Bob is the author of dozens of gardening books, as well as a radio presenter and organic gardener.
Humaira has worked as a garden designer for over 10 years and runs a garden design course.
Matt trained at Kew and has been gardening professionally for more than 30 years.
Q What crops will grow in a garden facing north-east?
Amanda Kirkham, by email
A HUMAIRA SAYS Growing food in a garden that faces north-east is not as bad as it sounds, especially if the site has some open spaces.
My own garden is urban, with a small, partly shaded area dedicated to food. Soft fruits such as redcurrants, blackcurrants, gooseberries and even raspberries do pretty well in these conditions. I’ve also grown Japanese wineberries and alpine strawberries with success. My potatoes do okay but are better in the sun.
Brassicas, including cabbages, Brussels sprouts and broccoli do well in part shade, as do broad beans. Instead of onions, try leeks, and maybe salad crops and radishes in the summer.
Use the shady conditions you’re working with as an excuse to diversify a little bit and try some new varieties of the things you’ve grown
