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to me waiting to be read. I know that I'll be growing tomatoes, chillies, cucumbers, climbing courgettes, and some of those trailing begonias that did so well last summer, so I must choose my varieties. Planning for the year ahead will give me something

in the top of each mound.Keep the plants well watered, then feed every two weeks with a high potash fertiliser, such as tomato fertiliser or comfrey solution once the fruits have started to swell. Pinch out the tips of the main shoots of trailing varieties

kick. I'm always amazed by the number of people who say they don't like hot things but guzzle it down.Take 5-6 medium tomatoes and finely chop, along with half a shallot and a few coriander leaves if you have them. Add a pinch of chilli powder (more

of long grass around the edges of the lawn (which has no straight lines or clipped edges). I’m also far too soft with my frogs. When I cut down my tomato haulms the other week, I found five frogs snuggled together in the grow bag. I couldn’t bear to turf

get a moment, I'll be putting the new grow bag out with fresh tomato plants, so they can sit in there, if they like. It just won't have the attractive topping of dead foliage and Christmas tree branches, which I have lived with for long enough

regularly, particularly during the summer, make sure it’s easy to get to and as near to the house as possible. Whether your visits are for daily watering, opening and shutting doors and vents, or just nipping in to pick a few tomatoes for your lunch, you

matting sheet, or use old carpet or old cotton sheets to prevent weeds – cut holes to plant through. This is useful for crops of sweetcorn, outdoor tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins and squashes.Tips on saving effortUse mulchesSow rows of seeds straight

frost-free, but often that's still only just above zero. My little rudbeckias and antirrhinums – both from the Seed Club 'Blooms for Bees' pack – have been so unhappy they simply stopped growing. Worse, the tomato seedlings turned an ominous shade

such as runner beans over arches, on trellis or fences. Use tubs on balconies and paved areas for tomatoes, courgettes or peppers. Grow herbs in hanging baskets, and salad leaves and herbs in troughs. The biggest jobs when growing this way are watering and liquid