Chives

Dividing chives: why August is the best time to do it

Chives eventually grow outward from the centre — the middle goes sparse, the shoots get smaller. That's the signal to divide them. And August turns out to be better for this than spring.

Strawberry runners: decide now whether to root new plants or let the mother recover

Mrs Schneider writes: 'Stachi, my strawberry plant is sending out threads everywhere. What do I do with them?' Right now — late July — you have two options. Which one you choose depends on what you want to harvest next year.

Harvesting herbs the right way: cut, don't pluck — then they keep coming all summer

Basil that's bare after three weeks. Parsley that won't come back. Usually it isn't the plant, but the way it's harvested. The difference is a single cut.

First harvest week — radishes out, lettuce in

This week the first things come out of the raised bed — radishes are ready, cut-and-come-again lettuce is harvestable, some herbs need their first trim. And while you harvest, it's the moment for the next succession sowing. Here's the plan for the next 14 days.

Strawberries in a Raised Bed — The 3-Year Growing Guide

No slugs, no muddy fruit, right at picking height — strawberries in a raised bed are the best thing that can happen to you in May. Which varieties actually deliver, when to plant, and why year two is when it all comes together.

My raised bed only gets 3 hours of sun — what's actually worth growing?

Behind the shed, under a walnut tree, against a north wall — not every raised bed has guaranteed sunshine. 10 varieties that deliver anyway. And three you can skip.