Gardening with pets, our new Editor and crop rotation explained

This week we're discovering how to garden the pet-friendly way. Whether that's making a dog-proof garden, keeping cats at bay or growing food for small animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits – there's lots you can do to keep plants, people and pets all happy together. Author, dog lover and RHS Senior Horticultural Advisor Helen Bostock explains how. Author and organic veg grower Claire Ratinon shares her love of chicken keeping and offers tips on how to keep birds and plants in happy balance. We meet the new Editor of The Garden magazine, Tom Howard, who offers a sneak peek into the upcoming May edition. RHS gardening advisor Leigh Hunt gives advice on crop rotation in the vegetable plot and we hop along to Leonardslee Gardens in Sussex to meet some rather unusual residents...

Useful links

RHS advice: cats in gardens
RHS advice: potentially harmful plants
RSPCA
Dog-friendly days out - Walkies at RHS Garden Wisley
Claire Ratinon on Instagram
Leonardslee Gardens
RHS Partner Gardens - use the 'Facilities' filter to find dog-friendly gardens

Notes:
Lilies are toxic to cats; however cats are unlikely to be poisoned in the garden. The main risk comes from cut flowers indoors - if they brush against open flowers, pollen can be transferred to their fur and then ingested involuntarily as the cat grooms themselves. If you can't avoid growing lilies where cats are present, choosing pollen-free and double-flowered varieties will help you minimise risk, as will providing palatable, edible greens such as grass for cats to nibble on.