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 Note

Keep the greenhouse healthy • It’s time to get it ready for the new year’s plants says Ruth

Keep undercover plants safe • Cleanliness, security and regular checks are important

Two ways of growing herbs • Sowing and cuttings are both easy to do, says Ruth

Adding glamour with lilies • Plant them now for a flamboyant summer, says Ruth

Houseplants in midwinter • Reduce food and watering but look for pests, says Ruth

Stripes are back in vogue • Pretty toms that taste as good as they look, says Ruth

Grow your own bread • Make this your year for making your own bread using grains cultivated in your own garden, says Bob

Ahead of his time • Val looks at Geoff Hamilton’s peat-free compost legacy

Focus on… Growing chillies • Do you want to grow fabulous, flavoursome chilli peppers? Lucy Chamberlain shows you how easy it can be to turn on the heat and cultivate chilli crops with a real kick

TRAVEL OFFERS

"Introducing Deliciously Sweet Peach 'Reclhaven' … Buy one get one 'free SAVE £19.99!"

Beat the gloom with a Cheery winter pot • A splash of colour lifts flagging spirits at this time of year, and planting a container is the best way to get it. Tamsin Hope Thomson has bright ideas to combat winter blues

super snowdrops • The first snowdrop flowers bring gardens to life with clumps of pendant blooms. Anne Swithinbank selects some of the best varieties to brighten pots and borders

This week… Marigolds • Marigolds are colourful no-fuss annuals that are a great choice for pots or borders

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

Bulbs to plant in spring • Christopher Lloyd casts an expert eye over the outdoor bulbs that should be planted in the first months of the year to flower next summer and autumn

Fruits of the earth • We look at politicians found in a fruit bowl!

This week it’s: Plants and dogs! • We look at the association between man’s best friend and plants

JUST FOR FUN AG’s Garden Wall

Word search

Crossword …just for fun!

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Gardening scissors/snips • Steve and Val Bradley test six models to find the best for your gardening needs

Ask ANNE SWITHINBANK • Masterclass on: using plants to attract pests

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Your LETTERS TO WENDY • Eskdale Road, Winnersh, RG41 5TP (please include your address). Email us: amateurgardening@futurenet.com

Amateur Gardening

Could it be magic? • Toby brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘witching hour’ as he reflects on the magical powers of witch hazel