How to Use Rock Rose
The name Helianthemum derives from the Greek helios (sun) and antiunion (flower), since the flowers only come out when the sun shines. The American or Canadian rock rose, H. canadense,…
How to Use Sundew
Sundew is a carnivorous plant, one of 90 species of Drosera, which is found growing in the damp marshy edges of ponds and rivers in North and South America, Europe…
How to Use Sunflower
The magnificent sunflower is a native of Mexico and Peru and was brought to Europe in the 16th century because of its extraordinary economic value. Every part of the plant…
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How to Prepare Your Garden Soil
A lot of books have been written on the subject of gardening! However, the main points the new gardener needs to be concerned with are soil depth, soil texture, soil…
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How to Prevent Garden Accidents
Paths Make sure the garden path is in good condition with no loose or uneven stones on which people could trip. Your steps should be safe too. Always sweep leaves…
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How to Prune Your Garden
THE BASICS Having a good understanding of why pruning and training are necessary is a major step towards success. What are the aims and objects? Pruning is carried out: to…
How to Site Plants in Your Garden
In gardening there are exceptions to most rules — but even so it can be helpful to point out a few basic points: Sun lovers For sunny situations, select flowering…
How to use Meadowsweet
The elegant meadowsweet flower with its sweet almond scent lives in damp fields and by rivers and streams. The plant well deserves its country name of queen or lady of…
How to Plant Short-Stay Bedding Plants in Your Garden
There are two main planting seasons for short-stay bedding plants (plants which are grown for one seasonal burst of colour and then lifted). Popularly grown summer bedding plants, which flower…
How to Plant Roses in Your Garden
Although the majority of shrubs are sold containerized these days, roses are still often an exception. Many come in attractive prepacks, with little soil at their roots, and they need…
How to Plant Fruits and Vegetables in Your Garden
Fruit trees and bushes Opt for modern dwarf varieties when buying freestanding tree fruits. Pit plant all fruits as described for ornamental trees, shrubs and climbers. Raspberry canes Take out…
How to Plant a Hedge, Climber and Wall Plants
PLANTING A HEDGE Hedging plants over 25 cm (10 in) and under 60 cm (2 ft) in height transplant best, and should quickly form a mature hedge. The easiest way…
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How to Plan Your First Garden – The Immediate Priorities
Carrying out alterations and improvements takes time and can involve considerable expense. So the most practical approach is to isolate any immediate problems, which obviously cannot wait, and deal with…
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How to Plant Larger Trees and Shrubs in Beds, Borders and Grass
The plants Always buy container-raised shrubs and conifers of under 90 cm (3 ft) in height. Larger plants make greater initial impact, but they are more difficult to establish and…
How to Plant in Garden Containers
Never forget that it is just as important to match plant needs to the site when growing in containers as it is when planting direct into beds and borders. The…
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How to Mulch a Garden
A mulch is a layer of bulky organic matter, such as well rotted garden compost or manure. It is spread on the surface of the soil around plants, mainly during…
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How to Manure Soils in Your Garden
Plant growth, whether flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs or trees, depends almost as much on the soil as it does on the climate. While there is nothing much that can be…
How to Make Garden Compost
Although there are various ways to make garden compost, all have the same objectives in common, to create ideal conditions for beneficial bacteria to thrive. A warm, well aerated, free…
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How to Make a Good Garden
One person's idea of what makes a good garden will differ from another's. And what is the best treatment for any specific garden must take into account its function and…
Posted inGeneral How To's
How to Level a Garden Ground as a Beginner
Most newcomers to the gardening scene will either be faced with a garden to make from scratch, or take over one in a reasonable state of cultivation. Very neglected, derelict…