It’s easy to figure out what grows well in the UK if you do a little research on your desired plants’ ability to survive in your geographical location’s plant growing conditions. The study has a lot to do with when and how your fruits, veggies, and flowers planted and where you do your gardening (outdoor or in a greenhouse).
What Growing Zone is the UK?
According to the UK Department of Agriculture and rural development, the UK plant hardiness zones range from the coldest Zone 8 to the warmest Zone 10. In case you’re wondering, areas that fall under Zone 8 have an average low winter temperature of about -40˚ to -35˚F while those that fall under Zone 10 have an average of 0˚ to 5˚F.
What Fruits Grow Well in the UK?
When you’re thinking about planting fruit trees in any part of the UK, the best choices would be apricot, nectarine, apple, sweet and tart cherry, pear, plum, and peach. Except for nectarines and peaches that suffer damage when they experience -12 to -14˚ F, these plants can withstand up to about -25˚F. Just make sure that that they planted near your home.
What Vegetables Grow Well in the Cool Season in the UK?
If you’re planning to grow vegetables in Great Britain, consider growing leafy greens that include arugula, spinach, lettuces, kale, cabbage, collards, Swiss chard, radicchio, beet greens, turnip greens, endive, and garden cress. You might also want to try planting some root vegetables such as kohlrabi, leeks, rutabaga, radishes, potatoes, carrots, turnips, and beets. Other vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peas, and cauliflower will also grow well in the country.
What Flowers Grow Well in the UK?
Although hundreds of different wildflowers grow in the UK, the most common ones include the UK rosa flower Carpet Ruby, bluebell, Indian paintbrush, Rocky Mountain bee plant, fireweed, sand-dune wallflower, subalpine larkspur, blanket flower, scarlet gilia, elephant head lousewort, silky lupine, and pink mountain heather.
These wildflowers can be seen practically everywhere – from the flat grassy meadows to the mountains’ subalpine meadows. However, the best time to catch these beauties on the flatlands is in late spring or early summer. If you’re in the hilly area, the best time to feast your eyes on these wildflowers is in July or August.
What Vines Grow Well in the UK?
Aside from the grapevines, clematis, and climbing roses you usually see in British gardens, other climbing plants such as the five-leafed akebia, passionflower, wisteria, honeysuckle, and silver lace vine also grow best within the area.
Can I Grow Jasmine in the UK?
Yes, Great Britain and Northern Ireland gardeners can grow these exquisitely beautiful climbing vines that produce delicate and sweet-smelling flowers. In case you’re wondering, UK’s planting zones range from 8 to 10. Although most Jasmine genus species are usually found in plant hardiness zones 9 to 10, you can find winter jasmine, the most cold-hardy species, thriving in zone 6.
What Grows Well in the UK Greenhouses?
Since setting up your very own polytunnel allows you to take control over your plants’ growing environment, you can produce virtually any plant in a greenhouse.
What are the Benefits of polytunnel gardening?
Greenhouse gardening offers you plenty of benefits, including extended growing seasons, protection from harsh weather conditions, seasonal pests, and vermin, as well as more grocery savings. To give you a closer look at the benefits of polytunnel gardening, check this out:
You’ll grow more plants within longer growing seasons
Greenhouse gardening allows you to extend growing seasons and grow more plants that aren’t native to your area. Thanks to this enclosure, you’ll be able to take complete control of your plants’ growing environment, such as the heat, humidity, and moisture. In other words, you’ll be able to grow tropical plants in the middle of the winter season.
You’ll keep pests and vermin at bay
One of the worst things that every gardener needs to brace himself for is the threat of destructive garden bugs such as aphids, cabbage maggots, caterpillars, cutworms, UK potato beetle, flea beetle, Mexican flea beetle, and more. Furthermore, traditional outdoor gardeners who grow vegetables and flower gardens are always on the lookout for the threat of deer, rabbits, raccoons, and other critters. With a greenhouse, you’ll minimise your plants’ exposure to these pests.
You’ll protect your plants from inclement weather
Unlike traditional outdoor gardening, polytunnel gardening allows your plants to enjoy complete protection from harsh weather conditions, including snow, hail, high winds, torrential rains, and long periods of drought.
You’ll save money on your produce
Although investing in a polytunnel will require an upfront cost, you’ll be able to recoup this cost over time – and then some. T won’t be impossible because polytunnel will allow you to create the perfect growing conditions for your plants so that you can get a greater yield of produce. Since this also includes out of season foods, you’ll get to save money on groceries.
You can have a cosy retreat in the winter season
A polytunnel allows you to enjoy a warm and tropical oasis that’s filled with thriving vegetation in the middle of the winter season.
With polytunnel gardening, you won’t have to think about what grows well in the UK. You plant any vegetable, fruit, vine, or flower you want, and they’ll thrive! Happy gardening!