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.
A warm welcome • Greening your home
Your NEWS FORTNIGHT • Bringing you some of the gardening news highlights
Your GREAT GARDENING FORTNIGHT
Close encounters of the wild kind • Wildlife-friendly gardening was so important to Ruth Hayes, who wrote for Amateur Gardening for 12 years until her recent sad passing. To remember and honour our dear-departed friend and colleague we invite you, our lovely readers, to spend some time observing the natural world. If you would like to share any images or stories of your encounters, or tips for encouraging wildlife in the garden, please do write or email in. Sue Bradley and Kim Stoddart get the ball rolling with some tips and recent magical sightings.
Your VEG GARDENING FORTNIGHT • How to grow redcurrants, ensure your greenhouse borders stay healthy and overwinter tender plants
THE NATURAL GARDENING FORTNIGHT • How to keep a mature garden looking fresh, grow leeks, tulips and harvest kale
Your resilient garden
How to store your squashes, onions and garlic to enjoy in winter • Nick Hamilton looks after his harvests to ensure nourishing meals in the months to come
Rethinking red-hot pokers
9 seedheads and berries to help birds over winter • Liz chooses her favourite plants to feed birds and create attractive winter habitats for wildlife during the cool season
Victorian gardener tips • In the first of a new series, Ross Pearson turns back the clock to try some 19th-century techniques and see if they provide us with lessons today
Long live the leafy king begonia • Anne couldn't resist this colourful young Begonia rex spotted in a florists' shop. She went on to move it to a slightly larger pot
Garden wildlife watch • The birds behind the distinctive call
Your GARDENING TEA BREAK
7 fantastic ferns for sun and shade
How to help wildlife • explains how she helps create wildlife habitats in her polytunnels and explains why
Ask JOHN NEGUS
Ask JOHN NEGUS
Ask JOHN NEGUS
GROWING FROM SEED • These vibrant beauties bring flame-like summer foliage to shadier spots and are great for brightening up the home too
The connected garden • "To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower" — William Blake, Auguries of Innocence
Your LETTERS TO KIM • We love receiving your letters, emails and social media posts. Every message, poem, idea and comment matters. Please keep them coming. We will send out a thank you gift for every item published in the magazine as soon as we can, so do please send your address and contact details when you get in touch.
PLANT WATCH • Exciting recommendations from our expert plantsman
TOBY'S TALKING GRASS • Toby drills down to the benefits of sowing grass seed in autumn
GARDEN MUSINGS • Bob’s advice on taking proper care of seed packets to make their contents last