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Plant out leeks and brassicas raised in a seed bedSpread mulch around beans and other crops to help conserve soil moistureNet developing soft fruits to protect them from birdsSpray apple trees showing signs of powdery mildew or scabWater onions

or disease attackKeep fruit bushes covered with netting, then weave a cane through the bottom edge and peg it down to stop birds crawling underneathMake the final pickings of rhubarb and cut any flower spikes that form right down to their baseLift early

final collection of any autumn leaves still lying aroundSearch through seed and bulb catalogues for new things to grow this coming seasonRepair wobbly or damaged fences and treat wooden structures with preservativePut out fresh water for birds every day

With all this talk of feeding the birds lately, it would be wrong not to mention the potential unhappy consequence of such a good deed: rats.Rats are everywhere, and some say there is one rat for every human in the UK. They used to spread the plague

it into growth up to eight weeks early. Top up bird baths with fresh water dailyRecycle your Christmas tree at the local council tipCheck closing dates for any seed catalogue discountsAround the gardenSquash mistletoe berries into apple tree branchesCut down old

to supportsClip box hedging and topiary to keep it neatFlowersSow a few seeds of salad leaves every 2-3 weeksPlant out crops being raised in pots under glassCover soft fruits with netting to prevent birds eating themFruit & vegTake cuttings from pelargoniums

Cut the foliage of daffodils and tulips down to the groundFlowersPlant out leeks and brassicas raised in a seed bedSpread mulch around crops to conserve soil moistureNet developing soft fruits to protect them from birdsFruit & vegTie greenhouse tomatoes

!Raise the cutting height of your lawn mowerWash out and top up bird baths regularlyStretch netting over ponds and water features Around the gardenBuy tulips now while they're fresh in garden centresPlant daffodils and crocus in potsLift and pot up tender perennials

and family.Collect leaves as they fall to make leaf-mould Leave out sunflower seed heads for the birds to feed onCollect up all watering kit to store in the shedAround the gardenTake cuttings of your favourite rosesTidy borders by cutting down perennials past

plants will provide you with enough fruit for an early taste of summer.Keep window bird feeders topped up with seed Wash out flowerpots and seed traysMove patio pots to sheltered sites during cold periodsAround the gardenDig up congested clumps of winter