
Thomas Rutter
Thomas is a Content Editor within the Gardens Team at Homes and Gardens. He has been working as a gardener and garden writer for several years. Whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum, he was able to gain experience at many world famous gardens, including Sissinghurst, Lowther Castle and Iford Manor. Following this, he worked for two private estates in Tuscany, Italy. During this time, he developed expertise regarding practical gardening and growing in dry and hot climates. He has managed kitchen gardens and cut flower gardens.
When not gardening, Thomas writes on gardens and garden history. His work ranges from 'how to' guides, book reviews, and longer form copy on the history of gardening and garden design. He has written for a ariety of publications, including The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, Hortus and Bloom. He has co-authored a Lonely Planet travel book, The Tree Atlas, due out in 2024.
Latest articles by Thomas Rutter
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Now is the time to take sage cuttings – this is the easiest way to grow more herbs for free, just like a pro gardenerSummer is the perfect time to take semi-ripe sage cuttings
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Should you deadhead agapanthus? Here's what I always do as a professional gardener, for minimum fuss and maximum flowersLearning how to deadhead agapanthus will keep your blooms in tip-top shape
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This $8 ‘Bucket of Doom’ trick stops mosquitoes breeding during summer – it's so simple, plus it won't harm other wildlife in the yardKill mosquito larvae before they hatch with this simple (and cost-effective) trick
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Now’s the time to boost summer pots – this easy-to-use fertilizer shaker is the one product your garden needs for more flowers through fallIf your pots are looking a little tired, this fertilizer from Organic Plant Magic is fast and fool proof
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These 5 popular garden plants are (surprisingly) invasive – a professional gardener issues a stark warning, and reveals what you should grow insteadAvoid planting these aggressive and vigorous species
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Stop deadheading these 5 perennials now – they’re essential for migrating hummingbirds during summer and fallFrom bee balm to salvias, these hardworking plants are vital nectar sources for hummingbirds on the move
By Thomas Rutter Published
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5 tick-repellent ground covers – a natural solution that’s fragrant and pretty for you, but repulsive to harmful pestsPlant these low-maintenance ground covers to help deter ticks naturally
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Can you change the color of Japanese maples? Here's what actually affects their vibrant foliage, and what you can do to helpFrom fiery reds to golden yellows, here's what determines the color of Japanese maples
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to take lantana cuttings – July is the ideal time to propagate this pretty flower, and grow more plants for freeEasily double your flower collection at zero cost this summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I gardened in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany – these are the 5 heat-resistant ground covers I swear by for cruel summersFrom silver foliage shrubs to drought-proof herbs, these ground covers can withstand punishing heat
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I'm a professional gardener, and I have a growing trick to triple your cosmos flowers this summer – for bumper blooms without buying any more plantsThis simple growing trick is guaranteed to give you more cosmos flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I'm a professional gardener, here to help you snap up discounts on all things outdoor at Amazon – don't miss out on the perfect summer with our favorite outdoor dealsFrom must-have pruning tools to chic outdoor furniture and accessories, I'm tracking the best Amazon outdoor deals so you don't have to
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to fertilize sweet peas – expert advice from a professional gardener for long-lasting, fragrant flowers this summerFeeding your sweet peas will help to extend the floral show
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Plants that flower twice – 5 game-changing picks for long-lasting, colorful blooms that do the hard work for youTwice the blooms; half the effort
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I am desperate to find out what is digging up my flowerbeds – and this $50 buy that I can set up in 2 minutes might just have the answerUnwanted visitors to your yard after dark? This wildlife camera is the gadget you need
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Tackling topiary or overgrown hedges in July? This $40 cordless mini trimmer is a steal – I doubt it’ll stay in stock for longPerfect for topiary touch-ups or summer shrub control, this Workpro mini hedge trimmer is a gardener’s best friend
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Need patio plants for instant summer color? Here are my 7 go-to fast-growing flowers to buy right now for joyful pot displaysThese patio flowers to plant in July are easy to find and simple to grow, perfect for injecting immediate color into your yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Is urine the ultimate organic plant fertilizer? The science says yes – here's how it can transform your flowerbeds (for free)Forget pricey fertilizers, this ancient approach is making a comeback
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These $15 bestselling Fiskars pruners are a must-buy this Prime Day – they make deadheading so easy, and will keep your patio plants in tip-top shapeEffective and lightweight, these Fiskars deadheading snips are currently 21% off
By Thomas Rutter Published
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How to take honeysuckle cuttings – July is the perfect time to propagate this fragrant climber, and grow more plants for freeDouble your climbing plant collection at zero cost
By Thomas Rutter Published
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If your dahlias are being destroyed by earwigs, this simple, chemical-free hack will keep them away – so you can enjoy perfect flowers all seasonTried-and-tested by professional gardeners, this all-natural trick will save your prized flowers this summer
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Prune these plants in July before it is too late – 7 flowers and shrubs you must trim now before the midsummer pruning window endsAfter many years working as a professional gardener, these are my go-to plants to prune in July, for a thriving yard in the year ahead
By Thomas Rutter Published
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I gardened professionally for a decade, and if I were starting my garden from scratch, these are the 7 game-changing plants I'd begin withAs a professional gardener, these are my go-to plants to start a garden
By Thomas Rutter Published
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These invasive ground covers became a planting nightmare – 5 species I’ll never grow again, and what I'd choose instead as a professional gardenerAfter several years as a gardener, these are the thuggish ground covers I’ll never plant again
By Thomas Rutter Published
