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slugsTry to water the garden in the morning, rather than the evening, as trails of water over the garden create night-time slug highways. Water at the roots if possible, or dip potted plants in buckets of water.Piles of sweet bran under hostas creates

Carol Klein explains how to create the optimum soil conditions for growing camellias.With hints on environmentally friendly, acidic soil conditioners and guidance on spotting garden pest and signs of ill health, Carol offers a comprehensive guide

Sarah Raven demonstrates how to use ornamental kale in borders, to bring colourful interest over winter, with information on the different varieties available.autumnMore advice on growing brassicasHow to plant brassicasMonty advice on planting summer cabbagesTackling cabbage whit...

Rachel de Thame explains how to grow apple, pineapple and curly mint varieties in a pot, with advice on compost, planting and maintenance.springMore on growing herbsPractical advice on raising herbsVideo guide to How to grow peppermint and thyme in a containerGrow herbs from seed...

Acers don't like to be baked by the sun so this pot is perfect for a sheltered spot. This particular Japanese maple has beautiful filigree leaves but it's just one of a fantastic range of leaf colours and shapes that are available. The colourful leaves of the low-growing bugle wi...

Bring life to a shady corner with this mix of shade-loving favourites. There are hundreds of fabulous hostas to choose from. At the back of the planter the green fern adds strong textural contrast. If you can't live without flowers, mix in some

This rustic container filled with an orange pelargonium and a ruby red begonia is guaranteed to brighten up the gloomiest corner in your garden. Take care to keep the begonia out of the sun, or it will scorch. March - April June - September20

in the winter to stop the phormium's roots freezing.More container ideas for shade-loving plantsGrowing shade-tolerant begonia and plectranthus in a container.Brightening a shady corner with begonia and pelargonium.Growing shade-loving hostas and ferns.

Buying a camellia in flower lets you choose exactly the colour you want for your patio show-stopper. This single plant will give you delightful spring colour and its glossy, deep green foliage looks impressive all year round, even when its not in flower. Place it in a shaded, she...

Salad leaves can be grown on a cut-and-come-again basis; harvesting the larger leaves by cutting them, allowing the smaller leaves to grow for a second crop. If you make successional sowings of seeds every three weeks, you will have a constant supply of salad throughout the year....