We’re all itching to get out into the garden, but the garden won’t be ready for weeks yet. So let’s look at indoors and get organised for the coming months.

February remains a great month to buy seed potatoes, get them chitted  and planted. We have a great variety in store and a helpful ‘pick-up guide’ for the beginner. Here at Pentland Plants we encourage our gardeners to get involved and get growing. It’s not just satisfying to see something grow from a seed but the end result is ultimately rewarding.

Seed sowing is well under way in February. But it’s not too late to get started with your seed packets and propagationequipment. We stock everything for the windowsill gardener to the greenhouse enthusiast. If you’re using a greenhouse don’t forget to fumigate it before placing out your freshly planted seed trays! 

Houseplants are a favourite and their popularity has exploded over the past couple of years. Houseplants add atmosphere, colour, improve air quality and can provide a range of mental and physical health benefits. At Pentland Plants we always stock a selection of the best houseplants. Did you know indoor plants such as Weeping fig , Boston fern, Aloe Vera , rubber plants and  mother in laws tongue improve the air quality help us sleep!

Houseplants look complete dressed in a suitable pot. It used to be that the most common container was the clay pot, but today we have a selection of decorative pots to choose from which are available in an almost infinite variety of materials, types, size and colour. 

Choosing the right pot is very important but so are the compost and feed. Houseplants are individual and so are their needs. Plants require different types of nutrients but don’t let this faze you as we are here to help you select the right product to keep your plants blooming and looking great.

Not all houseplant require compost , air plants originating from South America a very much back in vogue…. There exotic looking foliage and  flowers make them intriguing and a popular plant to grow in the home and conservatory. 

Herbs are back in store and we have a great variety whether you use them for their aromatic qualities or the culinary table. 

So, lets get planting and creative…. Our team are here to answer your questions and help you with new projects and ideas.

Growing potatoes in containers is really easy and the perfect solution if you want to grow your own but have limited space. There is also much less chance of soil borne pests and diseases.

Now is the perfect time to get started and we're fully stocked with everything you'll need.

Why not have a go?! Our easy to follow, step by step guide will tell you how...

What you need:
Potato bag or container
Multipurpose or vegetable compost
Seed potatoes 3/5 depending on size of container 
Potato fertiliser 

How to do it 
Fill the container up with the compost.
Plant the potatoes 12-15cm into the compost and cover.
Incorporate fertiliser into the top 10cm of compost.
Water in well.
Place in a bright, frost free place and water when the compost begins to dry out. 

Chitting 
First and second early varieties particularly benefit from chitting which is the process of producing shoots before planting. This will  produce faster growth and heavier crops.
Sit the potatoes in egg boxes with the most “eyes” facing upwards and place in a bright frost free room.
Plant out when the shoots are about 2.5cm tall between early March and end of May.

Harvesting
First and second early varieties can be harvested when the plants begin to flower. Have a dig under the compost to make sure they are big enough. With main crops wait until 2 weeks after the leaves have withered.   

Storing
Lay out to dry, then store in hessian or paper bags in a dark, cool place.

Handy info
Smaller early new potatoes take 10 weeks from planting to cropping, second early 13 weeks and large main crop varieties for baking take 15 -20 weeks. Main crop are better suited to growing in the ground but can also be planted in containers!

Seasonal nursery staff required. Temporary Position.

Vacancies are available at our nursery for people to help grow young plants.

We have various jobs, from sticking cuttings, to running transplanting machines, moving plants, watering, picking and packing.

We are looking for quick manual workers with nimble fingers.

You will be fully trained on the jobs we are offering.

We need successful candidates to work 5 days out of 7. This will include some weekend work.

Part-time workers are also required, however we are looking for people to work regular part time hours and days agreed in advance.

Immediate start. Hourly rate £7.83

We are located on an easy bus route from Edinburgh - 37/47

Apply by sending your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please specify in your CV if you are applying for full time or part time

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Join us on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th January at 2pm for Pentland Plants 'Big Garden Birdwatch'!

Alie will be giving you some great ideas on how to get the birds flocking to your bird feeders, whatever your outdoor space.

Find out how to create the perfect haven for birds and why we should be encouraging wildlife to our gardens.

RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch 2019 - Join the fun

The RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch takes place this January. Sign-up today to request a FREE postal pack, or take part online and get access to Big Garden Extra. Here you can access exclusive articles, downloads and celebrity interviews. Once you've signed up, you'll also benefit from 20% off in our shop and FREE delivery*. 

Read more at https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/?fbclid=IwAR1iLkaEOEu16f6h2EVBWsZVM7IF928BEPzW2UMIGiB3WNLG_k9XbI9CnNM#wgY5g62hQ6krvsMe.99

Our ‘Winters Frost’ collection is bursting with gorgeous blue, grey and silver tones to create a luxurious and eye-catching range to bring your tree to life. This collection, bursting with gorgeous goodies is a must have for adding a little festive glamour to your home!

Here are some of our favourtie decorations currently on sale. Pop in and take a look around the full collection located in the annex at Pentland!