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, firming with your boot to remove any air pockets.Water in well then spread a thick layer of compost around the shrub. Water weekly until it's leafy and well established.AdamUse bark mulch around the newly planted shrub for an attractive finish

, shady etc). Then, either take a list of plants you want to buy to a specialist nursery or garden centre, and make sure what you're buying is native, non-invasive, and sourced in a sustainable fashion, or try one of the following suppliers:Beaver Water

house plantsLooking after orchids, with a video guide from Sarah RavenGrowing orchidsGrowing cactiInstalling an automatic watering systemBrowse a selection of general houseplantsView a variety of cactus plants

are perfect for planting in a large container, as they provide masses of growth in just one season. The impact made to your garden can be mind-blowing.There are plenty of alternatives to large cattle troughs, such as tin baths, tea chests or plastic water

, make sure the compost around the seedling is moist by standing pots in trays of water for an hour before planting. This will help roots establish quickly.Use a garden line to keep rows straight when planting. Take out a hole large enough to accommodate

into the pebbles to hold them firm.Add water to just below the bulb and no higher, topping up to this level as needed.AdamBuy enough narcissus bulbs to plant several vases every seven to 10 days throughout September and early October to provide a succession

Blackcurrants are easy to grow and more tolerant of heavy soils than other currant bushes. Just one plant can provide a generous crop of berries. If blackcurrant bushes are kept well fed and watered you could be harvesting fruit a year after

. Cryptanthus bivittatus is small and will fit almost anywhere, including in a bottle garden or terrarium. Buy plants that are free from damage to the leaves and, if possible, those whose flowers are still emerging, as they’ll last longer indoors.Choosing a

changing from pink to blue...a clear illustration of the affect of pH on plants.My garden soil must have got more alkaline, possibly through watering with 'hard' tap water during hot weather last summer, hence the pink flowers this year. I'll need to change

Strawberry plants will be in growth to flower and fruit four to six weeks ahead of outdoor plants if potted up now and brought into a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Keep them well lit, ventilated and watered to prevent the plants becoming leggy