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with the added grass cuttings, helps to accelerate the composting process.More on leaf mould and compostingHow to build a leaf heapFollow our video guide to making leaf mouldChoose plants for autumn colourHow to build a compost binPractical guide to making garden

Growing indoor amarylisCaring for orchidsBrowse a variety of houseplantsChoose plants by flower colour

greenhouse.Water plants effectively.Make a cloche to protect seedlings.Choose fruit varietiesView plants by sun exposure

Plenty of salad crops can grow outside in winter, if given a little protection. In early autumn, the soil is still warm enough to sow seeds direct, while plug plants or seedlings planted out will establish quickly.Choose hardy varieties of your

Garden compost, bagged compost or soil improverBonemealSpadeWatering can or hosepipeMarch - October 20 minutesChoose a suitable place for the plant in your garden. Using a spade, dig a hole that's slightly bigger than the size of the pot that it's growing in

Dealing with cuckoo spit on fuchsiasHow to deadhead flowersPruning plantsBrowse a selection of fuchsiasChoose plants with purple flowers

. Add the chemical solution, shake the contents, and wait until the soil particles settle. Once the liquid clears, compare it against the chart - its colour indicates the pH.3 Use the results of this test when choosing which plants to grow in your garden

that can survive without regular watering in summer.Choose large pots for your plants as they won't dry out as quickly as small ones. Group pots together to make watering easier.More advice on watering and feeding plantsWatering hanging baskets

Long handled spongeScouring spongewintera dayIf you're overwintering tender plants, choose a mild spell to empty your greenhouse completely. Cover plants or take them into the house, if necessary. Brush down framework and staging, then sweep the floor

Liquid fertilisers are a great way to nourish your plants, providing nutrients in a readily available form, so they're quickly absorbed. There are many chemical fertilisers that will do the job but, by making your own using comfrey leaves, you