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harvest of rich dark soil ... full of egg shells. Oh well. They soon get broken into pieces as we mulch them in; they'll help improve the drainage.

charming lady asked me a question about some scabby broad beans at Gardeners' World Live and I had to admit that I hadn't a clue; she gave me a very dirty look.In an attempt to improve my knowledge, I've been scuttling around my borders looking for critters

I've always been rather sceptical about the benefits of bug boxes, ladybird and lacewing hotels and other artificial constructions marketed to improve the roosting conditions for helpful insects in the garden. I was once given a solar-powered insect

am neither territorial nor a micro-manager, so I really don't mind what they plant. We've agreed that the next step is to make a few labour-saving improvements. One half of our plot already has bark paths (good for beetles) which has really helped us

and is somehow part of the emotional attachment I have with my garden.So, apart from investing in heavy duty locks and lobbying allotment committees to improve security measures, what can we do? Growing prickly hedges such as barberry along our boundaries

the dead bits of rosemary and hope it pulls through.In the meantime, my annual herbs (basil, coriander and flat-leaf parsley) are coming on well. These I grow in grow bags with the tomatoes, along with more chives (which I once read can help improve

community gardens and allotment initiatives run by organisations like Groundwork and the BTCV, are so important. They help people learn new skills, improve their local area and give them access to green space. To me, life without green space isn't worth

and miscanthus.Planting partnersGrow smaller varieties in patio pots and plant medium and tall varieties among herbaceous perennials in mixed borders. Improve the soil before planting, with home-made compost or well-rotted manure. Grow them in full sun

and hoverflies are still on the wing, foraging for food. Nectar provides insects with energy to fly and builds them up for winter hibernation. By growing just one source of nectar-rich food, you can improve these insects' chances of surviving the cold months

others during a trial.I'm aiming to grow strong garlic plants that develop quickly and mature early. I'll plant the bulbs at a slightly wider spacing than before, to improve air circulation and reduce humidity around the plants. And I'll avoid high