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when young to encourage fresh new growth.Cut-and-come-again saladChard is also known as seakale beet, silver chard and ruby chard. Its leaves are eaten like spinach and its thick, fleshy stalks are cooked and used like asparagus. It can be grown in pots

interest and an instant snack for birds.Install a bird bath, where birds can drink and clean their feathers - essential for insulationBirdsFrogs, toads and newts overwinter in log and leaf piles, or beneath stones and plant pots. Some rest in the mud

of the frame before starting: although often described as 8x10ft or 6x8ft, these dimensions are approximate and frames are usually bigger.Lay the baseIt’s a good idea to put all the clips and bolts into separate pots before you start so you don’t lose them. Lay

, or self-setting gravel edged with timber. Where you intend to plant direct into the border soil, fork it thoroughly to relieve any compaction and incorporate plenty of compost. Alternatively, if you'll be growing in pots and growing bags, or on benches

seed – they need to be bought fresh each season.Save part-used packets of seedSow sparingly to make a packet of seeds go further. It also saves a lot of thinning out for direct-sown seeds, and means easier pricking-out when you sow in pots. Mix small

. Height 20cm.Chionodoxa sardensisSometimes called the Chilean crocus, this scintillating blue flower is very rare, due to being over-collected in the wild. Cultivated stocks have increased, but are expensive. If you take the plunge, try it in pots