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How much water does a house plant need? Most prefer a reliable source of moisture – neither too much, nor too little. In most cases, house plants will readily reveal their needs, which vary from plant to plant and season to season. If you learn

For the boldest, brightest display in a hanging basket choose a large container (no smaller than 35cm) and pack it with plants. But keeping them flowering is thirsty work, so for a really successful show the plants will need plenty of water on a

or polytunnel, and cooler conditions outside. It is used to harden off seedlings and young plants by opening the lid on warm days.Cold frameGreenhouses are easily fitted with guttering for rainwater collection, providing a convenient water source. Where possible

rectangular or square pond can still be wildlife friendly. Straight edges can easily be disguised with plants, both in and outside of the pond.To attract the widest range of wildlife, create areas of shallow water (around 2-3cm deep), which are essential

Pond plantsWater enhances any garden, and there are a wide range of aquatic plants that will thrive when submerged in a pond. We spoke to expert grower Linda Smith at BBC Gardeners' World Live 2009, who recommended 10 of the best plants for garden

up’ one or more of the organisms that can cause damping off.I’m not saying don’t use water butts, but it’s well worth taking care with what plants you use the water on. I use water butt water on more mature plants, and on those in open ground. I

slugsTry to water the garden in the morning, rather than the evening, as trails of water over the garden create night-time slug highways. Water at the roots if possible, or dip potted plants in buckets of water.Piles of sweet bran under hostas creates

Take 10 minutes first thing in the morning, during the height of summer, to pour water onto the floor of the greenhouse. This simple task creates enough moisture throughout the day to prevent your plants from suffering heat stress.Watering can full

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, give your container plants a little time and care. Water, feed and deadhead them regularly over the next few weeks and you can keep plants flowering and looking good right into autumn.Container plantsWatering

of plastic inside this.Snip a few drainage holes into the plastic, then fill the basket two-thirds full with compost (mixed with water-retaining gel). Plant the ipomoea and osteospermum off centre.A reservoir makes watering large baskets more efficient, so