Channel 4 star offers greenhouse tips

James – who is perhaps most renowned for fronting Channel 4’s The City Gardener – said it may not be worthwhile nurturing items that can be bought cheaper from a local greengrocer.

He suggested it is perhaps better to buy mushrooms, potatoes, carrots and onions, while focusing your energies on growing more high-end ingredients.

“Grow your own but only pricey crops that taste better picked fresh like asparagus, broad beans, runner beans, salad potatoes and – if you have a greenhouse – tomatoes and chillies,” he commented.

James will be appearing at the National Home Improvement Show at Earls Court from September 30th and he also advised gardeners to take measures to ensure they do not waste water, as utility bills are rising.

The TV personality has won numerous awards for his garden designs in the past, including Londoner of the Year in 2000-01