Many problems in lawns and gardens can be easily rectified if the owner knows the condition of the soil.

Strawberries are fun to grow - easy, delicious and nutritious.

It's the finer details which can add that extra edge to a garden, notes Meg Liptrot.

Greig Morgan shows us a handy way to take the backache out of gardening.

It has to be a good thing if a vegetable's been popular for thousands of years, writes Justin Newcombe.

Justin Newcombe uses his soft side to come up with humane ways to get rid of munching molluscs.

Community gardens are a growing trend in Auckland, a place to learn how to reap what you sow in every sense, writes Kirsten Warner.

Removable shelves and a tray add further practicality to our home-made toolbox. Greig Morgan explains the third part of this handy project.

Beans are a delicious and reliable vegetable that can keep on giving, writes Justin Newcombe.

It's that time again. Justin Newcombe talks us through planting tomatoes to get the best of them for endless summer sauces, snacks and salads.

Justin Newcombe shares top tips on how to get the kids into gardening.

A nettle among the blooms is vital to attract a special native, writes Meg Liptrot.

Get your garden buzzing with beneficial insects by planting their favourite food, writes Justin Newcombe.

Lining up plants like rows of soldiers is not a good look at all, says Meg Liptrot.

For ease of growing and nutritional value, you can't go past a kumara, writes Justin Newcombe.

A mini glasshouse is the simple way to kick-start a vege patch, says Greig Morgan.

Three Auckland women share the secrets of their green thumbs with Viva.

Herbalists offer some advice on the natural ways you can combat illness.

It might come in bags at the supermarket, but there's nothing easier than growing these salad leaves yourself.

A walk on the wild side will allow nature to show you how it's done, says Meg Liptrot.

Supermarket varieties don't have a patch on home-grown yellow beauties, writes Justin Newcombe.

If you fancy having a gazebo to lounge under, why not make a fale as a nod to our Pacific neighbours, writes Justin Newcombe.

Beetroot is a classic Kiwi addition to a burger, so giving it a go in the vege garden would be the patriotic thing to do in this month of rugby mania.

Grab a spade to enrich your patch now for a bumper summer crop, says Meg Liptrot.

You may think you know them intimately but, as Justin Newcombe discovered, strawberries have some strange secrets.