Wonderwallinurbanalley

Rejuvenating an urban alley in Moss Side, Manchester, has helped bring a community together.

Founder Jo Campbell says: “I moved into Moss Side six years ago and set up a small group for residents so that we could all get to meet each other and organise a few social gatherings.

“It quickly became apparent to me that we all shared the same goal. We wanted to brighten the urban landscape with flowers, shrubs and possibly grow some food. We have long, narrow alleys which can be annoying, and small gardens to the rear of the houses – so we’re going to have to be creative.”

Jo’s urban oasis, which includes window boxes fixed to alley walls, is just the sort of scheme our Cultivation Street judges are looking for.

And there’s still time to enter your project. We have a total of £20,000 of National Garden Gift Vouchers up for grabs. There is £10,000 for the top community project and best-tended streets and schools.

Other categories include Classic Cultivation Street, where neighbours team up to enter at least three consecutive front gardens.

Sign up to our newsletter at cultivationstreet.co.uk for updates and tips. Terms apply, closing date is July 31. by bringing them into a porch or greenhouse or placing them against a wall. If they’re going to remain outside, consider wrapping pots in horticultural fleece to guard them from frost.

Indoor herbs on a bright windowsill give you the benefit of being able to grow tender annuals all year long.

If growing from scratch, sow the seeds, then cover the pot and put it somewhere bright and warm to germinate. Once sprouted, you can uncover and let the herb flourish.

Placement is still quite important for indoor herbs. They do require a decent amount of natural light, at least four hours of sunlight a day.

The typical indoor temperature is comfortable enough for most herbs too, but don’t stick them above a radiator or they’ll dry out.

Herbs are a wonderful addition to any home or garden.

Few plants can look so beautiful, taste delicious, and smell enchanting all at the same time.

So go on, get planting.