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, thus exposing the bugs to predators. But they're not all bad, as some capsid bugs feed on small pests.a wide range of plants, including chrysanthemums, dahlias, fuchsias, apples, beans and potatoesspring, summerMore common garden pestsLeaf miner fly

does the trick. Bin the bodies in the morning.most plants, seedlings, young plantsspring, summer, autumnMore advice on dealing with slugs and snailsProtect pot plants from slugsControlling slugs in your gardenChoosing plants that slugs don't like

. Dahlia plantSticks or canesStringJune - August15 minutesJuly - SeptemberCheck dahlias each week; if they're starting to flop tie the main stem to a supporting cane or stick with garden string. Don't tie the string too loosely, but allow a little room

Summer is the ideal time to take leaf cuttings from your houseplants. A single leaf can produce many young plants, and this technique is particularly useful for foliage plants such as Begonia rex.Healthy begonia plantClean, sharp knife and cutting

garden pestsAphidsMealybugsWhiteflyScale insectsChoose plants to grow in full sunBrowse plants by soil type

to feed. After 2-3 weeks, the larvae pupate inside the leaves and emerge as adults. The damage is mostly cosmetic but where many leaves are affected, the plant may be weakened or die. Different species of leaf miner fly affect specific plants.A maze

The culprit is the flea beetle, which, like its namesake, jumps away when disturbed. The small, shiny, black, brown or blue beetles emerge in April and May, after winter hibernation, ready to start feeding. Eggs laid near host plants hatch in late

Find out how to combine annuals and perennials of varying heights in a 'wave' planting, in this practical video guide from Carol Klein.springMore planting advicePlant a bare-root rosePlant a shrubPlant a bare-root treePlant a fig tree

Although, in some areas, dahlia tubers have survived the recent mild winters outside, it's well worth lifting and storing them. Discover how you can ensure a bumper crop of dahlias for next summer, whatever the weather.SecateursGarden fork

-summerKeeping other moths at bayCabbage white caterpillars on brassicas and nasturtiums.Codling moth on apples, pears, quince and walnuts.Mullein moth on verbascum, buddleja and figwort.Caterpillars on any plants.