I’M reading a book on anti-gravity – honestly, it’s impossible to put down! But seriously, I have been pondering the wonders of the solar system this week, largely because the angle of the planet below our toes has entered the perfect section of its solar orbit for sowing seeds.
March 20 is a key date in the gardening calendar – it marks the ‘spring equinox’ when, thanks to the earth’s slanted spin, the sun’s influence crosses the equator to favour the Northern hemisphere. It’s the only day (apart from September 22, the autumn equinox) that the sun rises due east and sets due west wherever you stand on the planet – but perhaps more noticeable is the change to plants.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
