Hello from Haxnicks
We are a friendly, enthusiastic company that have been designing, manufacturing and distributing garden care and plant protection products for many years. Professional, experienced and amateur gardeners all love to grow using our innovative, easy to use products.
Watch our Helpful Videos
We've put together a collection of Videos from our archives that demonstrate the great things our gardening products can do.
A-Z Grow Your Own Advice
A whole alphabet of useful grow your own advice- written by Madeleine Cardozo, author of Down to Earth.
- Asparagus
- Aubergine
- Beans - Climbing
- Beans - Dwarf
- Beetroot
- Broad Beans
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbages
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chilli Peppers
- Courgettes / Zucchinis
- Cucumbers
- Endive
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuces
- Melon
- Mushrooms
- Onions (seeds)
- Onions (sets)
- Parsnips
- Peas (and mangetout)
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Rocket
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Swedes
- Sweet Corn
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Zuchinnis / Courgettes
"I've used Haxnicks products for years - they're designed to do a brilliant job AND look good. Just what's needed!"
- Pippa Greenwood (Horticulturist, grow-your-own TV and radio expert, garden writer)
Have you got a specific gardening question? Just ask Pippa!
Click here for personalised advice from gardening specialist Pippa Greenwood.
The News by Haxnicks
Recent Updates from our Grow at Home Series
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New sustainable gardening tools
12th January 2020
Haxnicks Bamboo ScoopA garden scoop is one of the most useful things to have in the garden. Yet, many gardeners get by without one. They scoop compost out with a whatever is to hand. A handy trowel maybe? It works but as it has no sides it holds very little it makes pot filling much longer than it could be. The alternative is to pick up the bag of compost and tip it. Cue compost all over the floor and an aching back at home time! So, i say even though you can get by without a garden scoop make 2020 the year you treat yourself to a Bamboo Scoop!
The new Haxnicks Bamboo scoop is made from the same tough material as the Bamboo pots. If treated nicely (don't leave it down the side of the shed in the rain all winter!) It will last 5 years +. After use it is fully compostable. Just break into pieces to speed the process and add to your compost heap. See exactly how, and learn more about the material in this video. If you have a trusty plastic one then do keep using it until it gives up the ghost. But when it comes to replacing it, the more sustainable Haxnicks Bamboo scoop is the way to go.
Bamboo Plant Markers
Another first from Haxnicks. The first sustainable Bamboo Plant Markers. There's purpose needs no explanation but I'd just add they are compostable just like the rest of the Bamboo range and free of BPAs and petroleum based plastics. And they will help you remember where you planted your carrots. Because, lets face it, although you are 'sure' you will remember - if you are like me, you never will! -
Grow at Home: Cauliflower
5th January 2020
Growing Cauliflower
Cauliflower can be a tricker crop than many to succeed with, but the effort is well rewarded, with beautiful white or purple heads (also known as curds) that taste delicious and leave the shop bought versions behind.
Soil and Aspect
Cauliflowers need a well-consolidated soil which is deep, fertile and moisture retentive, so best to dig several months before planting, incorporating well-rotted manure or garden compost. Alternatively plant after a crop of nitrogen-fixing green manure.
Best planted in an open sunny site, it is important to avoid frost pockets if growing winter varieties.
Sowing Cauliflower
Sow the seeds of summer varieties in a cool greenhouse in mid-winter for an early crop. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough and harden off for a couple of weeks before planting out in rows 50cm apart with protection in early spring.
Autumn and Winter varieties can be sown outdoors in the late spring. Sow thinly in nursery beds before planting in a permanent site. Thin to 5cm apart and transplant seedlings when they are 10cm tall and bearing 5 to 6 leaves - take care in lifting them. Remember to water in well.
Depending on the variety the final spacing should be 60-70 cm apart.
Aftercare
After planting, mulch the crop with garden compost - quick to produce in a Rollmix Composter.
Water in dry periods with occasional feed and cover with netting to protect from birds - Giant Easy Net Tunnel will help shade from the sun too.
Fold the leaves up around the head to protect from rain and frost. Then use collars around the stems to protect from cabbage root fly.
Harvesting and Storage
Start harvesting when the heads are small so that not all of the crop is taken at the same time. Florets separate or turn brown when they are too mature. So better to opt for smaller specimens than leave it too late.
Cauliflowers can be stored on the stem, hung upside down in a cool dark place for up to three weeks - mist occasionally.
Pests and Diseases
Cauliflowers are susceptible to the issues as cabbages - pick up some tips in our Spring Cabbages Blog.
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Grow at Home: nutritious Microgreens
29th December 2019
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are tiny, edible, immature veg plants. They are ready - from seed to plate - in just a few weeks so are satisfyingly quick to grow. They need very little space or equipment so are great for beginners or urban gardeners. You can eat both the leaves and stems and harvest them simply with scissors or snips as and when you need them.
As an extra plus side they are packed with a higher percentage of nutrients than their more mature versions. Do not confuse them with sprouts which are generally grown in a jar and are germinated seeds that are eaten root, seed and shoot.
So if you are looking for freshness and want to to make your home cooking a little more "fine dining" without breaking the bank then try microgreens. They can be used in many dishes and will add flavour, colour and texture to even a simple sandwich.
Which seeds to choose?
Most of the veg you would normally grow in the garden such as beetroot, broccoli, chard, cauliflower, cabbage, salad greens, herbs etc can be grown as microgreens.
You can buy specific microgreen seeds which are sold in most garden centres. This is a good place for beginners to start as they are specifically designed for easy, successful growing and often contain a colour coordinated mix which will look good too. If you have seeds that weren't sown last year though - or know someone who does - it is worth giving these a go as microgreens too.
Microgreens are usually grown inside. They can be grown outside in warmer months too though. As you will have to do more pest protection plus remember to water them it is probably easier to keep them on the windowsill where they will get your attention though.
Sowing Microgreens
Take a shallow container or seed tray - the Haxnicks Bamboo Seed tray is ideal. Next take a Haxnicks Microgreens Mat and place it into the tray. The Microgreens mat is a made of natural materials making the whole set up plastic free.
If you want to use a different seed tray or a container like the plastic container your grapes came in or an old take-away container, then just poke some holes in the bottom to make sure there is drainage and cut the mat to fit.
- Check the seed packet for any special instructions. Sprinkle the seeds evenly onto the mat
- Water lightly - or mist if you have a suitable sprayer.
- Place it on a warm, sunny (ideally south facing) windowsill in direct sunlight. If the weather is not too warm then you may wish to cover with a piece of glass or clear plastic to encourage germination.
- Mist or water the mat once or twice a day- depending on the temperature - to keep it moist not wet. Sprouts should appear within around four to seven days. Continue to water once or twice daily.
- Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the cover (if you used one.) Continue to mist once or twice a day.
Harvesting
They should be ready in around two to three weeks. Harvesting is simply a case of taking scissors and snipping off a few. Cut just above the mat as and when you need them.This is where the Microgreens mat really comes into its own. The microgreens need to be washed but as they have not been in soil this process is much easier than it would if they had been grown in compost, Simply wash them as you would salad and pat dry on paper towels.
Use in sandwiches or to scatter over salads, soups and other dishes to give an extra punch of flavour.
You can pick what you need and leave the rest to continue growing. However, if you feel the microgreens are getting a little large then you can cut them. Store them unwashed in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. Then just remove, wash and use as required.
Pest and Diseases
As you are growing inside pests are much less likely but light may be an issue early in the year. Like any plant, Microgreens need direct sunlight to thrive. Around four to five hours a day should be enough. However, watch out for spindly, pale growth which might indicate insufficient light. If you find they aren't getting enough then either use a grow light or wait until a little later in the year to try again when days are longer and can meet the plants' light needs
