Pruning climbers
Always wash the cutting blades of secateurs, loppers and saws in diluted garden disinfectant after use, particularly when diseased wood is cut. This is to prevent the spread of diseases from plant to plant. When pruning healthy wood, make an ... [... more]
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Building a pond
Ponds are probably the single most important wildlife feature that can be added to a garden, attracting a host of creatures from birds, to frogs and beneficial insects. Spread a layer of sand and carpet if it's available, under the butyl ... [... more]
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All topic contents
Buying plants Creative ways with clematis Grow cut flowers Growing bedding plants Growing sweet peas Lift and divide irises Make a sunflower screen Planting summer bulbs Growing artichokes Growing asparagus Growing aubergines, chillies and ... [... more]
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Growing beetroot
Freshly picked beetroot are wonderfully tender with a delicious earthy taste. Best of all, they are really easy to grow from seed. Follow our guide for the perfect crop. Prepare soil for sowing by digging. Remove weeds, large stones and rake to ... [... more]
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Grow pumpkins
See how to grow the best pumpkin for Halloween. Follow our guide to ensure your pumpkin is the biggest and tastiest. Keep moist and when roots begin to show through the bottom transfer into a 12.5cm (5in) pot. Plant outside once established, ... [... more]
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Growing a peach tree
Once peaches and nectarines could only be cultivated in greenhouses but new dwarf trees have been bred which are ideal for growing on a warm, sunny patio. We show you how to grow your own peaches. Choose a large container that is at least 30cm ... [... more]
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Site and soil preference
Not all orchids require steamy hothouse conditions. Many can be easily grown on a sunny windowsill. The orchid family includes 20,000 to 30,000 species and more than 70,000 hybrids or cultivars. The largest number, and most popular, come from ... [... more]
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Growing tomatoes
Growing tomatoes from seed is easy and there's a huge range of delicious varieties to choose from. Follow our easy care guide and sow during late February and March for a good summer crop. Scatter seeds thinly across the surface of 7.5cm (3in) ... [... more]
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Building a pebble fountain
Bring your garden to life with a trickling pebble fountain. It'll add another dimension to your garden. Choose the position of your pebble fountain. Use the reservoir as a guide to mark out the area for excavation. Lay a sheet of strong mesh over ... [... more]
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Build a hoggin path
Construct an attractive and hard-wearing hoggin path using our step-by-step guide. Decide the route of your path and mark it out using sand or lengths of hosepipe. Compact the hoggin until it is level with the top of the metal edging. How to ... [... more]
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Create a mini pond
Brighten up your patio and encourage wildlife to visit your garden with your own container pond. Select a combination of marginal, aquatic and oxygenator plants. Plant marginals in aquatic baskets filled with garden soil and top-dress with ... [... more]
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Build a green roof
Adding a green roof to garden buildings such as sheds and storage areas reclaims the space they take up, as well as improving air quality and encouraging wildlife into the garden. Joe Swift shows how to green up your shed. Assess the roof you are ... [... more]
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