Gardening tips

Use compost to improve the soil and help plants grow. Find out all you need to know from The Composting Association. Or treat yourself to a great new resource written by a Friends of the Earth supporter George Pilkington - Composting with worms.
Try controlling pests like slugs with water or beer-filled traps (cups sunk into the ground).
Try smothering weeds with porous plastic sheeting or cardboard which blocks out the light.
Attract wildlife that feeds on pests.You can do this by avoiding pesticides and making sure your garden is not too tidy. This will encourage wildlife to set up home.
Experiment with companion planting. Marigolds put off pests and attract useful insects. Organic gardening books list other useful plant combinations.