Editor Kim Stoddart reveals how to save money and boost your gardening with homemade soil improvers and protectors

Andrew Oldham explains how manures can boost your soil and suggests which ones might work best for you

HAVE you ever taken a close look at your soil? I mean, a really close look? And if not, why not? Soil, compost, dirt, earth – whatever you want to call it, it’s often overlooked, and yet it’s one of t

Spread a bulky mulch on top of the soil surface around the base of young apple trees to condition the soil, hold in moisture and suppress weeds. This will all help the tree to establish well. Use well

Give them a trim and feed so they’re ready for spring

Andrew Jackson explains how damaged soil can be brought back to life with gentle nurturing and time