Search - Articles

Repotting gives the plant a proportion of fresh compost to root into and this will provide water and nutrients to promote new growth. As a rule, choose a pot that is just a little larger than the one it was growing in before. Choose a container

Learn how to plant up a traditional hanging basket, with Sarah Raven's advice on choosing a basket and plants, as well as tips on retaining water. springMore advice on hanging basketsRachel de Thame demonstrates how to plant up a traditional

Fluctuating growth rates cause tomatoes to suddenly expand. This might happen after a period of drought followed by generous watering, or low temperatures followed by a sudden sunny spell. The split might then become infected, causing the tomatoes

, chaenomeles, pyracantha and kerriaRegularly water newly planted trees, roses, shrubs and hedging Finish planting out gladioli corms in groups or drifts in bordersSpread shredded bark mulches around established shrubs and trees to conserve soil moisture

Increase greenhouse shading if temperatures inside are getting very hotTake cuttings from houseplants such as weeping figs and Christmas cactiDamp down the greenhouse floor every morningWater pots and growing bags dailyPlace potted tagetes near

shrubs and pot them up in gritty compostRub greenfly off rose buds, or apply a soap-based sprayLightly trim broom and genista after flowering to keep plants in shapeWater newly planted trees and shrubs if conditions turn hot and dryTidy up rock gardens

Hang old CDs among crops and from fruit trees to scare away birdsWater beans and sweet peas as they start to flowerGive extra water to ripening soft fruits such as raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries and currantsFeed tomatoes and crops

Compost your kitchen and garden wasteTop up the water level in garden ponds when it starts getting low in summer Push canes in around tall plants like gladioli and lilies and tie them to the stems for supportPlace eye protectors on the tops of all

Set up an automatic watering system to look after greenhouse crops, patio pots and baskets if you're going on holidayRaise mower cutting height to leave lawns longer if the weather is very dryTrim conifers and other garden hedgesTop up the water

Buy pansies and other winter bedding plug plants to grow on under coverDamp down the greenhouse floor every morning on hot daysWater plants in pots and growing bags every morning, and again at night if necessaryAdd liquid feed to at least one