Ken Thompson
Ecologist and author
Ken Thompson is a plant ecologist who spent most of his career at Sheffield University. He recently retired and moved to Devon. He still writes and lectures extensively, including teaching on the Kew Horticulture Diploma, and has written several books on gardening and popular science. In 2014 he published Where do Camels Belong? The Story and Science of Invasive Species (Profile Books). The Sceptical Gardener, a collection of his gardening columns from the Daily Telegraph, was published by Icon Books in 2015, and a second collection was published in 2020. His book on Charles Darwin’s botany was published by Profile Books in 2018, and his latest book, on Britain's commonest plants, in 2023. In 2016 he was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Veitch Memorial Medal for his contribution to the advancement and improvement of the science and practice of horticulture. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, watching old films, walking, reading and supporting Plymouth Argyle football club.
Recent articles by Ken Thompson
What does 'organic' actually mean? We break down the confusing terms and see if it's possible to garden organically
Organic is a word used a lot in the gardening and farming world these days, and many people are trying to 'go organic'. But what does organic actually mean? It isn't as simple as you think
Can bees and earth worms drown in wet soils? The answer might surprise you
Ecologist Ken Thompson explains the very surprising truth about whether insects can survive in waterlogged soil
As our climate gets hotter, we may see fewer white plants
Plant ecologist Ken Thompson explains the effect that climate change could have on the colour of your plants
The world's most extreme trees grow in the fiercest conditions. But should you plant them in your garden?
Faced with a warming climate, many gardeners are thinking carefully about resilient plants for their garden. But what about three of the world's most extreme trees?
Rewilding is good, but let's not forget that the garden is also great for wildlife
How wild is wild in the context of the average garden? And should we all be gardening differently to encourage more wildlife? Ken Thompson looks into the role gardens play as habitats for creatures great and small
How intelligent are your plants? The amazing adaptations that plants have adopted to survive
Plant ecologist Ken Thompson looks at some of the intriguing – and often less than obvious – ways in which plants have adapted to survive and thrive. Illustrations by Jill Calder
The ancient fertile soil discovered in the Amazon that’s flummoxed scientists and gardeners alike
When areas of unusually fertile soil were discovered in the Amazon, researchers were surprised. Plant ecologist Ken Thompson explores why terra preta soils have been confusing people
When 'organic' doesn't mean organic: the garden words with more than one meaning
In gardening, some words hold confusing and conflicting definitions at the same time, says Ken Thompson. Illustration by Jill Calder
Ditch the spade and save your soil: why digging is the one garden job you don't need to do anymore
As Ken Thompson explains, the key to a good soil lies both in its structure and in the life it sustains. But is any of it improved by digging?
Bees and butterflies are great, but nematodes, ants and spiders are also vital to your garden ecosystem
Ecologist Ken Thompson explains how invertebrates make up the bulk of garden wildlife and are essential for a healthy ecosystem
What should we do about offensive plant names?
Many plants are named after people linked to imperialism and the slave trade, and some common plant names are offensive. Dr Ken Thompson ponders what can be done.
Plants with bad reputations are actually good for your garden
Ecologist Ken Thompson explores how plants with bad reputations can actually be beneficial for your garden and for wildlife.
Is growing your own veg really a good way to save money?
In the middle of a cost of living crisis, why wouldn’t you want to grow your own food? But as Ken Thompson points out, what you save will depend on how you go about it and how much you enjoy it.
Could AI have more of an impact on gardening than you think?
After a recent study looked at the impact on AI on urban ecosystems, ecologist Ken Thompson explores how artificial intelligence might affect the way we garden
New species are arriving in our gardens because of climate change: here's what to expect
As our climate changes, a host of new flora and fauna are likely to find their way into our gardens. Ken Thompson looks at the buzz surrounding two new species of bee, and wonders what else might soon arrive on these shores. Illustration Jill Calder
Why do plant names keep changing?
If you’ve despaired of why botanists keep changing the names of your favourite plants, columnist Ken Thompson explains the logic behind the taxonomic tinkering. Illustrations Jill Calder
Rock dust fertilizer: should you buy it for your garden?
Ecologist Ken Thompson looks at whether it's worth buying rock dust to use the in the garden as fertilizer
What are mycorrhizal fungi and should you buy them for the garden?
Ecologist and plant expert Ken Thompson looks at whether it is worth buying mycorrhizal fungi or mycorrhizae for your garden.
What is biochar and should you buy it for your garden?
Ecologist Ken Thompson looks at whether it's worth buying biochar to use the in the garden
Latin plant names: learn about the plant naming conventions
If Botanical Latin is all Greek to you (and to be honest quite a lot of it is) then let us help you sort your sylvatica from your forrestii. By Ken Thompson
Opinion | Weeds in a Chelsea garden is one thing, but the reality is very different
Plants usually described as weeds are making a prominent appearance in this year's Chelsea Flower Show gardens, but what's the reality of having weedy gardens? Ken Thompson takes a step back to explore
Simple compost: how to compost without the faff
Plant ecologist Ken Thompson offers a no-nonsense approach to home composting. Illustration Jill Calder
Thérèse Coffey says eat turnips but what are turnips anyway?
Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey suggested recently we should be eating turnips in the tomato shortage, but what even is a turnip anyway? Our columnist Ken Thompson explains
How not to lose nature from your garden
Should you really make space for nettles? Is a wildflower meadow in your garden realistic? Here Ken Thompson explores how you can design your garden whilst supporting wildlife and busts the myths around what really works and what doesn't