Kale crisps recipe

Looking for a healthy alternative snack? Our kale crisps have you covered! This recipe is really quick and really delicious, giving you all the flavours of your favourite crisps without the hassle. Use kale – homegrown or store bought – and just a simple amount of ingredients, to make your new beloved snack.

Servings: 4 – 6

You will need:

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients:

  • Bunch of kale
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Optional: garlic power

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Prepare oven – Preheat oven to Gas mark 2 or 150C and and line the baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
  2. Wash kale – Wash kale and dry thoroughly. Use a salad spinner if you have one.
  3. Place into a bowl – Tear apart any large leaves into smaller pieces. Drizzle olive oil and massage into the kale.
  4. Line baking tray – Once lined, spread an even layer of kale across the tray and sprinkle with sea salt. Optional: also sprinkle with garlic powder for added flavour.
  5. Bake – Bake for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on kale, occasionally flipping any pieces that are starting to brown.
  6. Allow to cool – Once done, allow to cool in tray to become even crispier. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve!

Tips:

How can I make my favourite flavours?

  • Creating your favourite flavours is easier than ever! After drizzling with oil use seasoning powders such as garlic, cheese and onion powders, as well as spices such as paprika and curry to create your very own flavours.

How do I know this is healthier than crisps?

  • Kale helps to boost digestive health. It also contains fibre, antioxidants, calcium, vitamins C and K, iron, and a wide range of other nutrients that are good for the body. This, paired with being baked in the oven compared to fried, makes kale crisps healthier than regular crisps.

Still hungry for more? Check out some of our other recipes:

Upcoming RHS shows this season

One of the many things a gardener can look forward to – that doesn’t include getting your hands muddy – is an RHS show! Held by the Royal Horticultural Society, the UK’s leading gardening charity. Through their hard work, the RHS aim to inspire budding gardeners, demonstrate the importance of gardening. But most importantly, the vital role that plants play. Due to world events, RHS shows have had to adapt, deciding to host a virtual Chelsea show in May. But now restrictions have fully lifted and plans can go ahead. Here is a list of the upcoming RHS shows this season.

RHS Tatton Park

Held at a historic estate, RHS Tatton Park is set to be day full of joy! Due to the rise in new gardeners, Tatton Park are aiming to keep that momentum rising by dedicating shows to newcomers in the community, sharing new inspiration and advice to anyone who needs it. If you’re looking for a way to make the most out of this heatwave, Tatton Park is a great way to spend your day and learn more about your garden.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show

This show is back and better than ever! After being cancelled last year, RHS Hyde Hall looks like isn’t going to compromise on anything! With specialist trade stands, skilful demonstrations, expert tips and mouth-watering food, it is truly shaping up to be a spectacle. With flower displays packed with inspiration under the summer sun, this one is not to be missed.

RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show

This show looks like it is going to be a real treat! For all the garden lovers out there, this one is for you. Featuring quality plants from 16 specialist nurseries, offering choice flowers, grasses, houseplants and much more, RHS Garden Rosemoor is the place to be. There will even be opportunities to speak to growers and specialists and learn how to get the garden of your dreams.

RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show

Another show that was unfortunately cancelled last year, RHS Garden Wisley at the flagship store brings the season to a close. Held at the end of summer, it is the last time to take note of any planting tips and tricks that you may need. With expert gardening advice, floral displays and shopping opportunities, end summer with as much knowledge as possible.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The world’s greatest flower show is back and better than ever! Being held in September for the very first time, RHS Chelsea has a lot to live up to. Arguably, the main event of all the RHS shows, Chelsea is shaping up to be a great event. If you’re looking for the next cutting-edge garden design, garden trend or floral display, Chelsea is not to be missed.

Tips to help keep yourself, and your garden, cool for the summer:

How to help wildlife in the hot weather

The weather warming up can mean a lot of things. BBQs, water slides and leisure time in the garden, but the heat isn’t fun for everyone. Although many wildlife also enjoy the summer sun, it can also be hard for them to escape the heat. While we can escape into cool kitchens for a glass of cold water, some creatures struggle to stay hydrated in the heat. Here are some easy ways to help wildlife in the hot weather.

Keep an eye on birdbaths

Birdbaths are a great way to not only attract wildlife to your garden, but also keep them cool in summer. The best ones are usually made of stone, and sloped so the birds can carefully wade into the water. These should be placed somewhere in the shade, keeping the water cool or near trees for easy access. The water should be refilled with fresh water every other day and cleaned two to tree times a week.

Fresh water spots

Birds are not the only creatures who need fresh water in the summer heat. Small species, such as bees and other insects, also need easy access to water. No pond? No problem! By leaving small, shallow dishes of water – shallow enough so that small species don’t accidentally fall in – you can provide much needed hydration for other wildlife. Also, by leaving sticks or small stones around the area, it gives small species a safe spot to have a drink. Remember to regularly refill and clean!

Food source

Due to the drier conditions, earth worms tunnel deeper into the soil making it harder to be found. For wildlife such as blackbirds, robins, hedgehogs and frogs, this means that a food source has become scarce. A great way to combat this is to leave out any additional dog or cat food as it is suitable nutrition needed by these creatures. The texture is perfect for birds, small enough to not choke as they often use it to feed their chicks. Mild grated cheese, black sunflower seeds, and of course bird seed, are also recommended.

Top Tips:

  • Don’t place food or water sources too close to bushes or trees to minimise attacks from predators.
  • Hedgehogs can only drink fresh, plain water.
  • Provide shaded areas in pond for fish.
  • If you find an animal in distress larger than a rabbit, call the RSPCA.
  • Keep on top of your plants! The garden is a crucial place for sustenance for insects such as bees and butterflies.

Check out our latest blogs:

New Tulips for Autumn 2021

Autumn 2021 has come around and along with it are some new flowers! There are many amazing autumn plants that have become a staple of British spring gardens. From daffodils to hyacinths, we have brand new varieties for you to choose from but right now we want to put the spotlight on our Tulips!

Tulip Abu Hassan

With rich blooms of deep red and bright yellow, Tulip Abu Hassan is truly an impressive showstopper once it has fully flowered from April to May. Impressing everyone who meets its eye, this plant is best grown in groups or as a companion to your other spring flowering favourites.

Tulip Abu Hassan
Tulip Abu Hassan

Black Tulip Collection

Looking to add some drama to your garden? Our new brand new Black Tulip Collection is the one for you! Coming in a variety of shades and tones of black and deep purple, this collection creates a real talking point for the garden, from April to May.

Black Tulip Collection
Black Tulip Collection

Tulip Alectric

Tulip Alectric, from the Triumph variety, is a gorgeous tulip that blooms bright striped colours of creamy white and fuchsia pink! Perfect for planting in beds, borders and containers throughout the season, these plants thrive in partial shade and grow up to 30-40cm.

Award Winning Tulip Collection

This RHS Award winning collection is truly worthy of first place! We’ve brought together 10 varieties of our greatest tulips to provide you with only the best of the best for the garden! Ideal for planting in garden borders or patio pots and containers, each gorgeous plant can be grown individually or as part of a group display!

Award Winning Tulip Collection
Award Winning Tulip Collection

Tulip Apricot Impression

This premium Tulip is a great new addition to our ever growing collection of spring bulbs! With a unique colour combination of dusky pink and apricot-tangerine, these two-toned bulbs make a great statement piece for the garden flowering April to May.

Tulip Apricot Impression
Tulip Apricot Impression

When is the best time to water garden plants?

the best time to water garden plants

Is there truly a right and wrong way to water your plants? Although you may not think you see any immediate change, watering your plants at certain points throughout the day can actually make a huge difference to the way your plants grow.

If you’re wondering when the best time to water garden plants is, then you’re in the right place.

The best time to water garden plants

when is the best time to water garden plants blog J Parker's

Many gardeners and reliable sources stress the importance of establishing an effective watering routine in the garden, regardless of the season. Each plant needs specific care and attention, whether they’re a hardy tropical plant or sat in your favourite patio pot.

To get the best results from your plants, try watering them either in the early morning before the sun rises or in the late evening once the sun has set. This stops the sun from evaporating the water, allowing your plants to absorb as much as possible.

How to water your garden plants

As you know, every plant needs a specific water routine. Not every plant needs to be watered every day, or even every week. The best way to ensure you’re not overwatering your plants is to double-check the information provided with the product.

However, if you’re unsure of how and when to water your plant, keep an eye on the soil. If it is dry above and below the surface, it needs a good watering. Continue to water when the soil is dry.

Shop our full 2021 autumn range - the best time to water garden plants

Read more from J Parker’s:

how to harvest cherries blog
how to make your own fruit sorbets blog

How to Harvest Cherries

how to harvest cherries blog header

Planted in the early months of the year, cherry trees are ready to harvest throughout the summer months. These juicy berries are a perfect pick for a hot summers day, and are a popular choice among many gardeners as they’re so sought after throughout the season.

If you’re new to growing fruit trees and would like to know how to harvest cherries, then follow this easy to follow guide.

How to harvest your Cherries

cherry blossom tree

Cherry trees are a wonder for the garden all year round. In spring, their blossoms will provide the most gorgeous display. In Japan, festivals are held around the country to celebrate the flowering of their cherry trees, which is called ‘hanami’.

Once summer rolls around, your cherries will be ripe and ready for picking! If you’re hoping your fruits last as long as possible, try and prune the cherries by including the stem. However, if you’re using them directly in recipes, you can leave the stem behind.

Cherries are exciting summer fruits that can be used in numerous recipes throughout the season. How about using them to create your own fruit sorbet, or for a traditional cherry pie?

When to harvest

Cherries can be harvested from June to August. The riper the cherry, the sweeter the fruit. If you’re looking for a tangy taste, harvest your cherries earlier in the season. However, if the weather is quite wet, you can pick them earlier as rain can make the fruit split.

Shop Cherry Plants and Trees

Cherry Sylvia
Cherry Morello
Cherry Kordia

Read more from J Parker’s:

how to harvest cherries blog sub - how to make your own fruit sorbets
how to harvest cherries sub blog - what to plant in July

Parkers Patch: Home-grown Competition

Competition time has rolled around once again at J Parkers! Although we love our flowers and the wide variety we sell, fruit and vegetables are also a great passion of ours. From some of the most popular UK produce like tomatoes and rhubarb, to exotic mixes like the Tayberry or the unusual Blueberry Pink Lemonade. We aim to cover all of your gardening needs! For our latest competition we want to see your biggest J Parkers grown fruit and vegetable harvest!

The winner is to receive a £100 VOUCHER to spend on our website!

How to win

  • Share photos of your biggest J Parkers fruit and vegetable harvest and don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag!
  • FACEBOOK – Like our Facebook page and share your image to our page with the caption ‘Parkers Patch entry’.
  • TWITTER – Follow us at @JParkersBulbs and tag us in your photos with the hashtag #parkerspatch
  • INSTAGRAM – Follow us at @jparkersbulbs and tag us in your photos with the hashtag #parkerspatch
  • EMAIL – Email us at competition@jparkers.co.uk (Entries must be under 5mb – please include your name and postcode)

Good luck and happy snapping!

When does the Parkers Patch competition end?

The competition ends 23rd July. The winner will be announced the following Monday with an accompanying blog post.

Terms and Conditions

  • All entries which meet the criteria outlined below will be considered for the prize of a J Parkers voucher worth £100.
  • All entries using photographs must be original images, taken/produced by the entrant.
  • Entrants agree that their names may or may not be published with their entry.
  • One winner will receive a single voucher to spend on any products currently offered by J. Parker’s. This cannot be exchanged for cash and there is no substitution for this prize.
  • All varieties of fruit and vegetables will be considered, but only those purchased from J. Parker’s will qualify for the competition prizes.
  • Send your entries by email to competition@jparkers.co.uk (email under 5mb) or you can share it with us on our social media pages.
  • All entries will be considered, and you can enter as many times as you wish. Competition closes 23rd July 2021. Winner will be notified by email on 26th July 2021.

Curious on what to do this July? Our planting guides are here to help:

How to make your own fruit sorbets

Our sorbet recipe is fuss free, simple and sure to be a summer favourite! In a simple set of steps and a small ingredient list this desert will take you no time to make, and even less time to polish off. Using either fresh or frozen ingredients, this is an easy treat with almost limitless combinations.

Servings: 6 – 8

You will need:

  • Saucepan
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Blender or food processor

Ingredients:

  • 600g raspberries (or your preferred fruit
  • 300g granulated sugar
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Mint (optional)

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Freezing time: 1 -2 hours

Instructions:

  1. Freeze fruits – Wash and dry raspberries before freezing completely on a parchment covered baking tray.
  2. Dissolve sugar – In a saucepan dissolve sugar in 280ml of water on low heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved and raise the heat to a simmer until liquid has become a syrup. Set aside for later.
  3. Blend fruits – In a blender or fruit processor, carefully pulse fruits adding sugar syrup in stages. Combine with lemon juice and blitz until smooth. Discard of any seeds.
  4. Enjoy – serve immediately with extra fruits for decoration and a sprig of mint for decoration.

Tips:

Do I have to use the sugar syrup?

  • If you’re not a fan of sweetener you can always substitute it for orange juice (or any kind of fruit juice) or even water.

Do I have to use raspberries?

  • Not at all! Although raspberry is our favourite, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries work just as well! You could even take it one step further and exchange the lime juice for other citrus fruits, lemon and orange are great additions.

Don’t get caught in the dark, our planting guides are here to help:

What to Do In the Garden In July

Garden jobs to do in July blog

Our gardens are full of sunshine and life, giving us the motivation to get outside and get stuff done. Let’s talk about garden jobs to do in July.

Whether you’re growing flowers, plants, fruits or vegetables, there’s plenty to do in the garden or allotment this month. Follow this quick and easy-to-do list to help you plan for the month ahead.

Deadhead Spent Perennials

Deadheading echinacea flowers - garden jobs to do in July

Sometimes your blooms need a bit of help and encouragement to help them look their best. Deadheading spent flowers will allow them to produce new buds, keeping your display looking fresher for longer! Deadhead your flowers whenever they need it, cutting just below the flower head.

Protect Your Fruit from Pests

Adding mesh to protect strawberries

As exciting as it is to grow your own fruits and vegetables in the garden or allotment, they can also be a pain to protect against pests. As fruits like Strawberries start to appear this month, it might be a good idea to cover them with mesh. This will stop animals like squirrels and birds from getting at them!

Feed your Chillies, Cucumbers and Tomatoes Regularly

Add tomato fertilizer to vegetables like tomatoes, chilies and cucumbers.

To keep your cucumbers, chillies and tomatoes bursting with life, it’s a great idea to add some high potash tomato fertiliser every week to two weeks.

Keep Up With Composting

Turning the compost heap is another important garden jobs to do in July

Turn the contents of your compost bin. Leaving it to its own devices can take longer to create your compost, so a regular turn and stir will help the oxygen move through the pile and quicken the process.

More Garden Jobs to do in July

  • Mow your lawn regularly, if needed
  • Water your hanging baskets and containers every day, either in the early morning or evening to help preserve water
  • Deadhead bedding blooms
  • Keep an eye out for pests regularly on your plants
  • Start to think about ordering spring plants and blooms for autumn delivery

Read more from J Parker’s

Eton mess recipe
When is too late to plant summer flowering plants?

What to Plant in July

Summer is truly upon us! As the weather and soil warm up, now is the perfect time to get those Autumn flowering bulbs into the ground. Move that BBQ, rearrange that patio furniture and make space in those beds, a new growing season is upon us. From gorgeous Crocus to delicious berries (that go great in an Eton Mess!), it’s time to get stuck in.

Here is what you can plant this July.

Autumn Flowering Crocus

Don’t let your garden fade away, keep up the momentum with our Autumn Flowering Crocus range! They look especially beautiful when planted  in groups at the front of a border or in patio pots and containers alongside evergreen foliage. Supplied as top quality bulbs and corms, don’t leave your Autumn garden until too late.

Crocus Sativus (Saffron)
Crocus Autumn Flowering Mixed
Shop Autumn Flowering Crocus

Indoor Flowering Amaryllis

Bring the garden indoors with our Indoor Flowering Amaryllis bulbs. With a large assortment of collections, styles and colours to choose from, they’re an easy way to bring some of that garden magic indoors. When planted in fresh loam or compost, watch your flowers bloom in a beautiful display of colour.

Amaryllis Adele 34cm+
Amaryllis Alfresco 26cm+
Shop Indoor Flowering Amaryllis

Goji Berry

If you’re looking to start that new healthy lifestyle, Goji Berries are the one for you! High in vitamins and antioxidants, along with delicious little berries, this bush will produce beautiful purple/white flowers that bloom through summer encouraging pollinators such as butterflies into the garden.

Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum)
Shop Goji Berries

Blueberries

Known as a modern day super food for it’s great source of Vitamin C, Blueberries are one of the UK’s most popular fruits! Whether you love it for the incredible health benefits or it’s subtly sweet taste, Blueberries are easy to plant and even easier to care for and once picked off the branch can be used in a wide range of ways.

Blueberry – All Season Collection
Blueberry Pink Lemonade
Shop Blueberries

Tayberry

This marvellous mixture of a raspberry and blackberry is the size of a big raspberry with the sweetness and juice of a blackberry. Growing to the size of a large strawberry, the Tayberry is much more restrained than a blackberry and can be safely controlled. Don’t forget to prune back in winter!

Tayberry Madana
Shop Tayberry

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