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Jekka McVicar's 10 companion plantsJekka McVicar's organic herb garden achieved a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show 2009. We caught up with her at the show to discover her top 10 herbs for growing as companion plants.Companion planting

Jekka McVicar's 10 herbs for wildlifeJekka McVicar's organic herb garden achieved a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show 2009. We caught up with her at the show to discover her top 10 herbs for attracting wildlife.Herbs have been used for culinary

Unlocking the power of plants A herb garden is not only a place of beauty, it's also a medicine chest, holding remedies to many ailments. Discover the healing properties of the herbs in your garden.Find out how to... grow garlicUntil the 17th

Spring bulbs look particularly impressive when planted informally in lawns. Many varieties of daffodil and crocus are perfect for growing under turf, and will multiply over the years to produce even bolder displays. For the greatest impact, use a

Follow Chris Beardshaw's step-by-step video advice on lifting and preparing dahlia tubers, for overwintering in a frost-free environment.autumnMore advice on growing dahliasVideo advice on planting dahlia tubersMore tips on lifting and storing

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to plant up dahlia tubers in trays indoors, to ensure a greater number of cuttings in summer.springMore advice on growing dahliasLift and store dahliasGrowing dahlias from seedTie in dahliasTaking dahlia cuttings video

Sarah Raven shows how to take cuttings from dahlia plants in her step-by-step video guide. She also gives a demonstration on how to make a simple propagation tent from a plastic bag, stakes and an elastic band.spring and summerMore advice on growing

.Knock out each herb plant from its pot and arrange in the container.Once all the plants are in place, fill between the roots with compost. You can use an empty pot as a scoop, which will give you a free hand to hold the leaves out of the way.Once you

Teracotta pot (40 x 32cm) x1Peat-free compostBroken crockPlace a piece of broken crock over the hole in the base of the pot to maintain good drainage. Add peat-free compost until the container is about two-thirds full.Knock out each herb plant from its pot

Surround your roses with strongly scented companion plants, such as lavender, thyme, rue and garlic chives, to help keep aphids at bay. While gardeners are attracted by their beauty, rose pests are deterred by the herbs' strong scents. March - April