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A traditional structure for the storage of vegetables. A clamp consists of a pile of the vegetables, layered with straw and soil to protect it from frost and rain. Ventilation holes are plugged with loose straw to prevent the build-up of carbon

The washing out, usually by rain, of soluble (and some insoluble) minerals from the soil. Because some substances leach faster than others, this may cause a chemical imbalance in the soil, which, in turn, may have a detrimental effect on plants

1) A dish used for raising seedlings and shallow-rooted plants.2) A compacted layer of subsoil produced by digging to the same depth over time, through which roots can't penetrate.3) A surface pan may occur when topsoil is compacted by walking

to supports to prevent them flopping overScatter granular fertiliser around the base of roses, shrubs, perennials and hedges, and water in thoroughly if rain does not fall over the next week

At last, we've had rain, but I'm starting to wonder if I have rain-inducing powers. Like many gardeners, I try to avoid watering the garden, but recently I had to resort to the hose. It was so dry even the nettles were wilting! But of course, after

What a spring we're having. Provisional Met Office reports suggest April was the warmest on record. It was also the 11th driest, based on average rainfall across the UK. Scotland's rainfall has been 110% above normal levels, while the South-East has

. That was swiftly followed by a sudden warm spell bringing in steady rain. And when I say steady I mean it! The balmy Mendip Hills are, like Ireland, soft and green and lush - perfect for fattening the dairy cows whose milk makes the original Cheddar cheese produced

rain - and will not survive repeated cutting or pulling.Use a weedkiller such as glyphosate. Spray directly onto the plant and avoid spraying on a windy day and near other desirable plants. all over the gardenearly spring to autumnMore advice

into the greenhouseInstall a water butt under the gutter of your greenhouse to collect autumn rain fall

-sown sweet peas to promote bushier growthBring pots or glasses of prepared hyacinths indoors to flowerProtect potted peach trees from winter rain and peach leaf curl by bringing under cover