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

Artichokes: Sow 13mm deep in a seedbed, with around three seeds per drill. Leave 25-30cm between drills and rows. You can sow in pots instead – just be sure to use good-quality compost. Asparagus: It’

As winter eases and spring beckons, longer days bring the garden to life – and your growing year starts here…

Anne explains how to get ready for the gardening season ahead

Fresh experiments signal a season of change in the garden

Work your way through your borders, removing dandelion flowerheads before they get the chance to set seed. Flowers of dandelions are a useful source of early nectar for pollinators but if they are abl