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Plant heathers and trailing ivy in pots for winter colourCut down faded stems on rudbeckia and Shasta daisies, to just above soil levelFinish planting tulips as soon as possibleClear golden hop, sweet peas and annual climbers from supports

Take root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbersMove containers of shrubs or winter bedding to a sheltered spot when conditions turn very coldPlant new rose bushesEmpty pots of spent annuals and compost

and out before putting up bubble polythene for insulationSow hardy annuals, like calendulas, in pots for early displaysCheck bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rotWater sparingly in winter, taking care not to splash water aroundPick yellowing

Clear away annual climbers, like sweet peas and morning glory, growing on obelisksPick seedheads and evergreen foliage and mix with fruit such as clementines or limes to make a fresh Christmas wreathMove tubs of shrubs or winter bedding to a

after the wildlife in their garden and boost the balance between beneficial insects and pests.Mow lawns regularlyTreat problem weedsTidy up hedgesAround the gardenTie in young delphinium growth to plant supportsSow hardy annual flowers directly into beds

of hardy annual flowers Lightly clip box edging and topiary to neaten them upFlowersPush twigs into the ground to support tall-growing peasFeed strawberries with a high potash feedSow flowering companions in your veg plotFruit & vegPlant tomatoes in large

Deadhead flowers All plants will benefit from having the dying flowers removed as soon as they begin to fade. It stops them putting energy into forming seed and encourages annuals to produce more flowers throughout the summer. Trim hedges to keep

.Prepare soil ready for sowing a lawn or laying turf during September and OctoberTop up water levels in pebble fountains and poolsDeal with problem lawn weedsAround the gardenSave seed from ornamental annual quaking grassWater camellias regularlySummer prune

tops of main shoots on outdoor tomato plantsPrune trained forms of fruit treesFruit & vegTake cuttings from tender perennials and bedding plantsSow a few pots of hardy annualsShade delicate plants to avoid sun scorch on hot daysGreenhouse10 minutes a

which are available in a wide range of colours. And they couldn't be easier to grow.Cover soil with polythene sheets to keep it dryKeep your Christmas tree outside in a bucket of waterWash cloches and cold framesAround the gardenClear away annual