Sophie King
Sophie joined the Ideal Home team as Gardens Editor in June 2024. Her love of writing began as a child – spending a lot of her free time crafting fairytales or writing up wildlife projects.
After studying English at Royal Holloway, University of London, Sophie began writing for Grow Your Own magazine, which spurred on her love of gardening.
Sophie's tried growing almost every vegetable under the sun, and has a soft spot for roses and dinner plate dahlias. Her favourite rose variety is ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ and she loves 'Café au Lait’ dahlias. She's also a big fan of houseplants, especially orchids – she finds it impossible to resist adding more to her collection when visiting her local garden centre!
Sophie has interviewed a myriad of incredible gardening experts throughout her career, including guest stars on The Dirt, the gardening podcast she co-hosted during her time at Grow Your Own.
As Gardens Editor, Sophie's always on the lookout for the latest garden trend. She loves sharing growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to compact balconies.
When she hasn't got her hands in the soil, Sophie can be found curled up on the sofa with her cat and a good book.
IDEAL HOME TRUTHS
Where’s your happy place?
At the end of my garden, there’s a gravelled area that’s secluded behind a trellis screen with a swinging bench. It’s incredibly comfortable, and I love lounging out there in the evening, surrounded by cosy festoon lights. Honeysuckle grows along the trellis and puts out a beautiful scent when it’s in bloom during the summer, too.
What’s your home addiction?
Orchids! I’ve been obsessed with them since I was a teenager, and they make a lovely feature in my bedroom. I’m especially fond of the light pink Dendrobium varieties.
What is your next home project?
I want to continue working on my bedroom. There’s a wall I’d love to make a feature out of with some nice wallpaper, so I’ll be hunting through the catalogues to find the right design.
Latest articles by Sophie King
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How to overwinter fuchsias – even tender varieties can survive the colder months with the right know-how
Protect your plants this winter
By Sophie King
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What to harvest in September - the best fruit and veg to pick this month
Fill your kitchen with homegrown goodness
By Sophie King
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What to prune in September – the fruit, hedges and plants you should cut back this month
Get the most out of next year's garden
By Sophie King
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Best soil for Monstera – this is the perfect mix for healthy houseplants
All the ingredients you should look out for
By Sophie King
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When to prune ceanothus – here’s when to cut back California lilacs, according to experts
Time it right for the best blooms
By Sophie King
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Small garden storage ideas – 8 smart ways to expand your space
Combine practicality with style
By Sophie King
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Best potting mix for rosemary – this is the perfect combination for healthy plants, say experts
Get your plants off to a good start
By Sophie King
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How to sharpen secateurs - xx tips for easy pruning
Get your tools in tip-top shape
By Sophie King
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How to prune fruit trees for a better harvest – expert-approved tips for plentiful pickings
Encourage a bumper harvest come next season
By Sophie King
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When to cut back evergreen shrubs – garden experts say this is when you should be trimming them
Here's how to get your timings right
By Sophie King
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10 of the best plants for bees – add these to your garden to lend pollinators a helping hand
With the right planting, you can create a haven for bees
By Sophie King
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How to prune roses in summer – a full guide to the types you can trim this season
Get the most out of summer pruning
By Sophie King
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Are pub gardens the new trend to recreate at home? We spoke to home stylist Anouska Lancaster for her top tips
Give social gatherings a pub garden feel this summer
By Sophie King
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How to prune rosemary – 5 tips for fuller, healthier plants
Trimming tips for your happiest plants yet
By Sophie King
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This award-winning garden is a vibrant example of how a garden can be zoned for entertainment
It's a lesson in how fun garden zoning can be
By Sophie King
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Should you deadhead perennials? Experts reveal the importance of this garden task
Deadheading could be the boost your perennials need
By Sophie King
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6 August lawn care tips to help your grass thrive – even in the hot weather
We asked the experts for their top August lawn care tips
By Sophie King
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8 of the best trailing plants for outdoors – all the inspiration you need for breathtaking garden displays
Take your pick from these beautiful trailing varieties
By Sophie King
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What to prune in August – expert tips for trimming your plants this month
These are the plants that need your attention this month
By Sophie King
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What to plant in August – the best flowers, fruit and vegetables to add to your garden this month
Make the most of your garden before autumn arrives
By Sophie King
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Enjoy those long summer evenings with these lovely garden lighting ideas
Ensure your outdoor space remains warm and welcoming even after the sun has set
By Sophie King
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How to get rid of aphids – protect your plants with these top tips
Getting rid of of these pests could be the key to healthier plants
By Sophie King
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How to grow yucca plants – it's the perfect drought-tolerant option for any outdoor space
The perfect option for low-maintenance containers and borders
By Sophie King
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8 plants that deliver big impact at a small cost for an effortlessly stunning and productive garden
We've rounded up the best value-for-money plants with growing tips from garden experts
By Sophie King