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.

EDITORIAL

A busy holiday weekend • There is plenty to do, but remember to enjoy it, says Ruth

Great ways to use your time • Four jobs to benefit home and garden

Should garden centres do more to help? • Matt Appleby asks whether there is enough guidence on peat free at point of sale

Pot up summer cuttings • Rooted cuttings will need more room to grow, says Ruth

Summertime problems • No let up from pests and disease, says Ruth

Sowing ‘granny’s bonnets’ • Aquilegias give effortless interest and beauty, says Ruth

By the light of the moon • This Thursday is the ideal time to go on a moonlit mollusc hunt, thanks to a super blue moon, says Bob

The rain bird • Val looks at a woodpecker that predicts when it will rain!

Focus on… Dessert grapes • It’s easy to grow delicious dessert grapes that are brimming with vigour and vitality. All you need is the right soil and a sunny garden spot or greenhouse, says Lucy

Why be a tourist when you can be an explorer? • Award-winning tours including everything you need for an exceptional experience. Flights, accommodation, a wealth of tours and excursions plus the services of an experienced tour manager, all included in the price.

Bulbs for turf • Brighten lawns, rough grass and meadows with spring flowers. The best ones will push through the grasses to flower year after year, says Anne Swithinbank

For autumn colour, plant Hesperantha • Why not grow the crimson flag lily for long-lasting flowers in pinks, white and red? It’s just the thing to add interest in the months to come, says Louise Curley

Top Ten Echinaceas • With their big, bold daisy flowers in a range of colours, echinaceas are ideal hardy perennials for meadows, beds, borders and cutting

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

Year-round interest • It’s possible to fill your garden with plants that provide interesting flowers or foliage throughout the year, says Arthur Hellyer, VMH, as he reveals some of his favourites

This week it’s: Wondrous wildflowers • We delve into the wonderful world of wildflowers

AG’s Garden Wall

WIN £30 Word search

Crossword …just for fun!

Get 6 issues for £6 • No Plastic! Your Magazines will be sent in recyclable paper envelopes

Lightweight gardening gloves • Steve and Val put six gloves to the test that are suitable for light gardening tasks

Apathetic agapanthus

Agapanthus by the dozen

Amateur Gardening

The power to poison • Take care when buying farmyard manure, says Toby, as it may contain herbicides that can damage your plants…