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Create your own 'cutting patch' with Sarah Raven's video guide. Learn how, by growing cut-and-come-again annuals and biennials in a separate bed, you can prevent your borders from looking bare. springMore advice on growing flowersGrowing lupins

is channelled into the other flower buds. Cut each flower off as the petals begin to fall.Lilies and other bulbs will start to form seed pods as soon as the flowers begin to fade. Cut off only the tip of the flower stalk, leaving the rest of the stem to die down

Dry compostStorage box or containerautumn30 mins, plus drying timeUsing secateurs, cut down dahlia stems to a few centimetres from ground level and compost the leaves.Dig all around the dahlia clump and lift the tubers with a fork, taking great care

for growth.AdamTie the stem to the cane in one or more places to give the plant maximum support.More advice on growing dahliasVideo guide to taking dahlia cuttings, with Sarah RavenPlanting up dahlia tubers, with instruction from Sarah Raven.Growing dahlias

Digging and forking through the soil allows you to loosen any compaction, remove weeds and debris as well as providing the perfect opportunity to add the organic matter. Plants need good soil conditions if they are to give the best results. Improving the soil with plenty of organ...

Hosepipe bans and water restrictions are always a challenge for gardeners. But if you get into the habit of saving water in your garden, you'll be able to take the restrictions in your stride. Storing rainwater will mean you can keep your plants alive in times of drought, and - i...

Monty Don talks through the process of choosing a good pair of secateurs for pruning, looking at a variety of styles, to help you select a pair to suit your needs. all year roundMore practical garden projectsHow to prune your plantsMaintaining a

Learn how to prick out seedlings with Monty Don's comprehensive video advice.springMore on growing plants from seedHow to grow sweet peas from seedGrowing exotic plants from seedGrowing dahlias from seedSowing seeds indoors

Learn how to pinch out and pot on sweet peas with Sarah Raven's step-by-step video guide.springMore advice on growing flowersGrowing sweet peas from seedGrowing lupinsHow to create a cut flower patchPlanting out cerinthes

Regular watering is essential for summer bedding, vegetables, pots and hanging baskets as well as newly-planted trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Our tips show how to water your plants properly so that they can make best use of it and so that we don't waste this valuable resou...