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

Spring bulb season is here! • Start planting now for a bright start to the year, said Ruth

Bulbs flourish in containers • Growing in pots is the ideal way to brighten small spaces

Plant out hardy youngsters • Most plants will fare better in soil than pots, says Ruth

Cuttings for plant security • Propagate tender perennials before winter, says Ruth

Bulbs to brighten winter • Forced bulbs provide indoor colour and scent, says Ruth

Just sow and they’ll grow • California poppies are great for poor soils, says Ruth

What’s On

What’s in store? • The hard work is over and the crops are gathered – but don’t let careless storage ruin your harvests, says Bob

In fine fettle • Comma butterflies are flourishing in fine weather, says Val

Focus on… Compost heaps • Waste not, want not when it comes to recycling garden scraps, says Lucy – and the results of your endeavours will help to nourish the next generation of crops

Flowers to sow in autumn • Should seeds be sown early in autumn or later in spring? Camilla Phelps looks at the perennials and annuals to sow now to give your plants a head start come spring

Fire up borders with Orange sparks • Want to give your plot an easy (and inexpensive) makeover? Copy garden designers and add splashes of fiery orange. Do it now for year-round warmth, says Hazel Sillver

Roses for hips • There’s so much more to roses than their flowers, as their autumn and winter fruits bring us value in a whole new style, says Graham Rice

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

Cyclamen on the small side • The large-flowered cyclamen that flower indoors during winter are popular plants, but the miniature hardy species deserve equal popularity, says Will Ingwersen VMH

This week it’s: The brilliance of bamboo! • We look at a plant whose stems have numerous uses

AG’s Garden Wall

Word search

Crossword …just for fun!

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Developing new plants and seeds • Steve and Val look at how new varieties are bred and selected

Ask ANNE SWITHINBANK • Masterclass on: pond care

Your LETTERS TO WENDY

Amateur Gardening

Super weeds • For every garden hero, there’s a villain. Luckily, Toby can recommend a few super powers to help you fight back