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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

Any substance, organic or inorganic, used to increase soil nutrients. It can be straight, containing only one nutrient, such as nitrogen; or compound, containing more than one nutrient; or balanced, containing equal quantities of plant nutrients.

The result of a chemical process by which nitrogen in plant and animal waste is oxidised by soil bacteria. It first changes into nitrites, then into nitrates, which can be absorbed by plant roots. Nitrate of soda is an alkaline fertiliser that

The transplanting of seedlings from the seedbeds in which they were sown, to new containers. The term is derived from the old practice of pricking small holes in the soil in preparation for the planting of the young seedlings.

A general term for a number of fungal diseases, which are normally soil-borne, but also aerially transmitted. It affects a large range of plants, but commonly cereal cops. May cause damping off and blight, but can be controlled using fungicide.

1) The dry, rocky detritus found at the base of mountains.2) A mixture of stones and sharp sand, which, when mixed with soil, forms a growing medium for alpines and other plants requiring good drainage.

Monty Don and Carol Klein demonstrate how to plant alpine plants through a layer of membrane and gravel, with advice on increasing soil drainage.spring or autumnMore on growing alpinesWatch our video guide to making an alpine pathVideo advice

the ground level.Dig a trench, 30cm wide by 20cm deep, and part fill with soil down its length to make a mound 10cm high. Take the asparagus crowns and sit them 30cm apart on top of the mound, spreading the roots on either side. Cover the crowns with 5cm

Learn how to plant spring cabbages by following Monty Don's video demonstration, with tips on soil preparation and planting depths, as well as a special technique to keep pigeons at bay.OctoberMore advice on growing brassicasHow to plant brassicas

Chris Beardshaw shows how to reinvigorate your lawn in an afternoon, offering a comprehensive guide to improving soil structure, scarifying, aerating and dressing.springMore advice on lawn careHow to renovate a lawnHow to improve your lawnHow to cut