IT would appear that spring has finally arrived and, with it, the urge to get out into the garden. For many, it will be their first experience of gardening. So if you are new to the world of soil and plants you may need some guidance.

TV programmes are an excellent source of information but they rarely provide guidance for fruit or vegetable growing. For such matters, books and videos are the first stop. Then there are various classes and one-day workshops to attend. Visiting other gardens, whether they be large historic properties or local gardens open for charity, is also a source of inspiration.

Talking to other gardeners is the finest way of learning about local practices and conditions. These vary widely between places like Torquay and Darlington. The timing of seed sowing or planting can vary by as much as three weeks in the spring.

You are lucky if you have a keen gardener next door, but if you do not, then consider joining your local gardening society. It is true that the majority of members are likely to be keen amateurs, but amongst their number will be many very good and experienced growers, happy to pass on tips or advice.

If you want to specialise in a plant or plant group then there are both national and regional societies. The National Vegetable Society has a regional group and The Northern Fruit Group has members especially dedicated to growing fruit in the North of England. There is the National Rose Society and National Sweet Pea Society as well as the Heather and the Delphinium Society amongst specialist plant groups.

The main national society is the Royal Horticultural Society, known the world over for its excellence and professionalism in horticulture, but its activities are presently strongly London and Surrey based, although it does run the Tatton Show in Cheshire. The Northern Horticultural Society in Harrogate was founded for gardeners in the North, but on April 18 it is expected that an Extraordinary General Meeting will vote for its takeover by the Royal Horticultural Society. It will then be administered from London.

The only really major servant of gardeners in the North-East will then be The Northern Echo Gardening Club being launched today on this page. Managed by North-East gardeners for the gardeners of the North-East, it will provide information visits, workshops and discounted seeds, plants and products and will be running a full scale allotment at Nature's World in Middlesbrough where members and the public can see gardening for real in the North-East. Philip Swindells

WHAT'S NEW

Lismore Moonlight is a bright yellow pompon dahlia which has strong stems and grows up to 1m tall.

Jenny is a self-fertile variety Chinese gooseberry.

Inca Blue Heaven is the first-ever lavender-blue or bluish-coloured alstroemeria or Peruvian lily.

Q My apple tree has a lot of lumpy places which look like growths on the branches. Some of the twigs have died back next to them. What is the cause and how do I cure it?

A The problem is apple canker. There is no cure, but it can be controlled. Cut away infected wood and dress the cuts with canker paint which can be purchased at the garden centre.

Q I have been given some tiny tubers of hot water plants (Achimenes). How do I grow them?

A Plant the tubers four or five together in a small pot. Use a multi-purpose compost and keep warm on the window ledge in the living room. They will require careful regular watering and should flower throughout the summer