Amateur Gardening

Since 1884 Amateur Gardening has been the gardening ‘Bible’ for serious gardeners from all walks of life. With unrivalled levels of practical content written by seasoned experts, it remains the only media brand to win a coveted gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. We are passionate about all things horticultural and are dedicated to producing informative content that gives accurate and helpful advice. Amateur Gardening is a trusted fortnightly companion, offering guidance and advice for all green-fingered projects.

Editor’s Letter

Summer pots and baskets • Food, water and pest control are so important, says Ruth

Getting to grips with pests • Lots of plants crammed together are more vulnerable

Composting in summer • Turn your compost heap and add moisture, says Ruth

Care of ponds in summer • Ruth looks after her aquatic plants and mini-beasts

Get summer feeding right • Give plants a boost for flowers and fruits, says Ruth

Bright and bold bedding • Sow these cheery colours for next spring, says Ruth

What’s On

Buddleja vision • Planting a butterfly bush for pollinators is not that simple, says Bob, as he explains the needs of their caterpillars

Birthday blues • When it comes to butterflies, blue is the colour, says Val

Focus on… Currant care • Traditional black fruits, vibrant reds or striking pinks and whites – whatever you prefer, it’s easy to grow your own juicy currants, as Lucy explains

The butterfly effect • With native butterflies in serious decline – and some facing extinction – Martyn Cox suggests steps you can take to attract these delightful creatures to your garden

How do plants defend themselves? • Plants have developed various ways to survive their predators, as explained by an RHS expert

Transform autumn • Whether you’re looking for late flowers, fantastic foliage or succulent berries, we have the best plants to transform your garden this autumn, says Tamsin Hope Thomson

Top Ten Cosmos • Sun-loving plants with a long flowering season, cosmos are great for colour, cutting and even fragrance, says Graham Rice

Ask JOHN NEGUS • John will reply personally to all your gardening questions

Quick questions & answers

WORDS OF WISDOM • From Amateur Gardening’s historic 139-year-old archive

A gardener’s MISCELLANY • Gardening’s king of trivia and brain-teasers, Graham Clarke

AG’s Garden Wall

Word search

Crossword …just for fun!

Get 6 issues for £6

Garden hoes • Steve and Val test six weed-control tools to find the best

Taking shrub cuttings

SIZZLING HOT SUBSCRIPTIONS

Your LETTERS TO WENDY • Write to us: Letters, Amateur Gardening magazine, Future Publishing Limited, Unit 415, Winnersh Triangle, Eskdale Road, Winnersh, RG41 5TP (please include your address). Email us: amateurgardening@futurenet.com

Amateur Gardening

Can you dig it? • Weathered they may be, but Toby’s trowels are still very useful, helping protect his plants from weather extremes