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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

staging or a dry shed.AdamIf your dahlias are in a warm, sheltered spot in the border and you don't want to lift them, add a thick layer of mulch for extra insulation in winter.Caring for your dahliasVideo guide to taking dahlia cuttings, with Sarah Raven.Planting

-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.

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

up’ one or more of the organisms that can cause damping off.I’m not saying don’t use water butts, but it’s well worth taking care with what plants you use the water on. I use water butt water on more mature plants, and on those in open ground. I

Create impact with your hanging baskets by following Rachel de Thame's comprehensive guide to planting up a traditional hanging basket, with advice on choosing and lining your container and tips on selecting and positioning your plants