How to prune fruit trees
Keep your fruit trees productive and looking good with our easy pruning guide. Free-standing fruit trees, such as those grown in an orchard should be pruned when they are dormant, in winter. Trained trees, such as espaliers, cordons, pyramids and ... [... more]
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Repotting a cactus
Cacti are easy-going houseplants that come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. Follow our guide to caring for cacti in pots and ensuring a successful and long-lasting display. Most cacti have sharp spines, so it's important to wear gloves or take ... [... more]
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Build a pergola
Pergolas are both practical and decorative, providing support for climbing plants, while giving the garden structure. Follow our guide to building your own pergola. Plan your pergola location and measure the space available. Think about what the ... [... more]
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Grow your own winter salad
Fresh salad can be grown through the winter - in the garden or in a window box. With careful planning you could be picking fresh leaves to garnish your Christmas dinner. Sow seeds between late August and mid-November. Regular sowings will ensure ... [... more]
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Plant a native hedge
Hedges serve many purposes in the garden. They can be sound and pollution barriers, create boundaries between properties even deter unwanted guests. A native hedge will also provide a valuable habitat for wildlife. Choose a mixture of hedging ... [... more]
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Hardwood cuttings
Taking hardwood cuttings is easy and often the only way to propagate many trees and shrubs. Follow our guide to turning a hardwood stem into a vigorous new plant. In early autumn, select strong, straight shoots on the current season's ... [... more]
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Protecting your plants over winter
As cold winter weather approaches choose the best method to help protect your plants survive frost and cold with our easy to follow guide. Transfer succulents into grit and overwinter in a mini green house in a sheltered place. Add an extra layer ... [... more]
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Pond care
How to maintain your pond throughout the year and deal with problems like water loss and algae. If you are losing water, first check the edges are level and the liner hasn't slipped below the water level. If the pond is leaking, it will need to ... [... more]
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Build a rustic bench
Find a piece of rough timber to convert into a simple garden seat inspired by Monty Don. Source a piece of roughly cut timber, ideally local, untreated wood with the bark on, as this will enhance its rustic look. As this is an informal bench with ... [... more]
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Make a willow obelisk
Use bendy willow withies to weave a natural plant support. Your design could be used in a container or border to add a romantic rustic touch. Willow is available in several shades and is best bought from a specialist supplier. Ask for it to be ... [... more]
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Growing fruit trees
You don't need to have an orchard to enjoy home grown fruit. We show you how to get started. Dig a hole at least one third wider than the tree's root system. Insert a stake into the hole off centre by about 7-8cm (3in). Place the tree in the hole ... [... more]
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Basics techniques page not found
The BBC gardening Techniques section has been relaunched and some of the content may have moved or been removed. Use the links below to explore the new content. We apologise for any inconvenience. You can get to all our new-look gardening ... [... more]
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