Introduction: so you want a beautiful garden; how to get started. The basics: what are plants; how do they grow?; choosing the right tools for the job; what sort of garden have you got and what do you want? All about soil: what soil have you got?; get the best from your soil; make compost and leaf mould. Growing new plants: buying plants; the best way to plant; growing plants from seed; taking cuttings and dividing plants. Selecting plants: what are they, where do you plant them and which are best for you?; trees,, hedge plants, shrubs, roses, climbers, flowering plants for beds and borders, perennials, annuals and biennials, bulbs, grasses, cacti, rock garden plants, fruit trees, soft fruit, vegetables, pond plants. Plants for special places: includes plants for - shade, dry ground, clay soil, acid soil, family gardens, wildlife gardens, cities, exposed areas, seaside gardens, sunny areas, wet and heavy soils. Daily chores: how to look after your garden; watering; feeding; supporting plants; deadheading, cutting back and pruning. Care-free containers: from troughs to hanging baskets; choosing containers; what are the best plants for containers?; container care. Looking after the lawn: growing a lawn from seed; laying turf; what does your lawn need?; repairing lawns. When disaster strikes: how do you know if it is a weed?; what are pests and disasters; taking back the control. Gardening under glass: what are greenhouses for?; propagators and cold frames explained. Organic gardening: the organic approach; putting it in practice; getting rid of weeds and bugs organically. Through the seasons: planting vegetables, cleaning the pond, pruning the roses and other seasonal tasks. Trouble shooting: frequently asked questions and the answers. Jargon-busting: gardening terms explained.
