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Learn how to build a raised bed by following Monty and Chris's step-by-step video demonstration, with information on the benefits of for those with heavy soil or poor drainage.all-year-roundMore garden DIY projectsMore on building raised beds

Learn how to hoe your vegetable patch effectively with advice and a practical demonstration from Monty Don. Find out about tool sharpening and how frequently to hoe your plot. all year roundMore advice on common garden tasksWeeding by hand

Soil typesYour soil type - sandy, loam or clay - determines which plant species you can grow. Knowing your soil type enables to you to choose the plants best suited to your garden. Soil type is identified the presence of clay, sand and silt

buy scaffolding planks from a builders' merchant or a timber yard.More garden DIY projectsBuild a raised bed from concreteVideo advice on making a raised bedMake a slate planterMake willow plant supportsMake a bird boxCreate a bat boxHow to fit

The boot scraper is a handy tool to keep by the back door as the weather gets worse and gardens get muddier. It only takes a couple of hours to make and costs next to nothing.ChiselHammerSawLarge logThick slate tileWood glueall year roundtwo hours

of ponds in the wider countryside. So, gardeners can do their bit by creating their own wildlife pond, which will also look great and provide a year-round focal point.Make a start by marking out the position on the ground. Use a garden hose for an informal

will have turned into fine, dark leaf mould. Use it as a seed-sowing medium or mixed with equal parts of fine garden compost, loam and sharp sand for potting.Before you build your leaf heap, choose a position that's out of sight but easy to get at. It should

to its proper place in the greenhouse.More on greenhouse gardeningAdvice on gardening under glass.How to fit an automatic greenhouse vent opener.Learn how to sow seeds indoors.Browse our collection of tender plants.

Carol Klein demonstrates how to add mulch to beds and borders to enrich the soil and ensure healthy plants.spring and autumnCarolMore ways to improve soilImproving soil with green manure.How to feed plants.Improving your soil.Making a soil sieve.

the roots of your fruit bush.Tip plenty of garden compost into the hole and fork it deep into the soil.Sprinkle a handful of fertiliser in the hole and fork it into the soil.Spread the roots of the blackcurrant bush out evenly across the hole area, teasing