Garden expert advises planters for veg

With the good weather starting to show its face, some homeowners may be tempted to get out into their garden or greenhouse and try their hand at growing their own food.

Horticulture expert and TV presenter Pippa Greenwood has been distributing growing tips in her blog.

The Gardeners World host explained she has the common problem of soil that is unsuitable for vegetable growing.

She resolved the issue by building raised beds, so the plants did not have to sit in ground that was rich in clay and rocks.

Ms Greenwood said soil of this type can make it difficult for seeds to germinate as the roots tend to rot quickly, adding it is sometimes best to separate food crops from the standard garden earth.

She advised: "My tip for growing crops in planters is to buy ones with drainage holes in the sides as well as the bottom, as they can get quite waterlogged otherwise."

Horticulture enthusiasts in the north of England may wish to plan a trip to RHS Harlow Carr this summer, after the site was voted the top garden in the area.