Gardeners expert says 'buy these two plant types from nurseries now'

Gardeners’ World presenter Joe Swift has shared his expert gardening tips on buying tender annuals and herbs from nurseries now — but warns against planting them outside just yet due to the risk of a cold snap

09:54, 05 May 2026Updated 10:39, 05 May 2026

Close-up focuses on the tip of a rosemary plant, highlighting the dense, needle-like green leaves with a slightly glossy surface. The aromatic herb is widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. The image captures the plant’s fine texture and vibrant colour under natural light.

A Gardeners’ World star says now is a good time to buy two types of plant(Image: Sunphol Sorakul/Getty Images)

Gardeners are being encouraged to purchase two varieties of plants from nurseries right now. Though they’re being cautioned against planting them just yet in case we experience another cold spell.

Gardeners’ World presenter Joe Swift says we’re “fast approaching” the period when you ought to be planting your tender annuals and herbs. Yet Joe suggests holding back from putting them in the ground for the moment.

Writing in The Times, he said: “Buy them from the garden centre and nurseries now but, depending where you live, perhaps don’t plant out for another two weeks. If you do, watch out for a cold snap.”

Joe points out that annuals are typically sold in pots or strips. The climbers, including sweet peas, morning glory, Spanish flag, and black-eyed Susans represent “great value” choices.

He notes that some varieties can grow up to three or four metres in height and will keep flowering throughout the summer months. These plants also work well for borders lacking in height, Joe highlights.

A gardener plants a basil seedling in rich soil while wearing dotted gloves, emphasizing organic gardening and care for nature. Gardening tools and neighboring plants add context to this serene environment.

Joe says now is a good time to plant herbs(Image: Getty Images)

He said: “For borders that lack height, consider making a wigwam from bamboo or hazel canes – push them into the soil and tie them together at the top, then grow a climber or two over.”

Yet Joe says your hardy and tender annual flowers, including cosmos, nicotiana, snapdragons, nigellas, and poached egg plants can be planted straight away. The same applies to your annual herbs like basil and coriander and hardier herbs such as mint and chives.

Joe points out that numerous plants are simultaneously “ornamental” and “tasty”. The RHS confirms that fresh herbs are “easy to grow” and provide an additional flavour boost to mealtimes following harvest.

It advises herbs should be cultivated in full sunlight with abundant light alongside well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil. The society recommends seeds for plants including coriander and dill ought to be sown fortnightly throughout spring and summer.

Hands gather pulled weeds near a healthy basil plant in a backyard garden, showing careful plant care and seasonal maintenance.

Basil is a good herb to plant now, Joe explains(Image: Getty Images)

Gardeners are encouraged to cultivate multiple herbs with varying maturation periods to maintain productive herb gardens. Meanwhile, herbs including chives, mint, parsley and tarragon should be raised outdoors before being transferred inside for winter.

Robust herbs like mint and sage require potting in larger vessels. Gardeners with restricted space can utilise a grow bag. Additionally, herbs planted during spring can be sown beneath cloches and frames, the RHS states.

Alternatively, gardeners can sow trays within a greenhouse, conservatory, or sunny windowsill that will be prepared for planting once the soil temperature rises. Certain herbs including lavender, sage, thyme and rosemary can fall prey to the rosemary beetle.

Meanwhile, young seedlings may also require protection from birds, slugs and snails. Further herbs like dill and basil struggle under crowded conditions.