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Plant spring bedding, including wallflowers and forget-me-nots, among tulipsLift, divide and replant congested clumps of perennialsNet holly berries to protect them from hungry birds if you want them for Christmas arrangementsPlant lily bulbs, including

Collect and compost autumn leaves Cut back suckers growing around the base of treesVisit garden centres to choose bulbs and bedding for spring displaysMow lawns less frequently now grass growth is slowing downComplete new lawn laying projects during

, and overwinter tubers in cool dark conditionsPlant out spring beddingSow hardy annuals in cleared areas for early flowers next summerSow sweet peas in pots, and overwinter under coverPrune back standard roses to help prevent wind rock damaging the plants

Plant new fruit trees and bushesTidy strawberry beds, cutting back old foliage and congested runners and removing weedsPot up a few roots of mint and bring under cover for winter pickingsImprove soil, digging over bare ground and forking in bulky, well

Add old crops and bedding to the compost heapSpike lawns then brush grit into the holes to improve surface drainageCollect seeds from beans and sweet peas to sow next yearFirm soil around newly planted trees and shrubs if they've been loosened

of rubbish before starting bonfires to ensure a hedgehog hasn't set up residenceMow lawns on dry days with the blades on a high settingWrap outside taps with insulation material to prevent them freezing Spread compost from old growing bags on to outdoor beds

Check variegated shrubs for plain green shoots and prune them awayPlant out wallflowers, forget-me-nots, pansies and other spring beddingFork over vacant areas of soilDeadhead pansies regularly to keep the flowers comingPlant lily-of-the-valleyOrder hedging

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

up chicory roots to force in the darkPlant new fruit trees, bushes and cane fruitsCollect seeds from garlic and chivesStart pruning apples, pears and figsTake hardwood cuttings from currants and gooseberriesSpread compost or rotted manure onto beds

Trim autumn-flowering heathersCollect fallen rose leaves that could carry diseases over to next seasonPlant new rosesTransplant shrubs or small treesFinish planting tulip bulbsHang bird feeders over rose beds to attract birds to pick off overwintering pests