John’s expert gardening tips

1 Mulching the soil is very important and makes gardening so much easier.

2 Bare ground and gaps between plants fill up with weeds, so plant closer together to avoid extra weeding.

3 Try and select plants that are right for the conditions in the garden and also plants that grow at a similar rate, so you don’t have to constantly referee between them and tackle the growth of any thugs.

4 Insects, birds and many animals enrich a garden. Add a small pond or grow plants that a ract wildlife and feed the birds. You’ll be amazed by what animals will move into your garden.

5 Feeding and watering plants is unnecessary if you mulch regularly.

6 Leave fallen leaves on your beds and borders to improve the health of the soil.