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and shrubs. If you're new to gardening, limit yourself to growing one or two types of annuals. Sow about 20 seeds to see how you get on. You can always sow more a week or two later.SeedsSeed compost Seed trays or potsPlant labelsPencil or waterproof pen

'Multi-purpose compost7.5cm plastic potsPlant labelsPencil or waterproof penWatering can with rose attachment Plastic bottlesMarch - May30 minutesJune - SeptemberUse a good multi-purpose compost to fill 7.5cm pots to 1cm below the rim. Tap each pot to settle the compost

about 1cm apart. Lightly cover with a thin layer of compost then stand pot or tray in water to moisten.When the seedlings are a few inches tall, prick them out and transplant into fresh compost. Once established, transplant seedlings into the garden, 10-15

the current season's new shoots to grow from the base. These are the stems that will carry the flowers next spring. Established shrubSecateurs Long-handled lopperslate-June/July (or as soon as the shrub has flowered) 50 minutes Use secateurs to cut out all

If you ask me, there's very little that beats home-grown potatoes from the plot. They're so easy to grow, pay little heed to the vagaries of our weather and produce an abundance of lovely spuds throughout the season. In short, potatoes are one

30 minutesCarefully remove the tiny bulbils growing from the leaf axils of the plant.Treat the bulbils as if they were large seeds. Plant several in a pot of multi-purpose compost, spacing them 2.5cm apart.Cover with a layer of compost and water using

For two years, I have been trying to grow climbing plants to cover the walls of my garden. I've planted honeysuckle, passion flower, jasmine, numerous clematis and a revolting rose I found in the street. Some died, others developed mildew, while

that will hold in the moisture.More advice on growing shrubsSarah Raven's video guide to planting a rose in a tubGrow camellias in a containerHow to prune spring-flowering shrubs

Fit automatic openers to greenhouse ventsPlant tomatoes in growing bags or large potsBring pots of strawberries into the greenhouseGreenhouse20 minutes for each plantLearn how to style your topiary

Sow quick salads in guttering Keep a regular supply of salad leaves by sowing seeds in lengths of plastic guttering, cut to the length of your veg beds, and filled with good compost. When the seeds germinate, you can grow them on for 2-4 weeks