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the plantsFork over bare patches ready for planting spring bulbsLift tubers of dahlias, gladioli, and begonias, clean them off and store them in dry compost in a cool, frost-proof placeSow sweet peas in pots and protect the plants in a frame over winter

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

contains a lot of useful cultural information. There are two different kinds of garlic.Hard necks: these varieties are hardier than soft necks. They produce a flower stalk which should be chopped off so that the plant's energy goes into making a larger bulb

greenfly from shoot tips with soapy waterFeed rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris and camelliasFlowersCover rows of strawberries with cloches Plant early potatoes outside in rowsSpray fruit trees and bushes with fungicide Fruit & vegPlant up bulbs, corms

and rake up leavesFlowersSpread a thick layer of mulch around fruit trees and bushesPlant fruit bushes, trees and canes into enriched soilPrune blackcurrantsFruit & vegCollect fruits/berries from cotoneaster and pyracanthaCheck stored bulbs and tubers

FlowersDig over veg plots, mixing compost into the soilContinue filling a trench with kitchen waste Cover rhubarb with forcing jars for an early harvestFruit & vegTop up fuel tank of paraffin heater every eveningBring potted hyacinths and bulbs under cover

and veltheimia bulbs in potsTake leaf cuttings from begonias and Cape primrosesGreenhouse30 minutesIncrease your stock of rosemary plants

Forcing narcissiEnjoy an early scent of spring by forcing narcissi. The bulbs are in the shops from late-August and if planted immediately you can have them in flower by Christmas.Remove suckers from roses, shrubs and treesTrim box hedging

into decorative containers Put up bug boxes to provide places for beneficial insects Around the gardenPlant daffodil bulbs in pots and bordersCheck roses for suckers and cut off any you findTrim conifer hedgesFlowersKeep picking summer-sown saladsPlant garlic

Plant hyacinths in a potThe sweet smell of hyacinths is one that lifts the spirit as a sure sign that winter has finally come to an end. Hyacinth bulbs are widely available in a broad spectrum of colours. Whatever their shade, they look spectacular