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Learn environmentally friendly methods for controlling aphids, and other garden pests with Monty's guide to organic insecticides and how they work. Monty also talks you through how to make your own, organic pesticide.summerAdvice on aphids and other garden pestsAphidsMealybugsWhi...

Banana plants need plenty of wrapping in winter to keep them warm. Without protection, the cold weather will decimate them and they'll have to grow from scratch in spring. A little extra effort will ensure thriving bananas that bring tropical cheer

Learn about the different techniques for protecting cannas and gingers over winter, with Chris Beardshaw's video advice on covering them in the border or lifting and storing them indoors.October-NovemberMore advice on caring for cannas and gingers

band to trees.Grease bandScissorsStringOctober - November10 minutesUnroll the grease band and measure how much you'll need around the base of your fruit tree.Cut off the length required, ensuring the ends overlap so there aren't any gaps

.MayJune - September20 minutesGazania plants x3Sanvitalia plants x2Lantana plants x2Large potCrocksCompostGlovesFind a sun-soaked spot for this container and get out your gardening gloves, as lantana can irritate sensitive skin. Add crocks to the bottom of the pot

are dramatically set off when the fibrous tips are backlit by the sun.any time of yearall year round20 minutesPalm, e.g. Dasylirion acrotrichumLarge metal potCrocksFree-draining succulent or cactus compostPut a layer of crocks in the bottom of the container

minutesLarge, deep pot, at least 40cm tall and 60cm diameterCrocksLoam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 34 parrot's beaks, Lotus berthelotii4 trailing begonias1 honey bush, Melianthus major2 bananas, Musa basjooCover the bottom of the pot with crocks

well during the summer. In colder areas protect the rhizomes from frost from January onwards with cloches, horticultural fleece or a thick mulch of straw or compost.Growing tipsLift and divide schizostylis rhizomes from mid- to late-spring every two

Learn how to care for peonies with Chris Beardshaw's video guide, including advice on how to spot and deal with peony wilt and nutrient deficiency.summerMore advice on growing flowersDealing with peony wiltGrowing lupins video projectPlanting out cerinthesGrowing dahlias from see...

Carol Klein offers a practical guide to spotting and treating peony wilt, with tips on cleaning secateurs to avoid reinfection.summerMore advice on growing flowersCaring for peoniesGrowing lupinsPlanting out cerinthesGrowing dahlias from seed