The Hort Report: 6th June 2025
Growing tomatoes, an urban gardening festival, and more!
Here’s your weekly Hort Report - the round-up of industry news, retail insights, home gardener gossip, influencer spotlights, social media news, and so much more.
Grab a cool drink, and catch up on the latest below…
NEWS FLASH
50% off RHS app membership
Get more out of your garden with RHS Grow, an app that allows you to identify plants, keep track of the plants you have, receive tips on how to care for them, and get help and advice. You can get a free 30-day trial and 50% off membership by using this special link on your phone!
If you’re reading this on a desktop, scan the QR code below with your phone to download the app and sign up.
DAY OUT
Smell the lilacs at Withdean Park
In this brief tour, Dan Mackey shows us round a beautiful, dog-friendly hidden gem in Brighton, where one of the largest collections of lilacs await, with no crowds in sight! Withdean Park is an informal garden with views of the South Downs, a bluebell wood and nearby parking. Plus, it’s open all year round!
SOCIAL NEWS
How to grow great tomatoes effortlessly
Want to grow excellent tasting tomatoes with ease? I answer all your burning tomato questions and show you how it’s done - including how to achieve success with grow bags - in my latest video for Cherry Lane Garden Centres.
Watch it here!
PRODUCT NEWS
Elho Magic Microgreens
The magic microgreens kit makes it easy to grow fresh, healthy microgreens at home all year round. Simply fill the outer pot with water, sprinkle seeds on the strainer tray, and cover with the lid to germinate in the dark if desired. With daily water changes and a little care, you’ll be harvesting tasty greens like cress, rocket and radish in just a week. Stylish enough for your kitchen counter or windowsill!
Shop the collection here.
HOME GARDENER PLANT OF THE WEEK
Monstera pinnatipartia
Rare and striking, the mature Monstera pinnatipartita is a sought-after tropical houseplant known for its dramatic, deeply slit leaves that can grow over a foot long. Difficult to find in its mature form, it’s a statement piece, with its lush greenery and lovely texture. Despite its exotic appearance, it’s easy to care for, making it ideal even for beginners. With the potential to climb over six feet, this plant not only brings a tropical feel year-round but also makes a thoughtful gift!
Browse here.
BOOK
The Kindest Garden by Marian Boswall
The Kindest Garden by Marian Boswall is a practical and inspiring guide to regenerative gardening – a step beyond sustainability, focused on actively improving the planet through your garden. Drawing on her experience with large-scale landscape projects, Boswall shows readers how to boost biodiversity and create a thriving ecosystem, whether they have a windowsill or a large plot. With lessons from nature, rewilders and regenerative farmers, the book covers key elements like soil, water and planting, and offers practical projects, clear explanations, and helpful charts for gardeners who want to make a meaningful difference.
Buy your copy here.
WHAT TO DO NOW
Grow Urban Festival: New Energies – Growing Beyond the Visible
This is a thought-provoking evening of discussion and inspiration exploring the unseen forces that influence how we grow and connect in urban spaces. Held at Rudolf Steiner House on Monday 9th June from 6–8pm, the event features sustainability advocate Arizona Muse alongside pioneers like no-dig gardening expert Charles Dowding and author Matthew Ingram. Together, they’ll explore regenerative gardening, soil health, spiritual ecology and the role of intention in creating meaningful change. Open to artists, gardeners and anyone curious about healing and growth in city life.
Find out more here.
QVC PRODUCT PICK
YouGarden Pansy 'Top Wave' Hanging Baskets x 2 w/ Fertiliser & Compost
Brighten up the darker months with YouGarden's Pansy 'Top Wave' hanging baskets, a revolutionary variety boasting the world's first large-flowered trailing pansy. This stunning set includes everything you'll need for a hanging basket display of bold, cascading blooms from autumn through spring. With improved structure and leaf shape, each plant delivers vibrant displays with minimal effort - ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.
Buy it here.