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Take cuttings of your favourite roses Tidy borders by cutting down perennials past their bestPrune out old stems of rambling roses that carried flowersPlant new conifer hedges and evergreen shrubsClear away faded bedding plants from borders

and maincrop potatoesSow turnips for spring greens in March and AprilClear crops once they've finished and fork over bedsBlanch endive by covering with a bucket or large plate to cut out lightPlant new strawberry bedsCut down the ferny shoots of asparagus

Plant out spring bedding, including pansies, wallflowers and forget-me-notsPot up tender perennials from summer displays to bring under cover for winter protectionPrune rambling and climbing rosesRake autumn leaves from lawns and pick out from

varieties of broad beans and peas under clochesDig up and compost old summer cropsSource bags of composted green waste from local authorities to spread onto veg beds over winterPlant out autumn onion sets and garlicTake hardwood cuttings from fruit bushes

Rachel de Thame explains the secrets of the soil conditions in which alpine plants thrive, with recipes for the perfect growing medium.spring or autumnMore on growing alpinesMaking an alpine path and gravel bedPlanting up alpines video project

Learn how to improve the condition of your soil by sowing rye seeds to create green manure, with Monty Don's video demonstration and advice.summer and autumnMore advice on improving soilHow to mulch beds and bordersFeeding plantsImproving soil

Fill gaps in flower beds with primulas and polyanthusPrune forsythia and flowering currants as soon as flowers have fadedLeave daffodil foliage intact for at least six weeks after flowering to regenerate bulbs, so they'll bloom again next year

-off diseaseSow summer bedding, such as tagetes and dahliasMove young plants into cold frames to acclimatise them to cooler conditions

Tie in young delphinium growth to plant supportsSow seeds of hardy annual flowers directly into beds where you would like them to bloomStart to regularly spray roses that are vulnerable to disease Lift and divide clumps of hemerocallis

old plants from beds and bordersWrap tender plants, such as olives and palms, to give them extra weather protection