The Canny Lass

Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby that more people across the UK are embracing—whether to grow their own food, boost biodiversity, or simply enjoy time outdoors. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. A wealth of free resources is available to help both beginners and seasoned gardeners thrive.

Can I just say here that, while I love the idea of being a gardener, I am not one. I simply don’t have the time or inclination to be a better gardener. Maybe that will change if I ever manage to retire!

Anyway, here are some of the best free tools, websites, communities, and guides for gardening in the UK.

1. Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Website

The RHS is one of the UK’s most trusted gardening authorities. While some of its features require membership, the RHS website offers an impressive range of free content. You can access detailed plant guides, monthly gardening tips, and solutions for common pests and diseases. Their Grow Your Own section is particularly helpful for beginners wanting to cultivate fruit and vegetables.

2. BBC Gardeners’ World

BBC Gardeners’ World is another excellent free resource, offering advice articles, seasonal checklists, and videos from well-known gardening experts like Monty Don. The site covers everything from container gardening to composting, and their monthly planting calendar is great for planning ahead.

3. Local Library Services

Many public libraries in the UK have expanded their digital offerings to include gardening ebooks, magazines, and courses—completely free to access with a library card. Go and check out what they’ve got today.

4. Community Gardening Groups & Allotment Societies

Community initiatives are fantastic free learning resources. Look for local gardening groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, or the Incredible Edible Network. These communities often run free workshops, seed swaps, or garden tours. Allotment societies also offer shared knowledge and advice from long-time growers.

5. YouTube Gardening Channels

Free gardening tutorials on YouTube are abundant. UK-based channels like Charles Dowding (famous for no-dig gardening), Huw Richards, and GrowVeg provide practical, easy-to-follow videos tailored to the UK’s climate and growing seasons. Whether you’re planting potatoes or setting up a greenhouse, there’s likely a video guide for it.

6. The Woodland Trust

For gardeners interested in wildlife-friendly practices, the Woodland Trust offers free resources on tree planting, native species, and natural gardening. Their website includes downloadable guides, printable activity sheets for kids, and tips on creating pollinator-friendly gardens.

7. Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library (free info)

While seed access through Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library typically requires a membership, they also provide free resources about organic gardening, soil health, and sustainable practices on their site. It’s a great starting point for anyone aiming to grow more naturally.

8. GrowVeg Garden Planner (Free Trial + Blog)

GrowVeg provides a powerful garden planner with a free trial and UK-specific advice. Their blog is packed with content on layout planning, crop rotation, and beginner mistakes to avoid.

So, there you go. Getting into gardening doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. With these free UK-based resources, you can access expert advice, connect with like-minded gardeners, and develop your skills while keeping your costs low. Whether you’re growing herbs on a balcony or cultivating a full garden, these tools will help you dig in with confidence.