CATEGORIES

Bare necessities

Now’s the time to plant bare-root apples, says Val

So You Think You Can't Grow Apples And Pears?

Then think again, says Sue Bradley. From top picks to pruning and planting pointers, our straightforward guide to these longed-for fruits has all you need to get started…

What's Wrong With Compost?

Anne Swithinbank's masterclass on: sludgy compost

Topiary talk

Who said hedges couldn’t be used for lyrical means? Topiary poet Toby considers some unique talking points

Focus On... Autumn-Planted Garlic

Garlic ‘Chesnok Red’ is one of several fabulous hardneck varieties guaranteed to reward your care with large bulbs

Make Your Own Soil Conditioner

Autumn leaves are an asset when converted into leafmould, says Tim Rumball

Weeding Out The Enemy!

Be brave, as we look at the worst weeds – ever

Choose Roses With Care

Viewing in summer and September is prudent, says Peter

What ails my potted conifer?

I love rescuing other people’s neglected plants and have just taken on a poorly conifer. It is in a small pot and stunted, so how can I make it beautiful again, and keep it in a container? Claire Birchill, Cannock, Staffordshire

Dazzling but deadly Aconitum

The brilliant blooms of the so-called ‘Queen of Poisons’ really are to die for, but if you handle with care then monkshood is sure to delight in your garden, says Hazel Sillver

Tulips For Every Garden

The multitude of options for this spring garden essential is overwhelming, but choose according to your garden style and taste and you can’t go wrong, says Hazel Sillver

Fool Proof Guide To Autumn Pruning

There’s a lot more to autumn gardening than simply chopping everything in sight. Here’s how to be prudent with your pruning for the best results, says Graham Rice

Keeping Your Plants Cosy

Smaller structures are ideal when space is tight

Wild at heart

Toby argues the case for the garden guests that defy order, and urges us all to take a walk on the wild side…

Tongue twisters

A bee’s tongue determines the flowers it visits, says Val

Planting ornamental grasses

Ornamental grasses should not be planted or moved during autumn, as spring is the best time. Is this true?

The greenhouse in winter

Start preparations for its many cold-weather uses, says Ruth

The busy time begins!

The gardening season is very far from over, says Peter

Recycling plants in pots

Revive existing plantings with fresh compost and new plants

Mechanic Leon makes the cut

Schoolboy is Honda’s youngest ever leading technician

Handy horseradish

High in vitamin C, a powerful antibacterial agent and tangy to boot – everyone should grow horseradish, says Bob

How Can I Help My Hydrangea In Winter?

Hydrangea buds are quite sensitive to cold weather and one way to protect them is to leave the old flower heads on the plant until late winter or early spring to act like a sort of umbrella, keeping the buds below protected from some of the cold weather.

Is It Safe To Repot My Elderly Strelitzia?

My bird of paradise plant is 25 years and has flowered every year despite never being repotted.

Can I plant lilies in autumn?

John has been answering reader queries for 50 years

What's the best way to store tubers?

John has been answering reader queries for 50 years

Your lawn in winter

A rested lawn will end winter in good shape, says Ruth

Caring for cabbages

Val has a few tips on protecting brassicas from butterflies

Too Late For Herb Cuttings?

Anne Swithinbank masterclass on: herb cuttings

Get Started With Houseplants

Why not grow houseplants through winter? Tim Rumball looks at good starter varieties

Focus On... Mushrooms

From oyster to lion’s mane, there’s a host of choice for gardeners looking to grow their own mushrooms. Lucy explains how to safely cultivate a feast of fungi…