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gardening. They're also a tough bunch of critics, always ready with a word of advice - whether I need it or not.We all enjoy a good chat about the merits of one fruit or vegetable variety over another. Our latest debate has been about varieties of early

but my vegetables certainly have. The beans have grown well beyond the tops of their poles and have produced a good few handfuls to harvest, which will sort out a few meals this week.My herbs and rocket have rocketed away and are good for a few salads

've got to admit that the French have it too.We saw so many small to medium plots of immaculately maintained vegetables, often in full view of the road, and looking lovely. And then the most extraordinarily bright and yet beautiful flower displays in tiny

of the garden under piles of sticks and vegetation. They are unlikely to do any damage to healthy plants, but have clearly made a home in the soft centre of this plum tree. It's often said that plants flower well under some stress, and despite the obvious signs

of home-grown garlic, 'Red Baron' onion and a dash of pesto, all grilled on a piece of ciabatta.So here we are in early December, munching on one of the more exotic vegetable crops. I'm really pleased the peppers are still there, particularly as

There’s something wonderfully irrational about clearing snow in order to dig up vegetables. One of our Christmas rituals is to leave the wrapping paper behind and take a walk to the allotment on Christmas day to harvest some parsnips. I don’t know

of algae on the greenhouse glazing – it’ll help to provide some shade. And I’m happy that I made some late sowings of my favourite vegetables, which now stand a much better chance of putting on useful growth and thriving.In this hot, dry weather I’ve been

For a pretty mix of vegetables, herbs and flowers, pot up a hanging basket with cherry tomatoes, parsley and yellow, orange and cream-coloured black-eyed Susan.MayJuly - September40 minutesCherry tomato plant, e.g. 'Tumbling Tom'Parsley plant

herbsPotting up a container with scented herbs.Planting herbs in a hanging basket.Planting up a hanging basket with vegetables and herbs.Taking lavender cuttings.Growing myrtle and campanula in a window box.

useful for extending the growing season of tender bedding plants and vegetables.Plant colourful Phormium 'Cream Delight' in a patio potTake care not to walk over borders or on lawnsOrder young plants from mail-order companiesAround the gardenSow sweet