Hassle-free harvests

Basil: Position in a bright spot on the windowsill or a heated greenhouse. It’s best to use free-draining compost. Broad beans: This tasty veg can be sown early this month if you choose a hardy variet

Broad beans: If conditions are mild, you can sow seeds outside for an early harvest Cauliflowers: Sow seeds 2cm deep in a seed bed, allowing 60cm between rows for larger cultivars Microgreens: Perfect

It can be tempting to sit back and leave your garden to its own devices at this time of year. And let’s face it, we all need some time to savour our hard work. If it’s frosty, it’s best not to attempt

Wrap non-frostproof pots in bubble wrap or other forms of gardening insulation to prevent them from cracking and to stop rootballs freezing. If you can, move these containers out of frost pockets and

1 Sunlight may be sparse during December, so it is important to keep your plot clear of debris to optimise the winter light 2 The garden will need less attention, so it’s the ideal time to rejuvenate

Winter has finally arrived. December’s low daylight and its cold crisp air put not only the garden into hibernation, but the gardener too! I’ve slowed down allowing the garden to rest. The pots in the