Get to know your plot

You will need

Soil-testing kit

Tape measure

Paper

Tracing paper

Lead and coloured pencils Pencil compass

Circle template

Ruler (scale if possible) Plant books and catalogues (as many as possible)

Understand your soil. It’s the most important thing in your garden, yet we take it for granted. The quickest way to assess your soil is by using your hands. You’ll be able feel and see if it is clay, silt, sand, chalk or lime loam – a simple test that doesn’t cost a penny.

Work out the soil’s pH (acid, neutral or alkaline) using a basic DIY soil-testing kit from your garden centre. Soil types can vary around the garden, so test it in several places to get an accurate picture. Most plants will grow either side of neutral, but the more extreme the pH, the more limited your plant range becomes. Once you know the soil’s pH levels and structure, you can start researching the plants that will grow well in it.

Measure your border or garden, so you can draw the space on paper.

Mark existing plants that you’d like to keep, and don’t be tempted to rip out everything – take your time and get to know what you have in your garden.

Work out the financial value of anything you plan to remove – asking yourself how much it would cost to buy a plant that big tends to focus the mind and the budget.

Consider subtle pruning and thinning – it’s amazing how these simple tasks can affect the feel of your garden. Letting in light or lifting the canopy of a shrub to provide space below for new planting can work really well, so think of this as you’re taking notes.