As a nation we love feeding the birds. But it’s just as important to ensure they have a safe and reliable source of fresh water says Jean Vernon.
garden advice
Summer GYO advice
Martyn Cox shares his advice for peak summer Grow Your Own success to keep your plot productive.
Does all basil taste the same?
Vicki Cooke explores the virtues of The king of herbs – basil and offers some expert advice regarding taste and flavour
What’s the secret of brilliant hanging baskets?
Geoff Hodge offers some timely advice to make your hanging baskets spectacular this summer.
Growing cosmos for cut flowers
Cosmos are one of the easiest, most rewarding flowers you can grow in your garden. Their simple, open flowers have a friendly, smiley, summery demeanor and can be planted in beds, borders, pots and containers all around your garden with simply stunning results.
Which annuals should I grow?
Debi Holland shares her love of garden annuals and suggests five fabulous annuals to grow in your garden
How to tackle garden weeds
Love it or hate it, weeding the garden is something that needs to be done. Martyn Cox shares his hard earned experience in his new series for beginners.
Gardening for beginners – Planting containers
Plants in pots will elevate any garden, whether you have a patch in the countryside, small urban plot or even a narrow balcony.
Plant food know-how: How and When to Feed Your Plants
Are you confused about feeding your plants? Geoff Hodge explains what you need to know.
How can I make gardening a bit easier?
When the aches and pains limit your gardening, it can be disheartening. Debi Holland offers advice on how to keep yourself gardening when faced with restricted mobility
Forget the gym membership; take up gardening instead
Make a fresh start and get out in your garden, says millennial Jamie Butterworth as he shares some of his secrets and tips.
Can I grow my own festive holly and ivy?
Geoff Hodge offers his tips and advice on growing festive holly and ivy.
The Christmas Rose
Geoff Stebbings extols the virtues of the Christmas rose – Helleborus niger.
Getting ready for spring
It may be cold, wet, miserable and depressing outside but there’s still lots you can do outdoors to get your garden ready for spring.
Five great grasses for containers
You don’t need a grass garden to appreciate the beauty of these useful plants, says Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens.
Do I need to lift dahlias for the winter?
Geoff Hodge talks pros and cons of lifting dahlias or leaving in the garden. As well as lifting begonia tubers.
What do I do about autumn leaves?
Whatever your feelings about the autumn tidy up, there is one job that does need getting on with – clearing away all those fallen autumn leaves.
How can I help my garden survive drought and floods?
We can’t control the weather. Our gardens are at the mercy of sun scorched drought and storm drenched floods. Geoff Hodge explains how you can make your garden more weather proof.
Are trees good for the birds?
There is something magical about watching birds feed in your own garden. But it’s not just about putting out bird food. What we grow in our gardens can be a vital lifeline too. As winter approaches there is much we can do to help wildlife get through the cold bleak months.
How can I save money on plants?
Geoff Hodge shares some hints and tips to make more of your garden plants and save some money by growing something for nothing – or just about!
How to deal with drought in the garden
Top tips on dealing with drought in the garden in hot weather, including watering advice for lawns, containers, shrubs and trees.
Keep your veg garden productive
With a little care and attention you can keep all your herbs, fruit and vegetables at the peak of perfection, Martyn Cox offers some timely advice
How can I be a better summer gardener?
Late summer can be the best time in our gardens. This year we’ve seen a lot of rain, so growth has been accelerated hugely and as a result there’s still so much to do, but don’t forget to take time out to enjoy your garden too.
Can I grow flowers with my veg?
Debi Holland offers five reasons why flowers are good to grow in among your veg.
How can I garden to save the planet?
Sometimes global issues can make us feel helpless but we can all make changes to our daily routines which multiply up to significant results, says Debi Holland.
Grow attractive edibles
In his Grow-Your-Own feature Martyn Cox recommends plants that look good and taste great.
What can I plant in spring containers?
Add a beacon of colour to your garden with a spring container full of early garden flowers says Jean Vernon
How can I garden more naturally?
Jean Vernon suggests a few ways to garden more gently, lessening your impact on the planet and its precious resources
How can I garden on a budget?
If you are stuck at home with little or no income, Debi Holland shares her tips and ideas for increasing your garden blooms without breaking the bank.
How can I create some privacy in my garden?
Jean Vernon suggests some inspiring and simple ways to create some privacy in your garden
