Practical Gardening

This section deals with one of the most exciting and enjoyable aspects of gardening – actually getting out there and working! With information and advice on how to carry out a wide range of garden tasks, including cultivation, propagation, planting and pruning, we aim to be your helping hand in the garden.

One of the first skills that most successful gardeners learn is how to cultivate the soil to create the best possible environment for new plants. We've put together a series of guides to introduce you to digging and forking techniques, including some essential information on how to dig correctly without any aches and strains.

There are a wide variety of methods that may be used to propagate and increase your plants, including sowing seeds, taking cuttings, dividing, layering, grafting and budding. This section examines all these techniques in detail, guiding you through each process every step of the way.

We've also included an extensive planting guide, packed with details on how to choose, plant and take care of a whole range of species, including annuals, bulbs, perennials, lawns, shrubs and topiary.

Finally, we explore the art of pruning. This may be carried out to improve the appearance of plants, control their size, influence fruiting and flowering, train young plants or rejuvenate old trees and shrubs. Our pruning section discusses techniques for a wide variety of plants, such as roses, climbers, trees and hedges, as well as offering some handy tips and advice on how and why to prune.