Season guides

The best time to choose a real tree in the UK, when farms open, and how early is too early.

What happens when you choose and cut your own tree at a UK Christmas tree farm, from picking a tree to getting it home.

How the most popular UK Christmas tree varieties compare on needle drop, scent, shape and price.

Simple steps to stop your real tree dropping needles, from the fresh cut to watering and where to put it.

How to pick the right tree height for your ceiling and room, with a simple size table in feet and metres.

Your options for getting rid of a real Christmas tree after Christmas, from council collections to replanting a potted tree.

A short checklist for a family trip to choose a real Christmas tree, from wellies to a tape measure.

A balanced look at the environmental and practical trade-offs between real and artificial Christmas trees.

What to expect at a UK pumpkin patch, from booking and wheelbarrows to choosing a good pumpkin and getting it home.

The difference between pumpkins grown for carving and those grown for cooking, and how to use both so less goes to waste.

Simple, safe pumpkin carving tips for families, plus how to make your carved pumpkin last until Halloween.

Ways to cook, compost or recycle your pumpkin after Halloween instead of throwing it in the bin.

Month-by-month guide to what you can usually pick at UK pick-your-own farms, from asparagus and strawberries to apples and pumpkins.

When UK strawberry picking usually starts and ends, why it varies, and how to get the best fruit at a pick-your-own farm.

A practical checklist for a pick-your-own trip, from sun cream to something to carry your fruit home in.

How to make the most of a pick-your-own visit while being fair to the farm and other visitors.