First things first, you’re going to need to equip yourself with a couple of key bits of kit.

Fortunately, you won’t have to break the bank to get started.

“For tending to pots and containers, you only really have to buy three tools,” says Rebekah Mealey, Horticultural Advisor at the RHS.

“You’ll need a hand trowel for planting and digging, a hand fork for weeding and dividing plants and secateurs for cutting back and dead-heading.”

“Hold and feel the weight of your tools before you buy,” she advises. 

“The handles need to be comfortable for you to hold and not overly heavy.”

“Choose trowels and forks with sharp thin edges and prongs for cutting through compost with ease.”

Before you get started, work out which way your space faces and choose your plants accordingly.

“If it’s east or west facing, you shouldn’t have a problem growing plants in spring and summer,” advises Richard Baggeley, Director at The Greenhouse People.

“But during the colder months, make sure to protect any perennial plants (those which live longer than two years) from harsh winds.”

“North-facing spaces are much darker, so pick shade-loving plants like Foxglove, Astilbe and Primrose.”

“In contrast, south-facing spaces will be soaked in sun most of the day so opt for sun-loving plants like Delphinium, Peony, Iris and Lilly.”

So you’re lucky enough to have a back garden, but it’s been a bit unloved and you haven’t got the first clue what to do with it?

Your best bet is to take it slow.

“Take your time when clearing your garden,” says Mealey, “as it’s easy to miss a hidden gem in the shape of a free plant that might have self-seeded.”

“Clear the weeds and get the lawn under control first, then work out which shrubs and trees you have and if you would like to keep them.”

“Take pictures of your progress and create a plan of what you have and what you would like.”

Set an evening aside, pour yourself a suitably nature-inspired drink from the new Ketel One Botanical range, and get planning. 

If you’re a gardening novice, working out what you should be planting can be a bit of a daunting task - so make sure you look at a plant’s longevity.

“It’s wise to choose shrubs that flower for a long time and in different seasons,” says Mealey, “not only for providing visual interest in the darker months but also for supporting wildlife.”

“Skimmia Japonica is one of my favourites – it’s a glossy evergreen with red flower buds that look like small berries over winter.”

“Syringa Meyei Palibin is a dainty dwarf Lilac with pretty pastel pink blooms in spring, while Buddleja Tobudpipur is a dwarf butterfly bush that’s good for attracting and feeding bees.”

“Finally, Abelia Parvifolia is a great beginners’ plant - a semi evergreen shrub which flowers well into autumn.”

Don’t actually have a “garden” per se? Not a problem…

“Window boxes and hanging baskets are a great way of adding colour to your home if you’re short on space,” says Mealey.

“An evergreen trailing plant such as ivy acts as your year-round base for a hanging basket, which can then be added to and spruced up for seasonal interest.”

“Plant small bulbs such as Narcissus and Crocus in the autumn for spring then add summer bedding such as colourful Calibrachoa and sweet-smelling Nemesia.”

“You basically want to treat baskets and boxes like long-term floral arrangements which will need a re-vamp and a re-pot at least three times a year.”