The bluffer’s gardening guide

Starting out? Here’s our guide to the basics – plus the perfect kit for beginners

Types of compost

Multi-purpose A general compost for lots of jobs from filling pots to enriching your soil. Seed compost Fine compost ideal for germinating seeds, as it’s good for developing strong roots.

Mature plant compost Often called John Innes No 3, it’s perfect for larger containers. Ericaceous compost For plants that need to grow in acidic soil, such as camellias, blueberries or heather. Peat-free compost Preferred by many due to the environmental impact of harvesting the peat used in many traditional composts.

Pruning

A way of keeping plants looking their best and stopping them becoming overgrown. Some plants, such as lavender and roses, require regular pruning at specific times of the year.

How to plant in the ground

Whether you’re planting a large shrub or a small plant, dig a hole a little wider and a little deeper than the plant’s root ball. You might want to add some fertiliser, to encourage growth. Then place your plant in the hole and fill the hole in with compost to the same level as the soil. Water well and leave to settle.

How to plant a pot

Use pieces of broken old pots to cover the base of the pot to help drainage, then fill with compost. make a hole in the compost and position your plant. Top up with compost, pat down to squeeze out any air, then add water until it runs out of the pot. TOP TIP When planting Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or thyme, mix a little grit or sand in with the compost.

Plug plants These are small plants with root balls of less than 10cm. If they’re garden-ready, they can go straight into soil or pots.