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

Getting ready for autumn • Summer is still here but it pays to plan ahead, says Ruth

Improve soil through winter • Use compost and green manures to enrich border soil

Miracle-Gro peat-free vs peat • ‘Trial by tomato’ to pit Erin peat compost against peat-free

Rose care in late summer • There is still time to get more flowers, says Ruth

All our gardens are valid • Monty and Alan must move with the times, says Ruth

Tall beauties for summer • Cornflowers are easy to grow and great to cut, says Ruth

What’s On

Prepare for winter harvests • Now’s the time to start planning for winter, says Bob, as he explains what will survive the colder months

Hornets and wasps • Val looks at two insects that are important pollinators

Focus on… Plums and damsons • Whether nibbled fresh or preserved as tangy jams, every kitchen garden should have these delectable stone fruits. Lucy explains how to grow plums, damsons and gages

Nature’s way • Graham Rice asks why force climbers up obelisks and poles when they can grow naturally and more spectacularly in shrubs?

Spike your interest with Eryngiums • Loved for their sculptural shapes and cool colour palette, sea hollies will give gardens a border boost from late summer into autumn, says Louise Curley

Phlox • In a kaleidoscope of colours, many with a fantastic fragrance, phlox are a must-have for borders and rock gardens, says Graham Rice

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

Pretty polyanthus • August is the time to sow seeds of polyanthus to give you masses of colourful blooms in 20 months’ time, says James Cobbold, as he reveals his top tips

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 • No Plastic! Your magazines will be sent in recyclable paper envelopes

Growing multi-pot herbs • Steve and Val Bradley explain how to use a space-saving technique for herbs

Ask ANNE SWITHINBANK • Masterclass on: Planting in late summer

SIZZLING HOT SUBSCRIPTIONS

Your LETTERS TO WENDY

Amateur Gardening

Agapanthus under attack • A gall midge is spreading across the country ruining our agapanthus. Toby explains how to thwart it