Since 1884 Amateur Gardening has been the gardening ‘Bible’ for serious gardeners from all walks of life. With unrivalled levels of practical content written by seasoned experts, it remains the only media brand to win a coveted gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. We are passionate about all things horticultural and are dedicated to producing informative content that gives accurate and helpful advice. Amateur Gardening is a trusted fortnightly companion, offering guidance and advice for all green-fingered projects.
WELCOME BACK! • Looking forward to a more resilient future, together
Amateur Gardening
Your NEWS FORTNIGHT • Bringing you some of the gardening news highlights over the next couple of weeks
Give perennials some love • It’s time to split, life and propagate, says Ruth
Cold and soggy • Work with the weather
How to mulch
Lifting and protecting plants • How to protect tender plants in winter
Dahlia care • To leave or store
Nursing agapanthus through winter
Pruning vines and figs • Cut them back while they are dormant, says Ruth
Pruning figs • Work with the weather
Still time to plant garlic
A berry good idea • Bob puts forward the case for growing more soft fruit
Snowdrops, seed sorting and signs of nature • Val looks forward to the gardening year ahead and explains the important role of bees and hoverflies
Your GARDENING FORTNIGHT • with Lucy Chamberlain, AG’s fruit and veg expert
5 quick jobs
Grow more food • 5 ways to grow easy indoor edibles this month, Kim Stoddart shows you how
Apple inspiration • Author, Helen Cross shares a few of her recipes with apples
Winter Gardens it’s not all about the holly and ivy • Mike Palmer provides us with an uplifting look at some of the seasonal splendours to be found in December
Home made Christmas treats for garden birds • The National Gardens Scheme shares some gift ideas for feathered friends this December…
How to make bird seed cakes • This simple ‘recipe’ is a great crafting activity for the Christmas holidays and will have the whole family bird watching at the window once they’re served to the wildlife in the garden.
Feed the birds with nutty apple rings • Treat the wildlife in your garden this winter with these nutty apple rings. This quick winter craft is a great way to encourage everyone to get outdoors this December, and to learn about the wildlife living in the garden.
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE GARDENING ENTHUSIAST
In defence of peat • Becky Searle gets up close and personal with the plight of the peat bog
Adventures in cider making • Andrew Oldham shares his experiences of making the best use of apples and nasturtium remaining from the year’s harvest
Another idea - how to make Poor Man’s capers
Let nature decorate your home for free this Christmas • Bring the outside indoors to enjoy the garden even when wintry weather keeps you inside, says Sue Bradley.
12 great plants to collect
Adam’s remarkable veg • In an extract from Adam Alexander’s book, The Seed Detective, the author explains the rich origins of two of our favourite vegetables…
Time to take cuttings • Easy propagation tips to save you pennies
Take cuttings • Pot them up for winter
Pot on rooted cuttings
Protect to save cash • Benefit your plants and wildlife this winter
Storing seeds • Get ready for next year
Four quick money saving ideas
CHRISTMAS CHEER • THAT LASTS ALL YEAR!
How to make a bug hotel • New columnist Adam Kirkland shows us how to make a cosy habitat for insects this winter
Make your own bath treats and balm •...