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Stag beetles lay eggs underground near rotting wood. The larvae of these insects live in the wood for up to five years, before pupating to become adults. Help protect this endangered species by making a simple habitat for them.BucketBark chippingsSoilCraft knifeall year round1 ho...

Overgrown lawn edges can look unsightly and make an otherwise healthy, well-cared for garden look untidy. For a professional finish, re-cut the edges of your lawn each spring and trim overhanging grass after mowing.Half-moon edging toolPlank of wood or long ropeEdging shearssprin...

surface by walking up and down on it taking small, heavy steps. Fill any freshly-created dips with topsoil and compress again with your feet. Give the surface a final rake over.Lay the turves on the soil, staggering the joints like brickwork. If it's a big

Mow your lawn regularly from spring onwards to encourage healthy, lush-looking grass and to deter weeds. When the grass is growing strongly in summer it will need to be mown at least once a week; but during periods of drought leave it uncut as longer grass will stay greener in ho...

If you've got a petrol rotary lawnmower, you can get the best from your machine by carrying out a series of simple jobs every month. Always consult the owners' manual or contact your local dealer for further advice about your specific model before you start. When you're ready, re...

it against birds with netting.Alternatively, cut out the bare patch of lawn, rake the soil and add topsoil if needed then patch the gap with new pieces of turf.AdamA small sheet of polythene pegged over the area will encourage the grass seed to germinate

Aside from being less expensive than laying turf, sowing a lawn allows you to choose a seed mixture most appropriate for your site and needs; whether you want a bowling green or a hard-wearing football pitch. Grass seeds sown in autumn, while the ground is warm and moist, will ge...

Carol Klein demonstrates how to add mulch to beds and borders to enrich the soil and ensure healthy plants.spring and autumnCarolMore ways to improve soilImproving soil with green manure.How to feed plants.Improving your soil.Making a soil sieve.

Monty Don shows you how to lay a long-lasting decked pathway using sustainable materials.all year roundMore DIY ideas for your gardenHow to lay a slab pathway.How to construct a wooden planter.How to make a pebble mosaic path.How to build a raised bed.

of paper to represent scaled-down slabs and work out a design on your scale plan.Make a mortar mix - five parts building sand to one part cement. If you're laying a small patio, do this in a wheelbarrow, for larger areas it's worth hiring an electric cement