Ruth Hayes
Ruth is a Contributing Editor for Homes & Gardens, and formerly gardening editor of Amateur Gardening magazine. She is horticulturally trained, with a qualification from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Her work for Amateur Gardening, the world's oldest weekly gardening publication, involved matching gardening tasks with each season, covering everything from sowing and planting, to pruning, taking cuttings, dealing with pests and diseases and keeping houseplants healthy. She is an expert in ornamental plants and edible crops, and everything she writes about and photographs is in her own garden, a mature plot in the south of England, that has been a work in progress since her family moved there in 2012.
Ruth's main interests are gardening for wildlife and organic gardening, as she firmly believes you don’t need to ‘nuke’ pests and problems with toxic chemicals, nor use peat composts to produce the garden of your dreams.
Latest articles by Ruth Hayes
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How to plant a scented border – for year-round perfume
Step-by-step expert planting advice for creating a scented border to delight your nose
By Ruth Hayes Published
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The secrets of soil: Can yard dirt boost our happiness and health?
Scientists believe humble soil can help our health in many ways
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Winter gardening checklist – 10 ways to protect your yard in the colder months
Follow our winter gardening checklist to get your backyard in shape and ready for spring
By Ruth Hayes Published
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What is a pruning saw and how do you use it? Our gardening expert advises
Get the lowdown on the top pruning saw uses and learn how to use this valuable gardening tool safely for a range of pruning tasks
By Ruth Hayes Published
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How to create a foliage border – for year-round texture and interest
Use different shades and shapes of leaves to add beauty to your yard with our expert step-by-step guide
By Ruth Hayes Published
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How to store garden tools over winter – expert advice for keeping them in top condition
Our expert tips for keeping rust and breakages at bay to ensure your tools stay in great condition come the spring
By Ruth Hayes Published
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How to create and care for a winter planter – expert advice for long lasting, seasonal containers
From choosing the right container to knowing how to water, our comprehensive guide to winter planters will mean yours will thrive throughout the colder months
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Foliage that is toxic to pets – 9 plants to be wary of during the holidays
Decorating your home with winter foliage is often a wonderful tradition during the holidays, but be mindful of these festive plants that can pose a threat to your pets
By Ruth Hayes Published
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How to use a greenhouse in winter – 10 ways to make the most of yours
Maximize your greenhouse space this winter with these expert tips
By Ruth Hayes Published
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How to winterize fig trees – to keep them safe until spring
Our expert tips for winter-proofing figs in the soil and in pots
By Ruth Hayes Published
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9 tree mistakes – and expert ways to avoid them
Avoid these common tree-planting pitfalls with our pro tips
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Green manures: the easy, eco-friendly way to improve your soil
What are green manures and what are their benefits
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Harvesting summer squash – how and when to pick for the best crop
Our expert tips for harvesting summer squash at their best will ensure the tastiest results. Here's when, and how, to do it
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Pelargonium cuttings – how to propagate bedding geraniums
Want to take pelargonium cuttings to boost your flower beds? Our expert guide to this easy way of making more summer blooms will tell you how
By Ruth Hayes Published
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When to harvest gourds to make attractive ornaments
Our expert advice for picking gourds to avoid rots and softness
By Ruth Hayes Published
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When to harvest zucchini for the best-tasting vegetables
Our expert tips for harvesting zucchini and their flowers at the right time
By Ruth Hayes Published
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What are biennials? Our guide to these easy-to-grow plants
Our expert guide to the best biennial varieties and how to grow them
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Summer houseplant care – 5 top tips to keep plants thriving in a heatwave
Keep your houseplants in top condition with our expert advice
By Ruth Hayes Published
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What are rose suckers and do I need to remove them? Gardening expert answers your rose dilemma
Our expert guide to identifying and removing these troublesome growths
By Ruth Hayes Published
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How to improve your garden soil – 5 simple methods for creating the best growing conditions
Grow your best plants yet with our tips for boosting the soil in your yard
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Rose pruning mistakes – garden expert warns against these pruning pitfalls
Keep your roses blooming and looking their best by avoiding these common pruning errors
By Ruth Hayes Last updated
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Heuchera care and growing guide – expert tips for stunning coral bells
Expert advice on growing easy-going heucheras for brilliant flowers and foliage
By Ruth Hayes Published
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Lavender growing mistakes – the 6 biggest errors to avoid, according to a gardening expert
This famous herb can be grown successfully if you steer clear of these common problems
By Ruth Hayes Last updated
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6 hanging basket mistakes – ensure these common errors don't ruin your seasonal displays
Get the best from your hanging baskets by avoiding these simple pitfalls
By Ruth Hayes Published