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and family wear and tear. Surprising then that many gardeners never dream of putting something back - returning some of the nutrients removed during mowing. After all, lawns don't live on thin air! I won't ask for a show of hands, but the lawn abusers among

into a slightly larger pot (about 1-2cm wider all round) surrounds the whole rootball with a layer of fresh compost for roots to grow out into. I just hope the extra compost doesn't prompt a return of those unproductive youthful habits, and I can look

place after dandelions and horsetail), and bindweed came 2nd to dandelions in northern England. Full results of our survey of weeds and other garden problems can be found in the August 2009 issue of Gardeners' World Magazine.

biodegradable pots that can be filled with compost for seed sowing. The secret to using is to keep the cardboard moist, otherwise it acts as a wick removing moisture from the compost within. Dry cardboard also prevents seedling roots penetrating. By encouraging

the long wispy side shoots back to about 20cm during summer (July is perfect), and then cutting these stems back further to about 5cm during winter. Pruning twice a year in this way not only controls the mass of new growth that develops each year, but also

they grow larger I split them in half and remove their hard black seeds. Achocha doesn't have a very distinctive flavour but does add a satisfying crunch to Thai and Chinese dishes. I cook it lightly, in the same wayI do pak choi or other oriental greens. It

and open. Prune to an inward pointing bud and the shoot will grow inwards, crossing other stems to create a congested bush.I remember, about 15 years ago, the Royal National Rose Society in St Albans conducted a trial comparing roses pruned conventionally

wildflowers. This simple idea will hopefully help bring colour to unsightly corners of towns and cities, and encourage wildlife into them, too.My family joined me at the show for a couple of days, with Danielle and Luke helping backstage as we hastily removed

Brighter days and lighter evenings are really cheering me up, as is the anticipation of borders packed with sunflowers and sweet peas this summer.Seeds from the free packet of sunflower 'Russian Giant' and sweet pea '20th Anniversary Mix' that came

the tiny hole.Delving my hand deeply through the gap I can grasp thick pink stems, removing them easily with a sharp tug. I think the variety is either 'Stockbridge Arrow' or 'Early Champagne', but can't remember which.But please don't think there's only