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mulches and organic matter. Returning nutrients to the soil is vital for healthy plant growth and decent yields, improving soil structure and moisture retention. If in doubt, stick to home-made garden compost, leaf mould or composted green waste from

improved a little.

. The recent wet weather has left just about everything in my garden covered in water, and as temperatures have been mild, algae has spread.The soil here is clay, which I've spent many years improving with garden compost, manure and leaf mould. Algae and some

or greenhouse then it is well worth the effort.There is always something going on at Wisley, some sort of new development or improvement, and this time it is the continuing construction of a new rose garden designed by multi-Gold medal winner, Robert Myers

or power tools. However, pumpkins do make a very satisfactory glowing lantern.I prefer to eat pumpkins, though. I don’t like pumpkin pie, which is a sweet and sickly item with the texture of polyfilla, only just improved by the application of lots of cream

feedersMulti-purpose compost, slow-release fertiliserCrocks or polystyrene piecesPlace the pot in its final sheltered position then add polystyrene or crocks to improve drainage.Fill the pot two-thirds full with multi-purpose compost and mix in some slow

diameter, with drainage holesCrocksEricaceous, loam-based compostPebblesMake sure there are plenty of holes in the base of your pot and add crock shards to improve drainage.Fill your pot about two-thirds full with ericaceous compost, leaving enough room

, and then only when chopped.After a year, the leaves will have only half rotted, but will break up easily when handled. They can be used for soil improvement or for mulching around shrubs, where they will continue to rot down in situ. After two years most

catalogue looks stunning, an improved selection with good resistance to mildew disease and with a taste they describe as 'awesome'. Well, 'Cornells Bush Delicata' is now on the list, and I'll hopefully have a few plants to give away to friends, too. There

sensibly, still tucked up, waiting for the weather to improve.Pear 'Winter Nelis': this is a late fruiter (although we are yet to get much), with the best blossom of all. Pink and white nuggets like freshly washed babies.There are apples as well, but only