Self-sufficient supplies Oct 6 2007
THE ultimate test for a vegetable gardener is how far into the winter the kitchen can be supplied without needing to resort to supermarket produce. more
3 ways to... Keep pond water clear and weed-free Sep 29 2007
1. If the water is not clear and clean, try immersing barley straw into it (you can buy it in sachets), which should clear it after around six weeks and help reduce algae. Introducing water snails may also help. more
Gardening tips Sep 29 2007
Propagate fruit bushes like black currants by inserting eight-inch cuttings with at least two buds in the ground. Most should have sufficient root growth for transplanting next spring. more
Gardening: John Humphries Sep 29 2007
IN a society that expects everything immediately, it is hardly surprising that plants are on the same shopping list. more
Top talk Sep 22 2007
TV presenter Amanda Protheroe-Thomas is currently covering the Rugby World Cup for Sky TV but still finds time to enjoy her garden. more
Gardening with John Humphries Sep 22 2007
It is not unusual to plant a tree or shrub in the wrong place, a mistake that becomes apparent after a few seasons of growth. When it does, it is better to act immediately rather than leave it until later by which time you will probably need a crane to lift it. more
Apples and pears Sep 15 2007
THE most modest suburban garden should be capable of supplying the kitchen with apples for several months, even after this wet summer when a dreadful June is certain to have reduced the fruit set and to increase shop prices later in the year. more
Cutting back Gardening: John Humphries Sep 8 2007
PRUNING is a word that gardeners dread, usually because it means hard work. But it does not need to be if done regularly. more
Things to do this week Sep 8 2007
Pick early varieties of apples and pears when slightly underripe. more
Gardening: John Humphries Sep 8 2007
PRUNING is a word that gardeners dread, usually because it means hard work. But it does not need to be if done regularly. more
Three ways to encourage wildlife into your garden Sep 8 2007
1. If your garden doesn’t naturally provide enough habitat for wildlife, add a few bird-nesting boxes, bat roosting boxes or even hedgehog houses, which you part bury in dead leaves. more
The rite of the rhododendron Sep 1 2007
AUTUMN was once the traditional and best time for planting because the soil was warm, and with growth slowing hardy plants were not under stress from producing foliage and roots simultaneously as is the case in spring. more
