You can pre-order the May issue online now

Order the May issue with 2-for-1 Gardens card and guide 2025, valid at over 383 beautiful gardens across the UK and Ireland until April 2026, only with Gardeners’ World. You can pre-order the May issue online now. All online sales incur a P&P charge (from £1).

Visit landmark gardens and little gems including 50 National Trust gardens, two National Trust for Scotland gardens, 12 English Heritage gardens and many more.

Please note, your 2-for-1 Gardens entry card can be found on the inside cover flap of your guide.

Remember, the more you use it the more you save!

Pre-order yours now

This May issue Value Pack includes:

• May issue of the magazine
• 2-for-1 Gardens card & guide 2025/26
• NEW – 2-for-1 Gardens app and digital card (only accessible with the May issue)
• 2 packs of free seeds – Eschscholzia & Chard
• 15% off online shopping – plants and garden accessories (valid until 31 May 2024)

Order your UK mainland copy now – £10.99 including P&P

View more content on our 2-for-1 Gardens entry scheme

About this year’s 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

This year we’ve packed 383 gardens into this year’s 2-for-1 Gardens to visit scheme. Benefits of the scheme include:

• Allows two adults to explore hundreds of gardens for the price of one, with unlimited visits until 2 April 2026
• Visiting on your own? 131 gardens offer a single visitor discount

NEW: our convenient 2-for-1 Gardens app – launching 4 April 2025

• Free to download, featuring easy-to-use listings, garden details, and map links
• Get the app to have access to a handy digital 2-for-1 Gardens card, activated with a unique code, available only available with the 2-for-1 Gardens guide included when you buy the May issue of BBC Gardeners’ World magazine.

The 2-for-1 Gardens guide is included in our May issue value pack – available to pre-order now

How to use your 2-for-1 Gardens card

• Your 2-for-1 Gardens card is incorporated into the inside flap of the guide cover
• Please ensure you sign the back, as you may be asked to show ID at the garden
• Keep your reusable 2025 card in a safe place – you can use it until Thursday 2 April 2026.

Your digital 2-for-1 Gardens card:

• If you prefer to keep your 2 for 1 Gardens card in your phone ticket wallet, you can activate your digital card after you’ve downloaded the free app and purchased the May issue with 2-for-1 Gardens guide
• You’ll find a unique activation code inside the flap of the guide. When prompted enter the activation code. Your card is valid until Thursday 2 April 2026, regardless of when it is downloaded
• There are a very limited number of times that the card can be downloaded into your wallet.

Please note: Mis-use of the printed or digital 2-for-1 Gardens card will invalidate your discount claim to the garden.

Visiting gardens:

• Some gardens may require or recommend you book your tickets before visiting the garden. If this applies to a garden you’re planning to visit, please ensure you take your 2-for-1 Gardens card with you to validate your booking
• For walk-up entry, simply show your card at the ticket booth/point of entry
• At the time of the 2-for-1 Gardens guide and app 2025 was published, all details were correct, however gardens may experience unforeseen closures or restrictions and changes to opening hours
• We advise that for the most-up-to-date information, you check with the garden directly before you travel. Garden website links and telephone numbers are displayed on each garden listing in the guide, app and online.

2-for-1 Gardens card restrictions

• We regret that this discount is not valid for group entry
• Please don’t share you card with anyone else, misuse will invalidate your card.

May issue with 2-for-1 Gardens card & guide 2025 – on sale at newsstand from 10 April to 21 May

Can’t wait to get to the shops? You can pre-order the May issue online now. All online sales incur a P&P charge (from £1).

Order your copy now

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The sunflower is one of the nation’s best-loved flowers. Although most varieties have yellow blooms, you can grow sunflowers with rusty-red, green and even white flowers.

Annual sunflowers are fast growers and can reach a height of 2m or more in just three months. Bear in mind that their growth rate and eventual height depend on factors like variety, availability of food and water, and weather conditions, so you’re not always guaranteed the heights predicted on your seed packet. For best results, grow your sunflowers in rich soil in open ground, in a sunny, sheltered spot, and water and feed frequently.

Sunflowers bloom from summer to autumn. Depending on the variety, annual sunflowers take 11-18 weeks to flower from seed. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to sow sunflower seed every couple of weeks, so you’ll have a constant supply of cheerful blooms throughout summer.

Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and are ideal for growing with children. They bear impressive, long-lasting flowers, and look fantastic in gardens and allotments. They also make an excellent cut flower. They are non-toxic to pets and humans.

Perennial sunflowers come back year after year but annual types flower, set seed and die in one year.

Did you know? Sunflowers are related to Jerusalem artichokes, Helianthus tuberosus. If you plant Jerusalem artichokes they will bear beautiful, sunflower-like blooms, provided conditions are hot enough and they receive enough sunshine.

How to grow sunflowers

Growing sunflowers from seed is easy – you just need a sunny, sheltered spot and good soil – add some well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting to enrich your soil, if necessary. Protect the young plants from slugs and snails, and water regularly. You may also need to stake them if they’re in an exposed position.

Choose your variety carefully as dwarf sunflowers grow to around 50cm, while taller varieties can reach up to 3m in height. Sow seeds in pots from April and plant out a few weeks later. Water frequently and, if growing for height, feed weekly with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to encourage them to grow tall. You may need to stake some of the taller varieties.

Where to grow sunflowers

Sunflowers need sun. For best results, grow them in rich, fertile soil in a sheltered, sunny spot.

Sunflowers grow well in pots but if you’re growing for height, it’s best to grow them in the ground.

When to plant sunflower seeds

The best time to plant sunflower seeds is between April and May. You can sow sunflower seed as late as mid-June but bear in mind they take up to 18 weeks to flower from seed so they may not flower before autumn.

Sow seeds individually in 10cm pots of peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Cover the pots with a clear plastic bag and place them in a warm spot for the best chances of germination. Remove the plastic cover once the seedlings have emerged. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, harden them off gradually – for about two to three weeks – then plant them outdoors. You may need to protect them from slugs and snails. Alternatively just sow the seeds direct in the ground from mid-April onwards, but be mindful of slugs and snails.

How to plant sunflowers

If your garden has a lot of slugs and snails, your sunflowers may benefit from being potted on into larger pots of fresh compost, then hardened off before planting out into the soil. This means the plants will be bigger when in their final growing positions, and therefore more resilient to slugs and snails. Regardless of how big they are, don’t plant seedlings out until the soil has warmed considerably and the risk of frost has passed.

Watch Monty Don sow sunflower seeds as part of his giant sunflower trial, in this clip from Gardeners’ World:

When planting out, prepare the soil by removing weeds and if necessary add plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Plant the sunflowers at the same depth they were in the pot. Water well and stake taller varieties with a bamboo cane or similar.

Here, Monty plants out his sunflowers and explains how to stake them:

Growing sunflowers in pots

Sunflowers do well in pots, although they usually don’t grow as tall as those growing in the ground. Sunflower plants are heavy feeders, so make sure you water the pots regularly (daily in hot weather) and feed fortnightly with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, switching to a high-potash fertiliser, such as a tomato feed, when the plants begin to bloom.

To grow sunflowers in containers, sow the seeds in small pots as you would normally in spring, and then transplant them individually into larger ones when they’re large enough to handle, eventually potting them on into a 30cm pot of loam-based, peat-free compost, ideally with added organic matter. Stake taller varieties as you would for plants growing in the ground.

Caring for sunflowers

Annual sunflowers need plenty of water and will suffer if allowed to dry out. If you’re growing for height, feed them fortnightly with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser and then switch to a potash-rich tomato feed just before flowering.

Stake tall varieties with a sturdy cane to prevent wind rock, especially if growing in an exposed position.

After flowering, you can deadhead spent blooms or leave the faded flowerhead intact so the birds can feast on the seeds. Once they have eaten their fill pull out the entire plant and put it on the compost heap, chopping up the thick stem so it will rot down more quickly.

Find out which sunflower fares best in Monty’s giant sunflower trial update:

How to harvest sunflower seeds

After flowering, sunflower heads develop masses of seed. You can harvest these to use in cooking, but bear in mind you will need to remove the tough seed coat before eating. Better still, remove the seeds from the seedhead and leave them to dry for a few days, before storing in a paper envelope in a dry spot, so you can sow them the following year. Make sure you leave some seeds for the birds, too.

How to propagate sunflowers

After harvesting the sunflower seeds, space them out on kitchen roll to dry for a few days, and then store in a paper envelope in a cool, dry spot for winter. Sow the seed in 7cm pots of peat-free, multi-purpose compost from April the following year.

Pests and diseases

Sunflowers are generally trouble free but young seedlings are susceptible to slug and snail damage. If your garden has a lot of slugs and snails, avoid planting sunflowers until they are big enough to withstand being attacked. If growing sunflowers in a greenhouse or cold frame, then regularly inspecting and removing slugs and snails can be effective. Also consider using wildlife-friendly copper tape to keep molluscs at bay.

Black spots on sunflower leaves are most likely caused by sooty mould. Sooty mould forms on honeydew, a sugary substance excreted by sap-sucking insects like aphids and mealybugs. If you’re also noticing a lot of ants on your sunflowers, this is because ants ‘farm’ aphids for their honeydew, which they drink. As your sunflower grows it becomes less attractive to aphids – they prefer young foliage – and so there will be less honeydew and less sooty mould. However, if you’re worried, you could rub the aphids off your plants with your fingers.

Sunflowers to grow 

‘Russian Giant‘ is a huge annual sunflower, bearing a single flower and growing as high as 3m. This traditional yellow-flowered variety blooms from July to September.

Height x Spread: 3m x 60cm

• Buy sunflower ‘Russian Giant’ from Thompson & Morgan

This red-flowered ‘Shock-o-lat’ bears large flowerheads with bronze-red petals with yellow tips and a red-brown central boss that yields edible seeds. The stems have a purple tinge, which contrasts well with the green of the leaves.

Hx S: 2m x 60cm

• Buy sunflower ‘Shock-o-lat’ from Dobies

This perennial ‘Lemon Queen’ bears masses of small, lemon-yellow blooms from July to September, and comes back year after year.

H x S: 2m x 45cm

• Buy sunflower ‘Lemon Queen’ from Crocus

One of the best dwarf sunflowers to grow, ‘Choco Sun’ is fast growing and bears masses of large yellow flowerheads. It’s a perfect sunflower for pots and fun for children to grow.

H x S: 35cm x 35cm

• Buy sunflower ‘Choco Sun’ from Thompson & Morgan

As the days grow warmer, it’s the perfect time to start getting your garden ready for summer. Whether you want to protect your plants from pests or create vibrant spring containers, Envii is always on-hand to help with its eco-friendly garden care range. And now, Envii are offering you a chance to win a selection of its most popular products, to help you get a head start on your spring gardening.

Since 2008, Envii has been creating innovative products that work with nature, not against it. Not only is it committed to making sustainable products more accessible and affordable, but it’s also paving the way for a greener future, too, by planting trees across the UK and using both compostable postage materials and recyclable packaging.

From fertiliser to soil conditioner, Envii’s prize bundle has everything you need to get your garden in shape. This includes its award-winning seaweed feed, SeaFeed Xtra, which improves crop yield and root development, and its Feed and Protect slug deterrent, which is a pet-safe alternative to slug pellets.

Grow green with Envii and explore the full range at www.envii.co.uk/garden/

Prize details

One lucky winner will receive an Envii prize bundle, worth £420, including:

• 4 x Envii SeaFeed Xtra (5L) – an organic liquid seaweed fertiliser
• 2 x Envii Allgrow (1L) – an organic all-purpose liquid plant feed
• 2 x Envii Maximato (1L) – an organic liquid tomato feed
• 2 x Envii Activearth (1.2kg) – an organic soil conditioner
• 2 x Envii Patch Repair (400g) – a 3-in-1 grass seed mix
• 1 x Envii Compost Accelerator (12 tablets) – an organic compost accelerator
• 1 x Envii Water Butt Klear (40 tablets) – a dual-action water butt treatment
• 1 x Envii Feed and Protect (1kg) – a pet-friendly slug deterrent
• 2 x Envii Root Well (80g) – an organic plant root stimulant
• £100 Envii voucher

How to enter

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below correctly by 23:59 on 30 April 2025. The winner will be notified, and the prize arranged for delivery after this date.

Please read our competition rules before you enter. Entrants must be UK residents, aged 18 or over.

Terms and Conditions

1. The Promoter is Immediate Media Company London Limited (company number 06189487).
2. The BBC Code of Conduct for competitions can be found at https://www.bbc.com/editorialguidelines/guidance/code-of-conduct and all BBC magazines comply with the Code.
3. The promotion is open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, aged 18 years or older, except the Promoter’s employees or contractors and anyone connected with the promotion or their direct family members.
4. The closing date for entries is 23:59 on 30th April 2025.
5. By entering the promotion, the participants agree:
   (a) to be bound by these terms and conditions;
   (b) that should they win the promotion, their name and likeness may be used by the Promoter for pre-arranged promotional purposes.
6. Entrants should enter by answering the questions and completing the form on the Gardeners’ World website. Entries received after the closing date of the promotion will not be considered.
7. Entrants must supply to Immediate Media Company Limited their full name, email address and daytime telephone number.  The Promoter will use entrants’ personal details in accordance with the Immediate Privacy Policy (immediatemedia.co.uk/privacy-policy).
8. Only one entry will be permitted per person, regardless of method of entry. Bulk entries made by third parties will not be permitted.
9. The prize consists of: 4 x Envii SeaFeed Xtra (5L), an organic liquid seaweed fertiliser; 2 x Envii Allgrow (1L), an organic all-purpose liquid plant feed; 2 x Envii Maximato (1L), an organic liquid tomato feed; 2 x Envii Activearth (1.2kg), an organic soil conditioner; 2 x Envii Patch Repair (400g), a 3-in-1 grass seed mix; 1 x Envii Compost Accelerator (12 tablets), an organic compost accelerator; 1 x Envii Water Butt Klear (40 tablets), a dual-action water butt treatment; 1 x Envii Feed and Protect (1kg), a pet-friendly slug deterrent; 2 x Envii Root Well (80g), an organic plant root stimulant; and a £100 Envii voucher.
10. The winning entrants will be the first correct entries drawn at random from all the correct entries after the closing date. The Promoter’s decision as to the winner is final and no correspondence relating to the promotion will be entered into. The Promoter may share the winner’s details with the prize provider for the purpose of fulfilling the prizes.
11. The winners will be notified within 14 days of the close of the promotion by email. If the winner cannot be contacted or fails to respond within 28 days of such notification being sent, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to a runner up, or to re-offer the prize in any future promotion.
12. The surname and county of residence of the winner will be available upon request by sending an SAE to Gardeners’ World, Bio8 Limited (company registration number 05793998), 44 Brook Green, London, W6 7BT within two months of the closing date of the promotion. The Promoter will contact the winner before releasing this information and provide the winner the opportunity to object or limit the amount of information shared.
13. There is no cash alternative, and the prizes will not be transferable. Prizes must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute the prizes with one of the same or greater value.
14. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions or to cancel, alter or amend the promotion at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, or if circumstances arise outside of its control.
15. The Promoter does not accept any responsibility for lost, delayed or fraudulent entries.
16. The Promoter excludes liability to the full extent permitted by law for any loss, damage or injury occurring to the participant arising from his or her entry into the promotion or occurring to the winner arising from his or her acceptance of a prize.
17. The promotion is subject to the laws of England.

Solar lights are environmentally friendly lighting and with a good set, you can create an ambience that lets you enjoy your garden long after dark. Powered by solar panels, they absorb daylight and convert it to electrical energy, charging your lights so they’re ready to go at night.

Unlike mains-powered lights, solar lights are cheap and easy to install, and because these eco-friendly lights are powered by the sun, they’ll save you money on electricity bills and batteries. With the right lights, you can have effective, automatic garden lighting that won’t break the bank.

Solar lights can be used purely for ambience and decoration, or can have a more practical function such as illuminating a path or providing security lighting. Some of the most popular types include:

• Fairy lights: Think of the lights on a Christmas tree – they have small, dim LEDs, narrowly spaced along a wire, and are ideal for decorative lighting.
• String lights: The bigger, brighter cousin of fairy lights. Also on wire, but the bulbs of string lights are spaced out more widely than fairy lights, and are much brighter, for festival-style illumination.
• Spotlights: These solar lights are used for lighting up a single area or highlighting trees and shrubs. They also double as security lights, as they’re good for dark spots that could use brief bursts of bright light, like the front of sheds when you’re locking or unlocking a door, or alleyways when you’re putting the bins out. If you’re looking for gentle mood lighting, these might not be for you.
• Fence lights: Small up or down lights, these sit on fence posts or can be mounted on walls, for lighting all the way along your boundary.
• Stake lights: These tend to be spiked stakes with bulbs at the top that provide low-level lighting, ideal for guiding the way along a path or softly lighting flowerbeds.
• Solar lanterns: LED bulbs housed in lanterns, designed to be hung up or freestanding on a table or patio.

Solar lights are powered by internal rechargeable batteries, charged through the day by a solar panel. The brighter the day, the more power is stored by the battery and the longer the light will shine. Light is produced by one or more LEDs; at dusk they turn on automatically, until turning off when the sun comes up. Solar energy can be used in the garden to power simple mechanisms like the water pumps in solar water features or – in this case – light bulbs, to make solar lights.

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If you’re updating your social space, find inspiration with our round ups of the best garden furniture, parasols, garden loungers, deck chairs, and hammocks. Planning late-night suppers with friends and family? Check out our reviews of the best charcoal BBQs, gas BBQs, and pizza ovens, all in collaboration with Good Food.

Buying solar lights – video

Best solar lights at a glance:

• Best solar spike and bollard lights: 4lite Antheia LED solar-powered decorative spike light with PIR sensor
• Best solar string lights: Lights4fun 200 Starburst solar USB string lights
• Best value solar light set: Lights4fun Set of three warm white hanging solar lights
• Best solar lights for parties: Madison solar drop bulb lights
• Best hanging solar lantern: Lights4fun wicker effect solar lantern
• Best solar light for patios: Sunna solar flame lantern
• Best solar lantern: Damasque solar lantern
• Best solar light for borders: Firefly garden solar light
• Best solar stake lights: Solar fluted marker light 10 pack
• Best solar spotlight: T-Sun solar spotlight

Jump to:

• Best solar lights in 2024
• Best of the rest solar string lights
• Best of the rest solar stake lights
• Best of the rest solar lanterns
• Caring for wildlife
• How to choose the best solar lights?
• How we tested

In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best solar lights below:

Best solar lights in 2025

RRP: £34.99

Our rating: 4.9/5

Available from Robert Dyas.

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Pros

• Motion sensor
• Choice of three lighting modes
• Robust and long lasting for year-round use
• Long warranty

Cons

• Costly if want to line a path or boundary

This stylish spike light is made from sturdy die-cast aluminium in matt black and has a large solar panel on the top. There’s a choice of mounting options, the light can be attached to the ground with the included screws or simply sunk into soil with the sturdy spike and also three different modes. It can be set to switch on only when it detects movement, provide a continuous glow, or fade to a dimmer light until nearby motion is detected when it becomes brighter. The warm white solar LED bulbs are bright enough to light a path, boundary or entranceway and offer up to 12 hours of light in the summer, although there’s an on/off switch to avoid disturbing neighbours or garden wildlife. Ideal by the front door, to light up when you arrive home, a few of these would also look great lining a path, although this could become expensive. Rated IP54 it’s tough enough for year-round use and comes with a four year warranty. Taller bollard spike lights with the same features are also available.

Spike light dimensions: 160mm x 290mm (+200m spike)
Bollard spike dimensions: 160mm x 465mm (+200m spike)

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RRP: £39.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Next

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Pros

• Good quality with a sturdy clear cable
• Good range of features
• Remote control
• USB charging option

Cons

• Only 2m length
• Expensive for length

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best string lights, these sparklers have been well thought out with a good range of features. With a clear cable and 10 clusters of 200 warm white LEDs these pretty string lights will create a twinkle in a tree or along a fence line. IP44 rated they’re ideal for use outside and are rechargeable via the included USB cable as well as by solar. There’s a good length of cable between the panel and the first set of lights and they have an on/off button and a remote control, which can be used to set one of eight different modes, vary the brightness and choose between one of three timer options. The back of the panel also shows battery level and mode. They make an attractive feature, it’s just a shame they’re not a bit longer or available in different lengths. They have a two year warranty

Dimensions: 10cm x 2mm and 2m cable

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RRP: £19.99

Our rating: 4.8/ 5

Available from Lights4fun

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Pros

• Ready to go
• On/off switch
• Robust
• Good value

Cons

• Quite small

This set of three sweet lights is simple to use and brings a soft glow to the garden after sunset. A silver hook on the top of each light makes them easy to hang on branches or string up and loop over a pergola, and a switch on the side ensures you can turn them off at the end of the night. Although they’re entirely plastic they stood up well to the weather in our test and despite the small solar panel on the top of each light they were the first to come on at dusk and lasted well into the morning in summer if not switched off. IP 44 rated, they’re ideal for outdoor use and although there are no extra modes or fancy features, these charming lights are simple to use, look great and come with a two year warranty. We think they’re great value and awarded them a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best value solar light set.

Dimensions: (H) 14.5, 12.5, 11.5 x (D) 10, 8, 8cm

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RRP: £39.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Amazon

Pros

• Good quality with thick sturdy cable
• Helpful hanging holes
• Choice of three power saving lighting modes
• Two spare bulbs included

Cons

• No replacement bulbs available

A BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy winner for the best solar lights for parties, we were immediately impressed by the quality of these large, vintage-style string lights. With 10 glass bulbs strung along a thick UK weatherproof cable and a generous 3W solar panel, they’re good looking and easy to use.

The lights come carefully packaged in cardboard and take around ten minutes to put together. All that’s needed is slotting the stake together and into the solar panel and screwing in the bulbs – just take care to screw the bulbs in well or they will come loose and turn off in windy weather.  The lights have a power button, so you can turn them off before you go to bed to protect wildlife and save energy , and there are also three light settings to choose from. Simply press the button on the back of the panel once for the brightest setting, then again for the first power saving mode and a third time for the dimmest power saving mode. The solar panel is frost resistant and large enough to power the lights through even grey winter days and the lights switch on as soon as the light starts to fade at dusk. They have a runtime of up to eight hours and in our test throughout the summer, they lasted through the night and right up until dawn. They come with two spare bulbs and a one year warranty. Our only niggle with these lights is that you can’t buy replacement bulbs, so they have a finite life, once the bulbs start to go.

Dimensions: 7.25m in total, 45cm between each light, 3.3m from panel to forst bulb. Bulb hangs 19cm from cable

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RRP: £49.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Lights4fun

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Pros

• Ready to go
• Versatile – can hang up or stand
• On/Off switch
• Long lasting materials

Cons

• Lacks lighting modes
• Expensive

This durable lantern has a large round bulb that emits a soft golden light and is ideal for bringing atmosphere and light late in to the evening. It needs no assembly other than leaving it to charge for the day and even if you don’t want to use it in a sunny spot you can charge it in full sun and simply move it to wherever you need it in the garden. It’s simple to hang up by its handle and looks great hanging by a front door, but you can also set it on the ground or on a tabletop to enjoy its gentle glow. It also has an on/off switch so there’s no need to leave it on all night. IP 44 rated, it’s ideal for outdoor use and the solar panel is a good size, although unlike some in our test it’s not replaceable and there’s also no choice of lighting modes or other features. Although it’s made from black plastic wicker but it won’t rust or stain like metal lanterns and is long lasting and hard wearing. It’s available in a choice of two sizes and comes with a two year warranty. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Best Buy for the best hanging solar lantern.

Dimensions: 22 x 28cm

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RRP: £149.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Currys

Pros

• High quality
• Good features
• Weather resistant
• Choice of size and colour

Cons

• Expensive
• Tricky to clean
• Doesn’t give off a lot of light

This large, well built lantern has a contemporary design and makes a striking feature on the patio, deck, or by the front door. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best solar lantern for patios. It only casts a gentle glow, which is not bright enough to eat by but it creates a lovely ambience and would be very atmospheric if you had a few dotted around. It’s sturdily made from metal with a strong handle to carry it around and although it’s reasonably heavy at 3.6k, this helps make it feel substantial and together with the wide base, ensures it remains upright.It has a Roman numeral sundial design around the large solar panel and beneath this is the long bulb that offers a choice of three settings – solid, candle or flame, both of which flicker atmospherically. This can be adjusted by a large switch on the side of the panel and comes on as soon as the light levels drop. It remains on for six hours until automatically switching off and this useful feature ensures the light doesn’t stay on all night if you forget to switch it off, with the on/off switch that’s situated beneath the panel.  The lantern is waterproof and feels durable and long lasting but it is awkward to clean if leaves and dust blows in through the slats and settles on or around the light. Despite its high cost it’s value for money, comes with a 12 month warranty and there’s a choice of two sizes (50.8 cm and 63.5cm) and three colours. The lantern comes in grey, forest green or textured brown.

Dimensions: 51 cm x 29 cm

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RRP: £34.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Crocus and Amazon

Pros:

• No assembly
• Easy on/off switch
• Great atmospheric effect
• Replacement panel / bulb available
• Stood up well to the weather

Cons:

• Expensive
• Takes up room in storage

Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy Award for Best solar lantern, this steel globe lantern has an antique bronze finish and an intricate Moroccan-style pattern that creates a beautiful display as the light shines through it. The bulb and batteries sit under the solar panel in the top of the globe and this simple unit is easily lifted out to turn the light on and off. It also doesn’t need any assembly, though you’ll need to charge it in a sunny spot in the off position for 48 hours. After this, turn it on and when the light levels drop it will flick on and provide up to six hours of bright light. Great for a party or around an al fresco dining table the lantern can be stood on the ground or on a table or hung up from its handle. It has no flashing modes and is a reasonable price, towards the higher end of the lights in our test for one light, but it comes with a one-year warranty and the solar panel/bulb/battery unit is replaceable and available from a number of retailers for a small charge, making this elegant solar light a great sustainable investment.

Dimensions: 22cm x 23cm

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RRP: £19.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Solar Centre

Pros

• Eye catching design
• Easy too use and store
• Simple on/off switch
• Weatherproof

Cons

• Ideally you need more than one
• Flops after a while

This striking light creates eye-catching dots of light that sway in the wind and float above your plants when dotted through borders or along a pathway. It comes in two parts with six bulbs arranged on the end of bendy prongs with the solar panel at the base. It’s very easy to put together, simply slot the light into the long metal stake and switch it on. The switch is conveniently situated on the back of the solar panel and also gives you the option of flashing or continuous light modes and on a full charge the light has six hours of run time and comes on as soon as it’s dusk. The plastic coated prongs are weather proof and light well, even through wintering and although ours started to flop after a few months, this didn’t detract from the effect of them at all. We would love a number of these dotted through borders around the garden and awarded it a BBC Gardeners World Magazine Best Buy award for the best solar light for borders. It’s compact and easy to store and comes with a one year warranty.

Dimensions: 35cm lights + 7cm base + 32cm spike

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RRP: £21.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Crocus and Waitrose

Pros:

• Simple, stylish design
• Easy-to-use
• Attractive glow
• Great value
• Long lasting

Cons:

• No on/off switch

Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy Award for Best Stake Lights, these lights are ideal for guiding the way or dotting through beds in the garden. The stylish design has a brushed steel finish, and the fluted plastic gives off a lovely star shaped glow around each light. Assembly is easy and each light just needs charging for 48 hours in a sunny spot before use. After this, turn them on and they’ll light up as soon as the light fades, staying lit for up to six hours. Our one quibble is the absence of an on/off switch to override the automatic setting, so they will stay on late into the night. The pack generously includes ten lights, and comes with a one-year warranty, so overall they’re great value for money.

Dimensions: 36cm x 4.7cm

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RRP: £17.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from Amazon

Pros:

• Excellent weather resistance (IP65)
• Bright
• Easy-to-use
• Adjustable angle of lights and solar panel
• On/off switch
• Multiple colours available

Cons:

• No warranty
• Can be slow to switch on
• Conspicuous solar panel

This Best Buy-winning solar spotlight is remarkably good value. The brightest on test at a whopping 250 lumens, we like the adjustable bulb and solar panel angles, as well as the effective stake for positioning it at the base of trees. The on/off switch is handy, too. You can also take the stake out and screw the light to fence posts or walls if needed. We found that it gave dramatic lighting to trees and shrubs and would make a great light for a shed or alleyway. While the light is very white, these spotlights are also available in a range of other colours if you’d like a softer effect. However, bear in mind this light doesn’t come with a warranty, and can be slow to turn on after dark. Like all solar spotlights, the solar panel is relatively large, so can be hard to hide. A range of different colours are available.

Dimensions: ‎29.01cm x 9.5cm x 34.01cm

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The best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

Best solar string and fairy lights

RRP: £34.99 (6.1m)

Our rating: 4.3/5

Available from Robert Dyas and Amazon

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Pros

• On/off switch
• Tough plastic bulbs
• Choice of eight different modes
• Four year warranty

Cons

• Average IP rating
• Cable not as sturdy as some

These string lights have 10 plastic warm white bulbs spread along the cable every 50cm and each has a hook on the top for easy hanging. The solar panel is a good size, although not as large as the Madison solar drop lights, and with a clear on/ off button, charging indicator and mode adjustor, with eight different lighting modes to choose from. There’s a reasonable 1.5 cable length from the solar panel to the first light and they come with both a mounting bracket plus wall plugs and screws, and a ground stake offering the choice of mounting the panel on a wall or fence or on the ground. They’re rated IP44 so are suitable for outdoor use but we found the cable thinner and less sturdy than others in the test. They come with a four year warranty.

Dimensions: 6.1 m (1.5cm + 9 x 50cm + 10cm)

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RRP: £39.99

Our rating: 4.3/5

• Buy now from Lights4fun

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Pros:

• Two-year warranty
• Tough plastic bulbs
• Discrete solar panel
• On/off switch
• Multiple lighting modes
• Three metre lead

Cons:

• Average IP rating
• Dim
• Slow to turn on

These string lights are good quality and although the bulbs look like glass, they’re made of tough plastic and more than capable of holding up to accidental knocks. The solar panel is discrete, and they’re easy to control through an on/off switch and eight lighting modes. There’s also generous three metre lead of cable between the panel and the first light, so there’s a lot of slack to play with when you’re setting these up. However, despite being a white light we found these lights a little dim, especially from a distance. They could also sometimes be slow to turn on, and have a weather resistance rating of IP44.

Dimensions: 7.75m (4.75m of lights, 3m from panel to first light)

Buy 20 Warm White Carnival Solar Festoon Lights from Lights4fun

RRP: £34.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Solar Centre

Pros

• Remote control and USB charging option
• Bead lights make them sturdy and easy to wrap
• Long run time
• Power saving mode to save energy

Cons

• Remote control only works close up
• No white light
• Cost

These pretty LED fairy lights have beads strung along the cable which makes them easy to wrap around trees or pergolas to stunning effect. They’re don’t take long to put together, you just need to attach the panel to the stake and there are 50 bulbs dotted along the cable which can be charged by the large solar panel alone or by USB, using a universal USB – C cable. This is best done indoors, which can be tricky depending on where the lights are strung. On full charge the lights have a run time of 10 hours and the charging point and on/off and mode buttons sit behind the panel. However, these lights also come with an intuitive remote control that allows you to change colour and mode rather than bending down and fiddling behind the solar panel. We found it worked best quite close to the lights and didn’t work at a distance, which was a bit frustrating but using the remote is still easier than the mode button on the solar panel. The best feature of these lights is the number of colours and combinations available, with single colours in every shade of the rainbow to choose from and show at the same time. We couldn’t find a simple white light in all that choice but they make a great feature for parties and for Christmas, plus they have a power saving mode that almost doubles their run time in the winter. Our lights however, did need a USB boost once the light levels stated to drop on dull days in the autumn and winter. They’re reasonably pricy for the length of lights but they come with a one year warranty.

Dimensions: 6.8m (5 metres of lights, 1.9 metres from panel to first light)

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RRP: from £12.95

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Sarah Raven

Pros:

• Easy to assemble
• Great for trailing
• On/off switch
• Strong, mellow glow

Cons:

• Functional look
• One year warranty

With 12 metres of cable and 100 lights these are just the thing for trailing through a hedge or shrub and provide an enchanting warm glow. They’re easy to assemble and use, simply slot the spike into the stake and allow the lights to charge for 48 hours in the off position. Once fully charged, they’ll stay lit for up to six hours. They have an on/off button and the choice of steady light as well as flashing modes. The flexible cable means they drape, loop and trail well. Available in different lengths, including 50 (7m) and 200 (24m) lights, there’s two metres between the solar panel and the first light so it’s easy to place in shade while ensuring the panel is still catching the sun. They come with a warranty of a year.

Dimensions: 12m (10m of lights, 2m from panel to first light)

Buy 100 Warm White String Lights from Sarah Raven

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RRP: £39.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Solar Centre and Amazon

Pros:

• Solar panel can be mounted on a wall, or staked in the ground
• USB charge indicator light
• On/off switch
• Eight different modes
• No weathering

Cons:

• Comparatively expensive

This string of solar fairy lights has 100 white LEDs along 10 metres of wire, which means they’re ideal for running along fences, or using to decorate eating areas. There’s also two metres of cable between the solar panel and the first LED bulb, so check this provides enough distance if you need to position the panel in the sun and string the lights up in a shady spot. We like that it comes with a stake as well as a wall mount, which gives plenty of flexibility when it comes to setting up your solar panel. If you have a north-facing garden and charging outdoors is an issue, there’s also a USB cable, which provides enough power for 12 consecutive nights on a single indoor charge. While they turn on and off automatically you can also do this manually by using the on/off switch. As with many fairy lights on test, you can choose between a range of different modes, and these lights offer eight options, from a steady glow to various flashing sequences. We also like that they have a power saving mode, which reduces brightness but doubles the runtime during overcast conditions and winter months. Despite all the features, these lights are expensive compared to the other options we tested and come with just a year’s warranty.

Dimensions: 10m (8m of lights, 2m from panel to first light)

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Best solar lanterns

RRP: from £13.75

Our rating: 4.5/5

• Buy now from Glow and B&Q

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Versatile – hang up or stand on the ground or on a tabletop
• Realistic candle effect

Cons:

• No on/off switch

This pretty lantern needs no assembly other than leaving it to charge for 48 hours in the off position and is a good choice if you don’t have a south-facing garden, because you can leave it in the sunniest spot during the day to charge and then move it to a shady corner to add a warm glow once it’s dusk. While it looks as if it’s made from metal, it’s actually plastic, which means it won’t rust and is light enough to hang in trees and shrubs with thinner branches. However, this will make it less desirable if you’re looking for a sustainable option. In addition to hanging it up, you can also set it on the ground or on a tabletop next to seating or eating areas to enjoy the realistic flicker of the candle-light. It’s worth noting there isn’t an on/off switch to override the automatic setting, so it’ll stay on late into the night.

Dimensions: Small: 25cm x180cm diameter; Large: 36cm x 18cm diameter

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RRP: £29.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from The Solar Centre, Amazon and Glow

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• USB connection for quick charge
• Versatile – comes with a crook to hang, or set on the ground or a table top
• On/off switch
• No sign of rust or weathering

Cons:

• Comparatively pricey

We think this is a super lantern if you like traditional designs. Easy to set up, you simply need to attach the crook to the pole, but it does take three days to initially charge if it’s outside. However, it’s one of the few lanterns on test that comes with a USB cable. This lets you charge the light from a USB plug, which takes just a few hours and is a useful option if you can’t wait for it to be charged by sunlight or want to give it a boost if it’s overcast or wintery. After that, simply press the on/off switch on the base of the lantern for three seconds, and you’re ready to go. We like that this lantern is truly versatile thanks to a crook, pole and spike, which can be pushed into borders or the lawn, as well as a handle so you can hang it from a tree, or stand it on the ground or on a tabletop. It also features a power saving mode, to help increase performance if it hasn’t fully charged, and it has a one-year warranty.

Dimensions: 19.5cm x 12.5cm x 67cm, 84cm height with spike

Buy the TrueFlame USB Solar Crook Lantern from Solar Centre, Amazon, Glow.co.uk

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Best solar stake lights

RRP: £49.99

Our rating: 4.3/5

Available from Lights4fun

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Pros

• Compact, stylish design
• Simple and easy to use
• No signs of weathering

Cons

• No on/off switch
• Cast light down only
• No features or choice of modes
• Comparatively pricey

These neat little lights are a simple way to light up a pathway, the edge of a deck or an entranceway. In mat black stainless steel, they’re sleek and stylish and provide up to six hours of warm white light from dusk in the summer. Light is cast downwards so they are best for signposting rather than lighting up an are and there’s no choice of modes or an on/off switch. With an IP rating of 44 they’re suitable for outdoor use and come with a two year warranty.

Dimensions: (H) 24 x (D) 7.6cm

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RRP: £24.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from Lights4Fun

Pros:

• Warm but bright light
• Long stake
• Compact
• Plastic so no rust

Cons:

• Fiddly to reach on/off switch
• One light broke just as we finished the test

These lights are perfect for bringing depth to borders and flower beds. They cast warm but bright light with a gorgeous dappled effect thanks to the Moroccan-inspired pattern. We like the long stake, which allows them good clearance amongst most plants in a flowerbed and they’re compact, so they don’t take up too much room. Because they’re plastic, we didn’t see any rusting, weathering, or fading. We also love the two-year warranty. However, it’s fiddly to reach the on/off switch, and the instructions don’t show where to find it either. You have to pop the solar panel off these lights to switch them on, but if you don’t know this you could easily be surprised when they haven’t switched on. We also saw the value of running such a long test, as one of the four lights stopped working just as we were writing up our results.

Dimensions: 40cm x 6.5cm x 6.5cm

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Caring for wildlife

Solar lights are much kinder to wildlife than mains-powered lighting. Often emitting a dimmer glow, they’re less likely to disturb nocturnal animals. So that you don’t disturb bugs and bats, try to angle your lights towards the ground, and opt for dimmer, less harsh lights where possible. Ideally, turn off your solar lights before you go to bed, and ensure some areas of your garden remain in darkness.

How to choose the best solar lights?

For such a small appliance, there can be a lot to consider. While not every manufacturer gives all these specifications, before you choose, look out for:

Solar panel size. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the panel, the brighter the lights, and the longer they’ll stay lit. That said, lots of lights run perfectly well with smaller solar panels, so just check you’re happy with the lighting effect they provide and their run time. For larger solar panels, like those that power solar spotlights, consider if the panel’s going to be visible, as it may be unsightly.

On-off switch. A very useful feature, you can switch off your solar lights at the end of the evening and protect local wildlife and keep your neighbours happy.

Cable length. With string and fairy lights, keep an eye out for how much cable there is between the solar panel and the first bulb. At least a metre of this lead-in is useful, as it means you have more flexibility when placing your solar panel. With enough cable, you can still put your panel in a sunny spot and trail your lights up a trellis a few metres away, even if it’s in the shade.

Brightness. Lumens is a measure of how bright your lights are. Atmospheric mood lights can be as low as 5 or 10  lumens while more practical spotlights are usually 100-200 lumens.

Lighting modes. Dimming, glowing, and twinkling light modes create ambience and enhance social areas of the garden but they’ll also extend your lights’ lifetime and how long they’ll light up on a given night. Some lights also have a power saving mode, which reduces the brightness of the bulbs but doubles the runtime, so your lights turn on for longer during overcast weather and after the shorter hours of daylight in winter.

Motion sensors. Particularly relevant for solar spotlights, motion sensors make lights come on as you approach or when there’s activity nearby. This can extend your lights’ lifetime and as they only light up in short bursts, they’re also less dependent on natural light levels, working  just as well in the winter as the bright summer months.

Weather resistance. The ingress protection (IP) rating indicates how easily dust and water can enter electronics and therefore how weatherproof and water resistant lights are. You may have seen this if you’ve ever shopped for outdoor tech like wildlife cameras or wearable tech like sports headphones. This rating isn’t always given but if you see it, look for solar lights with an IP rating of 44 and above, which means they’ll be weather resistant.

How we tested solar lights

We tested a variety of solar lights, putting them through their paces in a range of urban, suburban and rural gardens across the country. They were subjected to changing weather and hours of daylight for over six months. They were then assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:

• Set Up. Assessed the clarity of instructions, how easy the solar lights were to assemble and set up, how long this took, if any extra tools were needed and how easy the lights were to store over winter.
• Features. Checked cable length, and IP rating and marks were given for on/off switches, multiple lighting modes, as well as any extra features such as power saving modes and USB charging .
• Performance. This focused on the hours needed to charge and the lights’ runtime after a full charge. We looked at how soon after sunset the lights switched on, and checked the lights’ brightness to see if they provided practical or aesthetic lighting. We made sure to check if the lights worked on overcast days, and finally if there was any sign of degradation or rusting.
• Value for Money. Considered all of the above plus any special features, RRP and warranty.

For more information on our testing process see How we Review.

This review was last updated in February 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Bird food is a small but crucial way of supporting British wildlife. Provide meals for birds and their young and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful birdsong and displays of natural colour.

Bird food is a vital source of energy for birds. It feeds not only adult birds but also their chicks and makes birds bigger and stronger, ensuring a healthier population. It also means you’ll have birds visiting your garden all day long.

A host of different bird feed is available to provide for a wide variety of birds, all year-round. Mixed bird feed will feed insectivores, omnivores, and herbivorous birds alike. Alternatively, you can tailor your food to the birds you know visit your garden or that you hope to attract. Insectivores like house martins won’t go for sunflower hearts; conversely, wood pigeons won’t eat from feeders filled with mealworms.

Looking to support British Wildlife? Have a look at our guide to bird feeders or bird tables. Offer birds a home with our guide to bird nesting boxes and check up on your new wild companions with a bird box camera.

Browse our pick of bird food below:

Nutritious bird feeds for your garden

Peckish Natural Balance Seed Mix, 1.7kg

Price: £3.99 for 1.7kg

Available from Pets at Home

This mixed bird food is perfect for supporting a wide variety of birds. It also has great green credentials – its packaging is entirely recyclable and contains no plastic.

Extra Select Premium Wild Bird Food

Price: £2.09 for 1kg

Buy Extra Select Premium Wild Bird Food on Amazon

[image id="108530" size="full" title="Extra Select Premium Wild Bird Food, 5 Litre - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine" alt="Extra Select Premium Wild Bird Food, 5 Litre - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine" classes=""] Extra Select Premium Wild Bird Food, 5 Litre

With eight different ingredients, this bird food is perfect for attracting a wide variety of birds. A great starting point for first-time use or gardeners on a budget.

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RSPB Favourites blend bird food

Price: £9.50 for 1.8kg

Available from RSPB

RSPB Favourites Blend

The RSPB have combined their best-selling bird foods into this mix of ingredients. With sunflower hearts, a pellet mix of suet and raisins, and dried mealworms, this bird food is the avian equivalent of a full English: high-protein, high-calorie sustenance.

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National Trust CJ Wildlife Hi-Energy No Mess Seed Mix

Price: £2.98 per kg

Available from Ocado

[image id="108621" size="full" title="National Trust CJ Wildlife Hi-Energy No Mess Seed Mix, 3L - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine" alt="National Trust CJ Wildlife Hi-Energy No Mess Seed Mix, 3L - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine" classes=""] National Trust CJ Wildlife Hi-Energy No Mess Seed Mix, 3L

This seed mix is good for birds and good for your lawns and patios. With no wheat filler or husks, this bird food won’t leave debris all over your garden, but still provides great nutrition.

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Peckish Complete Seed and Nut

Price: from £5.35  for 1.7kg

Available from Amazon

[image id="108533" size="full" title="Peckish Complete Seed and Nut 5kg - BBC Gardeners' World" alt="Peckish Complete Seed and Nut 5kg - BBC Gardeners' World" classes=""] Peckish Complete Seed and Nut 5kg

This is an impressive mix of twelve different seeds and nuts. It’s no-mess and is also vitamin fortified to help birds grow strong bones and produce robust eggshells. Great for attracting songbirds.

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Seedzbox Ultimate Deluxe Wild Bird Seed Feed

Price: £10.99

Available from Seedzbox

This bird feed mix has a remarkable variety of ingredients. It’s designed to not only maximise the number of birds enjoying your garden, but to provide them with a diverse source of proteins and carbohydrates. This seed also donates to One Tree Planted, a non-profit which plants trees.

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RSPB No grow ground mix

Price: £4.25 for 900kg

Available from RSPB

[image id="108605" size="full" title="2048-1365-gw-bird-food-RSPB-No-grow-ground-mix-5.5kg" alt="RSPB No grow ground mix 5.5kg - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine" classes=""] RSPB No grow ground mix 5.5kg

This no-grow mix is good for fastidious gardeners. The mix has been selected and cut to lower the chance of this feed germinating in your garden. It’s a hearty mix of suet, rolled oats and flaked maize – perfect for bigger songbirds like blackbirds.

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What should I feed the birds?

Bird foods can be split into four rough categories – insects, high-protein sources, seeds and grains, and berries.

Insects

Insects such as dried mealworms are great for most British birds, which are largely omnivorous. Dried or roasted mealworms are most common but waxworms, earthworms, and crickets are also fantastic unprocessed food sources, though they can be a little more expensive.

Protein sources

High-energy, high-protein food like sunflower hearts, suet or nuts are vital in winter. Just as for humans, proteins are crucial for helping birds build crucial muscle mass and body fat. However, in too large a quantity they can be unhealthy, so make sure you provide a healthy balance with different types of foods. It’s also good to make sure they’re in small pieces, so birds – especially chicks – don’t choke.

Seeds and grains

These are helpful all year round and are a mainstay of most birds’ diet. Try to avoid feed with wheat, because this has little nutritional value for birds and is used to bulk up feed – birds often won’t eat it either, and will dump it on the ground to get to tastier food. Keen gardeners will appreciate no-grow seeds, which have been roasted, cracked, or ground so that they don’t germinate in borders or lawns.

Berries

Birds and berries have a symbiotic relationship; berries give birds vital nutrients and vitamins, and birds excrete berry seeds so new shrubs and trees can grow. In areas without shrubbery or hedgerows, birds can miss out on this crucial part of their diet, so berries should be a mainstay of a good bird food. Mixed bird foods that include dried berries particularly suits robins, sparrows, and thrushes in late summer and autumn.

A less direct way to feed birds is in your gardening itself. Plants offer a fantastic opportunity to provide natural wild bird food as part of your wider garden design. Sunflowers and their seeds are a great source of protein, and holly and blackthorn provide invaluable berries year-round.

Where should I put bird food?

It’s best to put your feeder or bird table somewhere quiet, out of the reach of predators like cats or bigger birds. Bird food needs to be sheltered by greenery, both to protect birds from the weather and to give them a place to scout your feeder and check that they’re safe to feed. Read more tips on deterring cats from your garden.

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When should I feed the birds?

It’s good to leave food out for birds year-round, but their needs do change with the seasons:

In Winter and Spring – the best bird food for winter and spring is heavy, protein-rich food like suet. In the colder seasons it’s crucial that birds find high-energy snacks to feed themselves and their chicks.

In Summer and Autumn – lighter food like oats and millet are great for summer, when food is more plentiful and chicks are grown.

What shouldn’t I feed wild birds?

Although some food from our kitchens is fine to give to birds, some should definitely be avoided:

• Don’t feed birds big chunks of anything, because they can choke on the pieces. This is true for whole peanuts, desiccated coconut, and dry pieces of bread. Chop up your bird food to make it easier for them to eat.
• Junk food like crisps or biscuit crumbs are also a choking hazard, as well as containing dangerous additives with little nutritional value. Salty food like bacon rinds are also potentially hazardous, because birds can’t process the high levels of salt in human food. So while birds love peanuts, use plain, unseasoned ones.
• Milk causes gut problems in birds and although some can eat fermented dairy – robins love mild grated cheddar – it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid dairy products.
• Just as it does to humans, mouldy food can make birds ill. Make sure to store your bird food somewhere dry and clean out your bird feeder every few days to make sure food hasn’t gone off. This is especially important if you live in a city, or near water, as this food could attract rats .

 

This Product Guide was last updated in February 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability. 

A bird box provides a safe place for birds to build their nests and a specialist bird box camera can give you a closer look at the birds raising their families in your garden without causing disruption.

The cameras are small, relatively affordable and easy to set up – there’s no need to pay for professional installation. There are a variety of bird box cameras to choose from including wired and wireless, HD, cameras with audio and those with night vision. 

Once you’ve chosen a bird box camera from the list below, take a look at our guide on how to install a bird box camera. If you are looking for a new DIY project, we also have instructions on how to make a bird box and how to put one up (part 1 and part 2). 

For more ways to encourage wildlife into your garden, we suggest checking out our selection of the best bird feeders, bat boxes and hedgehog houses, or be inspired by our guide to wildlife gifts.

Types of bird box camera

Before you choose the type of bird box camera you need, think about how much you want to spend, if you would prefer a wireless bird box camera and whether you want to capture audio. 

If you would like to hear, as well as see what’s going on inside the bird box, then you need to choose a bird box camera with a microphone. Some models have the microphone in-built, while others require you to buy one separately. 

The second consideration is choosing between a wired and wireless bird box camera. A wired camera is typically cheaper and has a cable running from the bird box to a Digital Video Recorder or to a TV. 

Wireless bird box cameras may be more expensive but they offer more flexibility. Without the need for cables, a wireless camera connects to your Wi-Fi network and streams the footage straight to a smartphone or tablet. 

If you’re willing to pay a little more, consider investing in an HD bird box camera. The video footage from an HD camera will be clearer and better quality and allows you to see smaller details you might otherwise have missed.

To capture footage at night, the bird box camera will also need IR LED lights to ensure the camera keeps recording without disrupting the birds. Most of the best bird box cameras now have this capability.

The best bird box cameras

This compact wireless camera is designed to work with most styles of bird box and provides HD 1080p footage of birds nesting and feeding. The wide-angle lens should capture all corners of the bird box and it has an accompanying app so you can still access footage on a smartphone or tablet when you’re away from the house.

There’s also a MicroSD slot to provide additional storage space on the device and a microphone to capture audio. If you don’t already have a nest box, Green Feathers also sells the camera with a large, FSC certified timber bird box.

This Camera Ready Nest Box does not include a camera but has the appropriate fittings to house a Gardennature bird box camera kit or nest box IP Camera kit.

With 30m of cable to connect the camera to your TV or computer, this bird box doesn’t need to be positioned next to a outdoor power source. The camera produces full colour images during the day, has LEDs for night vision and a microphone to record any sound made by the birds.

The accompanying nest box is made in the UK from FSC certified timber and is suitable for a number of species including blue tits, grey tits and sparrows. It can also be converted into an open front bird box  for robins and wrens, if you prefer.

For a less expensive bird box camera this model comes in at the lower end of the market and includes everything you need to make your own bird box. The camera’s best feature is its HDMI receiver, which means you can hook this camera up to your TV and watch birds live.

A traditional pitched-roof bird box will suit every style of garden. However, this roof hides a high-definition wide-angle camera that streams footage to a phone. It also offers motion detection, and picks up clear sound thanks to a sensitive microphone.

This product guide was last updated in February 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

When it comes to caring for your plants there are some tools that are essential for saving you both time and effort. A plant mister is one of these. The simple sprayer can help you regulate the humidity of plants and create a microclimate that allows moisture-loving greenery to flourish.

Particularly beneficial for helping tropical plants, orchids, ferns, and other house plants that love a humid atmosphere, plant misters also double up as useful devices for foliar feeding, plant cleaning and overall aesthetics enhancers.

And, whilst it’s important every mister can create the humid atmosphere your plants need, it’s also crucial they look good on the shelf as they’re used on indoor plants and often stored inside.

With that in mind, we’ve curated this list of the eight best plant misters on the market. Each one has been chosen for their misting ability as well as their appearance. If you’re new to plant misting we’ve also got some tips to assist you in starting out.

If you’re looking for more products and accessories to help with watering then check out our guides to the best watering cans and our reviews of the best garden hose spray guns and the best garden hoses. For hassle-free watering see our guide to the best self-watering planters and plant pots and if you’re looking for the best water storage options we also have a guide to the best water butts.
For help with watering see our guide on how to water house plants.

Browse our pick of plants misters below:

The best plant misters in 2025

Ziuheoa Plant Mister

Price: £8.99

Available from Amazon

The pattern on this mister gives it a vintage, almost Edwardian feel. The bottle is glass with the mister pump made from plastic, offering quality while keeping it affordable. It’s also available in eight colours.

Haws Mist Sprayer 300ml

Price: £30

Available from Farrar & Tanner

This attractive brass mister is handmade in Smethwick in the West Midlands. It looks great on a shelf, and, if you’re giving it as a gift, can be engraved with your choice of text for an extra £5.

Kikkerland Brass Plant Mister

Price: £31.16

Available from Amazon.

This metal plant mister is on the luxury end and made of 100% brass. The delicate mister is not only good for misting plants but also doubles up as a great ornament that won’t look out of place on your shelf when not in use.

T4U Plastic Plant Mister

Price: £13.99

Buy the T4U Plastic Plant Mister from Amazon

This super simple plant mister comes in four colour ways and has an adjustable nozzle to control the release of mist. It is lightweight, operated with a trigger spray system and promises to be leakproof.

How to use a plant mister

If you haven’t used a plant mister before then don’t worry, we’ve got a few simple steps to help you out. Following these can help you keep your plants healthy and provide them with the right amount of humidity to flourish. Here’s how to use a plant mister and some key things to think about when misting:

1. Fill the plant mister up

It may seem like we’re stating the obvious but the first step, whatever the style of your plant mister, is to fill it with water. Simply unscrew or pry open the reservoir cap and fill it up. If possible, use distilled or filtered water to prevent mineral build-up on the leaves.

2. Adjust the nozzle

Some misters come with adjustable nozzles which you can toggle to control how dense the mist will be. Set it to your preferred level according to your plant’s needs and the environmental conditions. If your mister doesn’t have a nozzle, skip this step.

3. Spray

Next, it’s time to use your mister to spray your plants. Gently squeeze the trigger or push down with your thumb to release the mist from the bottle. Hold the mister a few inches away from the plants and begin misting from the top of the plant, moving downwards making sure you cover all of the leaves.

4. Monitor when your plant next needs misting

How often you mist your plants depends on their personal requirements and the conditions in your home. For example, tropical plants and those in dry climates might benefit from misting a few times a day, while other plants might thrive whilst dry so could be misted only once a week.

5. Picking the right time of day

The best times to mist are in the morning or early afternoon. This helps moisture to evaporate before the evening. If plants are too moist come night-time, they may be at risk of growing fungi or mould.

6. Adjust misting based on the season and clean your mister

During winter or in cooler months, you might need to mist less frequently as the air naturally holds more moisture. You should also clean your mister regularly to prevent mould or bacterial growth. Empty any remaining water from the reservoir after misting and clean the nozzle with mild soap and water.

This product guide was last updated in February 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

Not every gardening task needs to take place in the open air, and jobs such as potting are much easier to complete at worktop height. A potting bench can be a practical addition to your shed or workshop, providing a surface to work from as well as additional storage. If you have limited space, a simple potting tray can also be a useful choice to help you contain any mess while potting.

Below, we have sourced some of the best potting benches and trays available. There are a range of options included, covering various sizes from full benches with incorporated storage to manoeuvrable table-top trays. The products are also constructed from a range of materials including galvanised steel for durability and FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood which is sustainably sourced.

If you usually work from a shed or outdoor workshop, you may find our shed storage ideas useful, as well as our guide to the best garden sheds.

10 of the best potting benches and trays

Browse our list of some of the best potting benches and trays.

This potting bench has a storage shelf below and a lip around the sides and the back to contain the compost as you work. It’s made from FSC-certified wood, which is sustainably sourced and has been pressure treated for durability. It comes with a 15 year anti-rot guarantee.  The bench arrives flatpack to be assembled at home.

Dimensions: H108 x W92 x D52cm

Ideal for those who could do with a little extra storage, this potting bench from Not On The High Street has two drawers, designed especially for storing loose soil. There are also handy hooks for hanging tools along the side, plus a shelf for tubs, watering cans or extra trays. This bench is part of a wider Moreton range, so you can coordinate it with other pieces for your shed or workshop if you choose.

Dimensions: H91 x W89 x D40cm

The Aldsworth potting table is made from sustainably sourced, untreated Spruce wood. There’s is a sheet metal worktop which is galvanised for durability plus three drawers and a slatted shelf for versatile storage. The muted grey wood frame makes it a stylish and understated choice which wouldn’t look out of a place in a kitchen.

Dimensions: H82 x W110 x D40.5cm

This potting bench features a zinc coated steel worktop to provide a hard-wearing surface for potting, planting and other gardening tasks. The frame is constructed from FSC timber and has large upper and lower shelving offering useful space for all your gardening essentials, plus additional hooks.

Dimensions: H162 x W103 x D53cm

This traditional wooden potting bench has handy wheels so it’s effortless to move when needed. There’s a flat, plastic work surface, which is easy to clean, as well as a removable potting tray – a useful feature that keeps the area tidy when filling pots. Two shelves and a drawer are a welcome solution for storage. It comes flatpack, ready to be assembled.

Dimensions: H120 x W97 x D48cm

The Florenity Grigio Potting Table is made from 100 per cent FSC Eucalyptus wood which should be robust and durable for outdoor use. It’s compact with two levels; one for working from with a raised back and sides to prevent spillage and another beneath for storage. It’s guaranteed for one year.

Dimensions: H112 x W70 x D41cm

This practical work bench is made from rust proof, galvanised steel. The lower shelf is adjustable and can allow a generous amount of headroom for storing larger items such as tall plant pots and watering cans if needed and the bench has a raised lip around the sides to keep compost contained.

Dimensions: H80 x W50 x D114cm

This stylish design is slightly narrower than others on the market, which is useful for tight spaces, yet its work surface still offers plenty of room for potting plants, as well as including an integrated sink to keep things clean and tidy. The back is divided into two: one half is a trellis, which can be used for hanging tools or decorating with LED lights; the other is a chalk board – ideal for writing lists or making notes.

Dimensions: H119.5 x W92 x 42.5cm

This tray is designed to sit on top of an existing bench, garden table or other work surface. The wide base gives plenty of  space to work in while the sloped sides, high back panel and raised front lip help prevent spillage, keeping the surrounding surface clear. The tray arrives ready to be assembled at home.

Dimensions: H28 x W61 x D53cm

This lightweight tidy tray by Tierra Garden is a handy accessory for your existing gardening bench or workspace. You can even use it to bring your gardening tasks indoors with limited mess. A high back and raised sides and front help to keep everything inside the tray

Dimensions: H20 x W61 x D56cm

This Product Guide was last updated in February 2025 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.

A water feature is a wonderful addition to the garden, bringing life, movement and relaxing sounds into your space. A solar water feature has the added benefits of being cable free, needing no outside power source, plus they’re better for the environment than their mains-powered counterparts, using clean energy that won’t cost – or harm – the earth.

Solar power is one of the greenest sources of energy available, transforming light from the sun into electricity. It’s also much cheaper than other powered water features – not only are solar powered water features free-standing and need no electrical installation but solar power is free. A solar water feature won’t add to your electricity bills, simply put it in a sunny part of the garden and enjoy it for years, without additional cost.

Solar water features are safer than an electric unit and you don’t need any technical know-how to set one up. And once it’s up and running they just need a regular clean. Solar pumps can last between two and four years, dependent on the amount of care it gets as well as how much sun and the material it’s made of. And although solar water features will run through the winter, if only for a shorter amount of time, most people choose to store them in a shed or garage away from the worst of the winter weather to help increase their lifespan.

Moving water features are helpful for you and your neighbours, too. As well as their relaxing sound, the constant water movement means mosquitoes won’t breed in it, reducing the chance of you getting bitten on warm summer nights.

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Looking for other solar garden features? Have a look at our review of the best solar lights. And for more watering reviews, check out our tests of the best hoses, the best spray guns and our guide to water butts.
For summer decor ideas to put the finishing touch to your garden, see our guides to the best parasols, and best garden deck chairs.

Chatsworth Water Feature

Price: £159.99

Available from Amazon and Primrose

For stately gardens, try this elegant water feature. Water trickles from the upper spout into a wide basin that will makes an excellent bird bath as well as a serene water feature.

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Smart Solar Pagoda Garden Fountain

Price: £179.99

Available from Amazon and B&Q

A pagoda-inspired feature, this polyresin garden fountain is great for Japanese or East Asian style spaces. It has a calming bubble and its wide basin allows birds to also use it as a bath.

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Budding Dahlia Solar Bird Bath

Price: £159.99

Available from Amazon and Primrose

Give birds a place to drink and wash with this bird bath solar water feature. Not only can you enjoy the gentle trickle and soft lighting of this water feature, but birds can too. What’s more, the constant motion of the water means it doesn’t need replacing, keeping birds clean and hygienic.  

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Garden Mile Ceramic Royal Blue Solar Powered Garden Water Feature

Price: £88.99

Available from B&Q and Amazon

This ceramic water feature with its cascading fountain is an Amazon bestseller. Bringing both colour and soothing sound, we think it’s best suited to smaller gardens or balconies.

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Solar Water Fountain 4-in-1 Nozzle

Price: £12.99

Available from Amazon

This clever floating solar pump can turn any pool of standing water into a fountain. Simply place it in sunlit water and it will spray a gentle jet upwards. It has four different modes, so you can choose the display. A quick, easy solar powered water feature for those on a budget.

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Solar Ceramic Terracotta Water Fountain Feature

Price: £89.99

Available from Amazon and Robert Dyas

This striking feature offers a bold splash of colour but still evokes tranquillity with its gentle bubble and flow of water. A simple way of introducing colour to paved or decked social areas.

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Blumfeldt Ocean Planet Solar Fountain

Price: £169.99

Available from Amazon and B&Q

This understated water feature is perfect for small gardens and patios and would look great combined  with a container display or in a herb garden. What’s more, this feature has four LEDs and can operate for up to 8 hours at night, for gentle evening lighting.

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Tipping Pail Water Feature

Price: £129.99

Available from Amazon and Primrose

More traditional gardeners may appreciate this decorative water feature. It’s more ornamental than many of the features on our list, with statues of two children collecting water from a pump.

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Fairy Clam Shell Solar Water Feature

Price: £74.99

Available from Amazon, B&Q and Debenhams

For woodland or fantasy gardens, try this fairy feature. Great for quiet corners, or adding a touch of magic to the bottom of the garden.

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Stainless steel sphere water feature

Price: £199.99

Available from Primrose

With a bright metallic body, this stainless steel water feature would suit gardens looking to emphasise a modern aesthetic. Measuring 75cm wide and 50cm tall, the sphere is large enough to be the centrepiece of the garden. This solar water feature is also very easy to install, and just needs filling with water and the panel placing in direct sunlight.

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This Product Guide was last updated in February 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.