Shop-bought compost can be expensive – but not just for your pocket. The energy used to transport bulky growing media over long distances can be costly for the planet too. It can be a challenge to mak

Lynn Farram and the congregation of Christ Church, Norris Green, Liverpool

Plant skimmias in pots so you can position them in spots where you can best see their attractive berries now, their pretty flower buds at the end of winter and blossom in spring. Skimmias do best in p

Will raking the soil help frosts kill pests? Moving wet winter soil does it no good, damaging its structure and making it more compact and slower draining. So although you might uncover a few slugs an

The ground in your garden is a magical thing – it is the life-force behind your plants, and identifying the kind of soil you have and planting accordingly can be the difference between successful gard

Stefan Buczacki