Anyone new to gardening could be excused for thinking the process is rather daunting but here at 10 tips to turn you into a pro.

1. Know your soil – There are three basic types – sand, silt and clay once you know the type you will know how to manage it and get the best out of it.
2. Organic Fertiliser – Organic fertilisers, compost and mulching materials enhance the nutrient level and encourage life-giving soil microbes and worms.
3. Follow direction – Always use fertilisers in accordance with manufacturers’ directions.
4. Keep soil mulched – Mulching helps to minimise weed growth and this is important because weeds compete with plants for moisture and nutrients.
5. Plant similar species together – Plant appropriate species together, such as those that require the same soil, light and nutrients.
6. Pest and diseases – Identify pests and diseases so that appropriate action can be taken, ensuring that you use the “softest” option available.
7. Pruning – Prune shrubs early rather than leaving them until they get too large to trim back.
8. Flowering plants – Remove dying flowers from flowering plants every few days as this will prolong the flowering season.
9. Watering – Water deeply every few days rather than a shallow watering every day.
10. Composting – Make your own compost. Every day there are kitchen scraps, so instead of throwing them away in the garbage bin, start a compost heap.