Search - Articles

when the plants are less likely to wilt, and pot them up as soon as you can, keeping them out of strong sunlight.PinksCuttings compostGardeners' knifeSecateursSmall potsJune20 minutesSnip 10cm lengths from the tops of healthy, non-flowering shoots

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

The warmth of spring and summer allows you to sow vegetable seeds outdoors in the soil. Here they'll quickly germinate to produce crops to enjoy this season. Try easy-to-grow salads such as radish, spring onion and salad bowl lettuce. You can also use this technique to grow flowe...

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

Sarah Raven demonstrates the most effective method for picking tulips from the garden to ensure the best display indoors, without inhibiting next year's growth.MayMore advice on growing tulipsTreating tulip virusLayering bulbs in a pot

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

If you're short of sun in your garden but want an interesting summer display, try this rich blend of foliage plants. Both the plectranthus and begonias perform well in shade.April - JuneJuly - September20 minutesBegonia rex x2Purple

If deadheaded regularly, pretty bellis daisies will keep flowering for weeks, offering a colourful display through spring and into summer. The ivy in this pot recipe can be planted in the garden when the display is past its best.February - April

that would look great in any garden all year round. spring or autumnAll year round20 minutesBamboo, Fargesia rufa x3Red hook sedge, Uncinia rubraTall black planter or other modern pot Multi-purpose, peat-free compostPlant the bamboo as the centrepiece

The easiest way to trim established conifer hedges is by using a powered hedge-trimmer to give a regular, even finish. Quick-growing conifers will need about three cuts per year during the growing season, at roughly eight week intervals.Inspect your hedge thoroughly before trimmi...