Garden Tips & Inspiration

Everything about garden design, planting and maintenance

Plant Encyclopedia

Explore 4000+ detailed plant guides with care tips, pruning calendar and winter hardiness.

Plant Encyclopedia (7498)
Apple tree in full bloom with white blossoms in springPlanting

What if your apple tree blooms every 2 years: prevent biennial bearing

Your apple tree fruits abundantly one year, then barely at all the next. Discover what biennial bearing is and how to break this cycle with practical steps.

8 min
Large tree branch lying on ground after break with splintered edgePlanting

Tree with broken branch: safety and healing

Broken branches are an emergency. Learn how to respond safely and help your tree heal.

8 min
Mature apple tree with abundant green fruit in summerPlanting

How much fertiliser per fruit tree per year? NPK calculation

A fruit tree needs 500-1500 grams of fertiliser annually, depending on type and age. Learn the NPK formula for apple, pear, and plum.

8 min
Young apple tree just planted in moist soilPlanting

How much water for a fruit tree in the first year?

A young fruit tree needs abundant water to encourage root growth. Learn the exact amount per week for apple, pear, and plum.

8 min
Gardener wearing protective equipment while handling chainsawPlanting

Chainsaw safety for home gardeners: complete guide

Learn chainsaw safety, protective gear, hand and feet techniques. Essential for safely pruning larger trees in your yard.

8 min
Collection of pruning tools arranged: secateurs, saw, glovesPlanting

Pruning tools for beginners: which tools you really need

Beginner pruning tool guide. Discover which tools are essential, which are costly, and how to build a basic set without over-investing.

8 min
Three steps of the 3-cut method on the same heavy tree limbPlanting

Pruning technique: The 3-cut method for heavy limbs

Cutting heavy limbs requires the 3-cut method to prevent splintering. Learn the right sequence for clean, professional work.

8 min
Close-up of a branch collar on a tree stemPlanting

Don't cut the branch collar: why it matters for tree health

The collar protects your tree from infection. Learn how to cut correctly without damaging it.

8 min
Natural wound closure on a tree branch after pruningPlanting

Wound closure: why you don't need to seal your pruning cuts

Trees heal their own wounds. Discover why sealants are harmful and how natural wound closure really works.

8 min
Close-up of apple tree spurs full with flowering budsPlanting

Apple tree spur pruning: maintain fruiting wood for maximum harvest

Spurs are the keys to abundant fruit. Learn to maintain fruiting wood, cut spurs short and get your apple tree loaded.

8 min
Mature plum tree in full production with dense canopyPlanting

How to prune mature plum trees: maintenance practice

Annual pruning routine for mature plum trees. Simple techniques for health, productivity and form.

8 min
Hazel tree with brown catkins and green foliagePlanting

How to prune hazel (Corylus): complete pruning guide

Hazels grow wild and produce many young shoots. Learn how to form and maintain a productive hazelnut tree with practical pruning steps.

8 min