Amateur Gardening

Every week, Amateur Gardening is the first choice for both beginners and knowledgeable gardeners looking for advice and easy-to-follow practical features on growing flowers, trees, shrubs as well as fruit and vegetables. Be inspired, by our beautifully illustrated features covering plant and flower groups, both home grown and exotic, and take a sneak peek into some of the most beautiful private gardens around the country. Plus, every week we feature expert opinion and tips from some of gardening’s most influential exponents including Toby Buckland, Bob Flowerdew, Anne Swithinbank, Peter Seabrook and Jo Whittingham.

Editor’s Letter

The versatility of bare roots • Ruth praises the simplicity and economy of winter planting

Planting large areas • Prepare soil and block weeds to help trees grow strongly

Soft fruits in autumn • Ruth finally cuts back her canes and other varieties

Alpines and agapanthus • Ruth prepares vulnerable low-growing plants for winter

The final bedding and bulbs • Plant the last of your spring plants for next year, says Ruth

Yet more border clearance! • Ruth empties her beds and pots up tender perennials

Hedge of reason • If you’re worried about dealing with your hedge for fear of gaps, there is a solution. Bob explains the art of laying

Hedgerow havens • Val explains how hedgerows sustain birds through winter

Focus on… Tender tubers • Lucy looks at the finest-tasting tubers you can grow

Tasting good, looking great! • Rethink your garden and use the space to grow fruitful and productive plants that look as good as they taste, says Anne Swithinbank

Climbers for trees and shrubs • Create greater year-round interest and help wildlife in the process by planting a climber that will scramble through trees and shrubs. Graham Rice offers the best options

This week… Poppies • Ideal for poor, dry soils, poppies come in various forms and a range of colours

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

The battle of berries and birds • Christopher Lloyd, of Great Dixter fame, takes a look at the opposing camps in the battle of the berries between gardeners and birds

Plugging leeks! • The luscious leek has a lot to offer

AG’s Garden Wall

Word search

Crossword • …just for fun!

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Autumn lawn care • Steve and Val Bradley explain how to help your lawn recover from summer damage

Ask ANNE SWITHINBANK • Masterclass on: growing garlic in pots

A load of muck is the best! • 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

Been there, dung that • Toby reveals how humble horse manure can help plucky alpine plants grow between a rock and a hard place…