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

Autumn and spring colour • It’s time to plant bedding to brighten cooler days, says Ruth

Baskets and containers • Bedding plants are perfect for more than your borders

What to do with leaves • Make leaf mould for the soil, seeds and potting, says Ruth

Stay on top of maintenance • It’s time to get structures ready for winter, says Ruth

Winding down your pond • Help the aquatic world get ready for autumn, says Ruth

Sow some garden jewels • This star of the Mediterranean is happy here, says Ruth

What’s On

The best barrows • The classic builder’s barrow is a gardening triumph, but there is another option for bulky items, says Bob

Flower power • You can grow garden flowers to attract insects, says Val

Focus on… Growing leeks • Nourishing winter veggies don’t come much bigger than leeks – and this is a good time to check in with your burgeoning crops so you can be sure of a tasty harvest, says Lucy

For spectacular colour, try Compact acers • If you want to enjoy the ultimate autumn foliage show but don’t have room for a large tree, then slow-growing, compact Japanese maples are the answer, says Louise Curley

Autumn-flowering bulbs • It’s not too late to plant bulbs that will flower this autumn, says Camilla Phelps, as she reveals what to get into the ground now – including crocus and snowdrops

Top Ten Asters • For autumn perennials that bring clouds of colour as the days shorten, try the astonishing range of asters, says Graham Rice

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

Bring on the biennials • When is the right time to plant out biennials for spring and early summer flowering? H. Parsons explains what to plant once summer bedding starts to fade

This week it’s: Plants and pirates! • Shiver me timbers – we’re talking pirates and gardening

AG’s Garden Wall

Word search

Crossword …just for fun!

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Wasp controls • Steve and Val test six control options if wasps are proving a problem

Problems with peony wilt

Your LETTERS TO WENDY

Amateur Gardening

The heat is on… • Some chillies announce their arrival in a blaze of glory, but a few are more unassuming – until they strike, says Toby