In this issue

“Unpredictable and good for cutting and drying, poppies are such fun to grow,” says Graham

“I’ll explain all about plant food and how it will help your plants grow,” says Ruth

“Smart use of tall plants can bring shape and drama to your garden,” says Louise

Providing a balanced diet

Supplements can help plants to do their best

2 mins

Preparing for the pests

Think ahead and harness the power of nature

2 mins

French connection

French connection One way to keep pests at bay is to grow French marigolds – but check they pass the smell test

2 mins

Walk on the wild side

Val looks at how a wild approach benefits wildlife

2 mins

Focus on... Growing carrots

No kitchen garden would be complete without a crop of sweet and crunchy carrots.

2 mins

Add vertical interest with Border giants

Whatever your garden's style or size, towering plants are a must. Louise Curley recommends statuesque specimens guaranteed to take borders to new heights

5 mins

Annual poppies

Poppies come in many colours, can be great for cutting and drying, and their unpredictability makes them fascinating to grow.

6 mins

Top Ten Bergenias

These hardy weed-suppressing plants provide flower and foliage colour in one valuable ground-covering perennial

4 mins

Removing a tree stump

Steve and Val Bradley explain how to tackle tricky tree stumps

2 mins

Get the best from asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial flowering plant species that may support a healthy gut, as well as help to lower blood pressure.

2 mins

The garden on three levels

Jan Mundy's garden in Usk has changed from a dark, sloping site to a contemporary outdoor space on three levels that's full of brightness and colour

3 mins

Salad days

As we start to feel the pinch, it's good to know there are crops that will come good again and again

2 mins

Read all stories from Amateur Gardening

Amateur Gardening Magazine Description:

Every week, Amateur Gardening is the first choice for both beginners and knowledgeable gardeners looking for advice and easy-to-follow practical features on growing flowers, trees, shrubs as well as fruit and vegetables. Be inspired, by our beautifully illustrated features covering plant and flower groups, both home grown and exotic, and take a sneak peek into some of the most beautiful private gardens around the country. Plus, every week we feature expert opinion and tips from some of gardening’s most influential exponents including Toby Buckland, Bob Flowerdew, Anne Swithinbank, Peter Seabrook and Jo Whittingham.