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Chris Beardshaw demonstrates how to lift and divide congested clumps of autumn-flowering Nerine bowdenii, and suggests growing Nerine sarniensis in a pot. springhalf an hourMore advice on growing flowersBrowse a selection of tender perennial plantsView plants by flower colourRead...

: granular, liquid, powder, or organic manureWatering can (for liquid application)Spade or fork (for digging in manure)March - August20 minutesWell-rotted horse and cattle manure contains plenty of nutrients for plants. It can be added before planting or used

Plum trees can be prone to silver leaf disease if pruned in winter, so cut them back in summer to encourage the development of bushy growth, which stops them becoming too large and unmanageable. Plum treeSecateurs June - July 20 minutesUse secateurs

March - September10 minutes to sowharvest April - NovemberUse a line to mark out the row. Sowing in a straight line allows you to identify where your rocket seedlings are and which are the weed seedlings to pick off. You'll find a row 1m - 2m long is enough to get

Seed compostPlastic potsVermiculiteJanuary - April20 minutesFill your pot with seed compost, leaving a couple of centimetres below the rim. Scatter the seeds evenly over the compost and cover with vermiculite. Water well, then cover the pot with a plastic bag

Summer is the ideal time to take verbena cuttings. Overwinter the semi-hardy perennials in a frost-free place and you'll have a fresh, healthy supply of verbena plants next year to replace any in the garden that have been killed by frost

The autumnal colours of ornamental cabbages work well with the pink flowers of sedums in this striking pot display. They are softened by the wispy grass and frothy white blooms of the aster. August - SeptemberSeptember - October20 minutes

to 2cm below the rim, pushing it down firmly with your fingers as you go. Water in well and allow the basket to drain before transferring it to its bracket.AdamIf you are an organic gardener, add pelleted chicken manure. This will release nutrients

The colour combination of pink and yellow creates a refreshing display, blending pretty marguerites and pink begonias with the peachy pompoms of verbena. Play up the cottage-garden look with a rustic basket, and decorate the sides with a trail

2cm between the top of the compost and the basket's rim. Water in well and leave it to drain before hanging in position.AdamGive your plants a regular once-over for pests such as aphids, and beware of snails, which can sometimes sneak in too