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-composted bins and spread over bare soilWash cold frames and cloches to let in more lightChoose a dry day to treat fences and timber structures with stain or preservativeTest soil with a pH kit to measure acidity or alkalinity to help you plan plantings next

Roses can be grown successfully from cuttings and will grow on to make good flowering plants. Choose healthy stems of the current season's growth and follow our step-by-step advice to be sure of success. Roots will be produced over the winter months

Taking summer cuttings of lavender is so easy. Choose non-flowered shoots of this year's growth and ensure that it is free from pests and disease. Follow our simple step by step and get more of your favourite plants for free.Lavender plant

nigrescensLarge, glazed containerCrocksPebbles or gravelLoam-based compostChoose a container that suits the shape of your plant and put crocks in the base for drainage.Add a layer of pebbles or gravel to improve drainage and add weight in order to stabilise

. Dahlia plantSticks or canesStringJune - August15 minutesJuly - SeptemberCheck dahlias each week; if they're starting to flop tie the main stem to a supporting cane or stick with garden string. Don't tie the string too loosely, but allow a little room

.ShrubForkSpadeCompostautumn and winter45 minutesChoose an open site and fork over the soil, mixing in lots of compost. Dig a deep planting hole and place the shrub's rootball in the centre.Spread the roots around the hole then backfill with soil enriched with compost to cover them

.cannasearly summerMore advice on growing cannasCreating a canna container displayCarol Klein's video demonstration of planting cannasRachel and Monty's video guide to choosing cannas and lilies

edgeBrowse a selection of grass varietiesView plants by soil type

lawn mowersVideo guide to choosing a lawn mowerHow to mow lawns effectivelyBrowse a selection of grass varietiesView plants by soil type

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