Expert Gardening Tips

Expert gardener and gardening writer Steven Desmond picks out some of his favourite sights as the winter begins to give way.

By Steven Desmond Published 6 March 22

There is often more than a grain of truth in gardening wisdom that comes from folklore.

By Alan Titchmarsh Published 2 March 22

The old advice always used to be to plant small and wait, but recent innovations mean that gardeners can plant outsize trees with confidence, says Charles Quest-Ritson.

By Charles Quest-Ritson Published 22 February 22

If you grow your own potatoes, you may find things are a little harder this year — but Mark Diacono picks out nine varieties that you can grow yourself which will easily outstrip what you find in the shops for flavour, texture and often colour.

By Mark Diacono Published 20 February 22

The best of Alan Titchmarsh's gardening books have helped shape his career — he takes a look at some very special items in his library.

By Alan Titchmarsh Published 13 February 22

Our columnist has a suggestion for enjoying January, albeit one that doesn't involve staying put in England.

By Charles Quest-Ritson Published 23 January 22

From Alan Titchmarsh's beautiful prose to expert advice on growing an orchard.

By Toby Keel Published 21 December 21

Alan Titchmarsh's Christmas column looks at all the plants of the festive season.

By Alan Titchmarsh Published 19 December 21

Tiffany Daneff shares her winter gardening tips.

By Tiffany Daneff Published 12 December 21

It's possible to plant flowers that offer beautiful sights and smells throughout winter. Steven Desmond suggests some of the best.

By Steven Desmond Published 5 December 21

Nothing beats the sun glinting through the conservatory windows on a chilly winter day, but what to plant inside? John Hoyland recommends the finest climbers.

By John Hoyland Published 25 November 21

Everything from climate change to the whims of gardening fashion shape what we plant, but is it time to remember our traditional strengths, asks Noel Kingsbury.

By Noel Kingsbury Published 14 November 21

From common poppy and the poum poppy to the bright yellow Welsh poppy, Jack Watkins takes a look at these exquisite natural flowers.

By Jack Watkins Published 10 November 21

Privet can be dull, admits Charles Quest-Ritson — but it needn't be, if you plant the right varieties. Our expert shares his knowledge of a plant so ubiquitous that we rarely stop to think about it.

By Charles Quest-Ritson Published 31 October 21

Country Life's expert grow-it-to-eat-it gardener Mark Diacono shares his tips on how to grow a nut tree — or even better, an entire nuttery — in your garden.

By Mark Diacono Published 19 October 21

There’s a wealth of juicy deliciousness beyond the standard fruit-cage fare of strawberry, raspberry and blackberry. Mark Diacono explores all the other berries we should be growing, too.

By Mark Diacono Published 17 October 21

Writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh generally enjoys the patience and anticipation of gardening, but is happy to make an exception when it comes to forcing bulbs for Christmas. Here's how he does it.

By Alan Titchmarsh Published 10 October 21

Pots look simple, but it takes a bit of planning to create a balanced display for five weeks of colour in spring. Designer Angel Collins shows how to do it.

By Country Life Published 3 October 21

Gardener and author Mary Keen on why you should think up to make the most of your garden.

By Mary Keen Published 5 September 21