1. Choose a Christmas tree – Last year Which? Gardening found that Norway Spruce and Nordmann Fir are the best cut Christmas trees to buy, while container grown trees also last well over Christmas.  But avoid potted trees that have been dug up from the ground – they didn’t do at all well in our trial.
2. Harvest your Christmas dinner – There’s nothing more satisfying than growing your own dinner.  Brussels sprouts are the obvious Christmas essential, but sprouting broccoli, parsnips, leeks and carrots can also be lifted if the ground isn’t too frosty.
3. Prune acers, birches and vines – All of these should be pruned before Christmas when they’re dormant.  If left any later, the pruning wounds will bleed with sap and weaken the plant.  The main job is to remove any dead or diseased growth, cutting back to a healthy bud.

Contaminated tomato food update – In the September issue, Which? Gardening reported that independent lab tests of B&Q’s Organic Living Tomatoes Food revealed it contained traces of a herbicide called clopyralid.  B&Q withdrew the product straightaway.
Which? Gardening can now report that B&Q has conducted its own tests, and the finding are consistent with those of Which? Gardening.  The product will be destroyed, and B&Q are looking at reformulating it for next year.

This raises wider questions as to how a herbicide can find its way into an organic product, and Which? Gardening will be looking at this issue next year.
Mediterranean fruit – Olives, figs and citrus fruits are a common sight in garden centres these days.  But, will “hardy” varieties of oranges, figs and olives survive the winter outside?  Which? Gardening has investigated.
First Look – Looking for Christmas presents?  Which? Gardening has cast its expert eye over some of the new products available and gives its verdict.  In this issue, Which? Gardening has looked at the Darlac String Cutter, a tool for deadheading, a fold-away bucket and a new garden thermometer, with a mixed bag of results.

Eco series – Paving over gardens – What are the consequences of paving over front and back gardens, and how does it damage the environment?  Which? Gardening has looked at this growing debate, and offers some tips and advice if you do want to lay a hard service in your garden.

On Test: Pocket knives – Gardening knives are useful for deadheading flowers, cutting string, harvesting veg and dozens of other gardening jobs.  But, a really sharp blade is essential, and as many are stored in the shed over the winter, they must be rust-free.  Which? Gardening has looked at some of the knives available to gardeners and has awarded Best Buy status to four of them.
On Test: Sweet potatoes – This veg is becoming increasingly popular.  But, sweet potatoes are now a common sight in supermarkets and a key ingredient in a variety of cuisines.  Sweet potatoes on sale in supermarkets are imported from warmer parts of the world such as the USA and Israel, but if you enjoy eating them, you may be tempted to try growing your own. A trio of varieties are now available from some of the mail-order veg suppliers. But are they just for the adventurous gardener or will they become a common sight on the typical British veg patch?  Which? Gardening decided to find out last summer.