Toads are great garden helpers, eating thousands of insects. To attract them, provide the right environment. Toads are amphibious, needing access to a shallow pond when breeding and enjoying a moist environment all the time. Near the pond, place logs,…

Indoor plants can be put outside for the summer but remember that the outdoor conditions differ greatly from indoors.  The light is much stronger; there is more wind; outdoor temperatures are more varied.  Acclimatize them gradually for a few days…

Low growing spring perennials such as phlox subulata and aubrietia need to have a little trim after the blossoms have faded – a little off the top and a little off the sides helps to keep the plant in good…

When the soil has warmed, add a 5-8 cm layer of organic mulch to combat weeds, retain soil moisture and improve the soil. To prevent fungal disease, keep mulch away from crowns of perennials, stems of shrubs and trunks of…

The various forms of mugo pines will develop new growth tips called candles.  These candles appear in late May and must be pruned back by one half to two thirds each spring to keep the shrub compact and dense.  This…

Leave grass clippings on your lawn as they are a natural source of nitrogen for the grass.  If your clippings are unusually heavy, spread them out rather than leaving them in a pile or windrow.…

Carrot and parsnip seeds need a moist seed bed for good germination.  Cover the seed bed with burlap to help retain the moisture.  Always water the seedbed with a very gentle spray so that the seeds are not disturbed.  Remove…

Plant two crops in the same space. Consider each plant’s growth period, growth pattern, preferred season, and light, nutrient and water requirements. Long-season and short-season vegetables can be planted together, such as radishes with carrots. Small plants can planted close…

To create sturdier plants that need less staking and to delay or extend the flowering period, cut some of your perennials back at the end of May (when the Chelsea Flower Show happens). Simply cut the plants back by half.…

Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and eggplant are very susceptible to cool temperatures.  Be patient and wait to plant these vegetables until both day and night time temperatures have warmed up to at least 10 Celcius.  Lower temperatures can…