DIYWEEK.net

Homebase is continuing to take advantage of the grow your own trend this year with the launch of a range of grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs in collaboration with TV chef Jamie Oliver.
The range, which also includes a collection of outdoor cooking equipment, is set to inspire customers to bring fresh produce from their own garden to the table, according to the retailer.

Homebase garden and seasonal trading director Amy Whidburn said: "We have seen the 'grow your own' trend really capture customers' imaginations in the past three years, but they have been asking us for ideas on what to do with the potatoes, tomatoes and herbs they have successfully grown, sometimes for the first time. Our partnership with Jamie allows us to help them create delicious meals for the family and we are looking forward to working with Jamie to do this."

The range includes 37 varieties of seeds, ranging from root vegetables to herbs, and a wide selection of 32 garden plants. As well as the more familiar seeds, there are more unusual varieties available including the purple haze carrot, purple sprouting broccoli and the polka dwarf bean. A range of composts is also on offer, as well as three types of grow bags.

To help customers understand what to grow at different times of the year, the plant selection available in store will change throughout the year, making it easy to know what to plant when, says Homebase.

A range of seven barbecues has also been developed by Jamie, including gas and charcoal options in a variety of sizes.