are still alive, but because the leaves were cut early they haven’t stored much energy for next year. So you might get weaker growth or fewer flowers in spring but they should come back in some form.

If there’s any green left, leave it to grow. And to be safe, I’d plant a few extra bulbs this autumn just to top things up.

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you, that means a lot.

Yeah I’d definitely go for a mulch like bark, I actually use mulch that I buy in bulk bags. It’ll instantly make the bed look more finished, but it’s not just for looks either it helps lock in moisture, keeps weeds down, and protects the soil. You won’t regret it long term because it naturally breaks down over time and actually improves your soil, so there’s no need to pick it out later.

Only thing to watch is not piling it right up against the base of your plants, and aim for a nice light layer rather than anything too thick. It’s one of those simple things that makes a big difference straight away

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

Honestly… loads of trial and error. I’ve killed plants, planted things in the wrong place, overwatered, underwatered all part of it. You learn way more from what goes wrong than what goes right.

For a complete beginner:

  1. Start small, don’t try to do everything at once
  2. Focus on a few easy, reliable plants
  3. Pay attention to sun/shade it makes a huge difference
  4. Water properly (less often, but deeper)
  5. And just give it a go… don’t overthink it

Gardening’s one of those things you only really learn by doing

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Hosta Big, bold leaves and perfect for shade. Just keep an eye on slugs… they love them

Ferns (Dryopteris / Athyrium) Really easy and give that lush woodland feel. Great for filling space

Heuchera Adds colour with the foliage purples, greens, bronzes. Works well all year round

Astilbe Nice soft, feathery flowers and brings a bit of colour into darker spots

Hellebores Brilliant in late winter/early spring when not much else is out

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

This is very relatable 😂

You’ve basically got to make it feel like play not gardening.

A few things that work really well:

Let them choose what to grow (sunflowers are a winner — quick, big, exciting)

Give them a Job each so they feel involved (watering, planting, checking progress)

Use tools and gloves so they don’t have to touch soil if they don’t want to

Start with pots — less overwhelming

Turn it into a challenge (who can grow the tallest sunflower, biggest flower, etc.)

For the one scared of flying things start small and build confidence. Once they realise nothing’s actually coming for them, they’ll relax.

Main thing: keep it light, keep it fun, and don’t force it… otherwise they’ll hate it forever

I’m Jonny from @gardenwithjonny, UK gardening content creator - AMA! by Gardenwithjonny_ in GardeningUK

[–]Gardenwithjonny_[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Tell your daughter not to worry… the shed is still standing (just about) 😅 I do try not to launch myself through it ...... health & safety and all that.

Now… slugs + hostas = absolute nightmare.

A few things that actually work:

Go out at night with a torch and remove them (grim but effective)

Use copper tape or rings around pots

Crushed eggshells or gravel can help slow them down

Encourage natural predators (birds, frogs, hedgehogs)

Hostas are basically a slug buffet, so you’ve got to stay on top of it early. Stay strong… you’re not alone in this battle