There’s not much happening outdoors at the moment, but if you follow the prepping advice of these RHS stars, you’re guaranteed a fabulous display later in the year – and you’ll save money too

Pick sprouting broccoli shoots before the tight buds open into bitter, bright-yellow flowers. The ones you want for harvesting grow as short shoots coming from the upright main stems. They tend to be

HOW TO GET GREENER...

Stephanie Hafferty provides her pick of the more unusual perennials for tasty and nutritious meals

Fancy growing something new? Take your pick on what’s new in 2026

When it comes to flavour, herbs pack a mighty punch. With a well-planned herb plot on the smallholding, you can enjoy a pinch of this and a sprinkling of that right through the year, writes Clare Hunt