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Monty Don shares a wealth of tips in this step-by-step guide to sowing seed indoors. Learn about the best compost mix for seedlings, how to cover freshly planted seeds and discover an ingenious method for boosting light levels during the early stages of growth.springMore advice o...

Growing from seed is a simple and economical way of raising new plants for your garden. First master the techniques by sowing annuals in spring that will reward you with flowers in summer, then use these basic skills to grow perennials, trees

use this technique to grow flowering perennials and biennials as well as hardy annuals to brighten up you beds and borders. Sow into weed-free soil that has been dug, forked and raked to create a fine surface structure or 'tilth'. SeedsArea of prepared

For a successful summer bedding display, don't bring your plants out of the greenhouse until you know the frosty nights are behind you. And when you do bring them out acclimatise them in the garden before you plant them into their final positions. If you have a cold frame, use th...

In this pot design, the graceful astelia and black ophiopogon add structure, while a small-flowered blue pansy or viola unites the blue pot and the plants.September - NovemberOctober - March30 minutesOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' x2Astelia

The final flourishDon't say goodbye to summer too soon. Instead, turn up the heat and try my plant choices to keep borders bubbling.Find out the best way to deadhead flowersThanks to today's Mediterranean climate, summer now stretches into early

Alexander-Sinclair share their top 10 plants for small gardens, which offer year-round interest and colour.The round-headed leek bears round flower-heads that open green and turn a deep red with maturity. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil

It's worth deadheading your flowering plants to get the most from them and removing any flowers that are past their best. Take them off as soon as they begin to droop as this will help to conserve the plant's energy by preventing them from setting

many varieties and types to choose from, and, with patience, you can even develop your own from seed.Every visit to a garden centre or spring flower show usually results in the purchase of an auricula (or six). We were once lucky enough to be given a

, with blossom opening so much later, hopefully there’s less risk of the cold weather returning and ruining the flowers, as fruit trees are most susceptible to damage at blossom time.Days are longer and brighter, but there’s still a risk of frost. I keep a close