Learn gardening skills online for free

We’ve curated some of the most helpful tools to help you learn gardening skills online for free.

Interest in gardening skyrocketed across the UK during 2020 and into 2021. Homebase recorded a remarkable 308% increase in searches for garden furniture on its website, showing that Brits are more eager than ever to get on the plot. However, if you really want to make the most of your garden - there is a lot to learn!

In this article, we’re discussing and curating some of the best free gardening resources available on the web right now. They’ll help you to cut down on gardening gaffes and - hopefully - set your plot on a route to success.

Sarah Raven on YouTube
Sarah Raven is one of the nation’s most beloved gardening personalities. From her base at Perch Hill, in East Sussex, she’s entertained us on TV and in writing - and now she’s available on YouTube.

Sarah’s videos are brilliantly accessible, with short run-times and concise advice. There’s something for every kind of grower too. A good place to start could be her advice on sowing broad beans, or her guide to companion planting.

GardenTutor.com
If you want more of a traditional course-style layout, GardenTutor.com offers just that - a free online gardening course that’s accessible for everyone.

Starting off with basics like choosing and preparing a site, the Garden Tutor course gives a wonderful overview for new gardeners and may even teach something to more experienced hands, in its latter stages. It’s the perfect way to learn gardening basics for beginners.

Grow Your Own growing guides and forum
You’ve obviously found our blog, which has plenty of growing advice, but try our forum - ‘The Grapevine’ - if you’re looking to talk with like-minded growers of all experience levels. For beginners, it’s a great way to join a responsive community of gardeners who are always friendly and keen to help. Start in the introductions section.

Another valuable resource on the site is our vast collection of downloadable growing guides. There are guides on a wide variety of crops, as well as interviews and tips on planning out your plot.

RHS online exhibitions
The Royal Horticultural Society is really the authority in British gardening and now, you can delve into their expertise from the comfort of your own home, thanks to their online exhibitions. Simply visit rhs.org.uk/digital-collections.

Also, look out for some gems of wisdom from our cohort of RHS contributors to Grow Your Own Magazine.

Words by George Storr

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