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Summer is the ideal time to take verbena cuttings. Overwinter the semi-hardy perennials in a frost-free place and you'll have a fresh, healthy supply of verbena plants next year to replace any in the garden that have been killed by frost

varieties are planted in March and produce lovely little 'new' potatoes in June. Second earlies are planted in April and lifted in July and August, while maincrops are planted in late April and harvested from August through to early October.I harvest most

Last week I found vine weevils on the rim of the pot my orange tree lives in. It stands next to my 'nursery' of seedlings, so potentially hundreds of plants could be affected. The adults cause little damage, save for a few nibbles on the edges

that once planted, a bamboo will spread like a forest fire and forcibly colonise great chunks of garden. The truth is, as with all things in gardening, that if you choose the wrong plant for your situation then you are setting yourself up for tears

mould and compostingFollow our video guide to making leaf mouldAdvice on collecting autumn leavesChoose plants for autumn colourHow to build a compost binPractical guide to making garden compostRead Kate Bradbury's blog on autumn tidying in the garden

starting point. When choosing new plants, bear wildlife in mind and look for those that will provide safe shelter and perching places. In addition, put up nest boxes wherever you have a suitable position - reasonably high up and out of direct, scorching sun

oxygen levels in the water so frogs and other wildlife can still breathe when the pond is frozen over. But there are so many plants to choose from, and - as Horticulture Week pointed out - to date many aquatic plant suppliers are still selling invasive

as longer grass will stay greener in hot weather. For a traditional stripe finish, choose a mower fitted with a roller.Lawn mowerMarch - October30 minutesCheck the blade of your mower is set to the correct height - raising it a little at the start and end

Aside from being less expensive than laying turf, sowing a lawn allows you to choose a seed mixture most appropriate for your site and needs; whether you want a bowling green or a hard-wearing football pitch. Grass seeds sown in autumn, while

, such as a shed or conservatory. Choose the best quality bulbs to store - any that are damp and moist should be eaten straight away as they won't store well and will be prone to mould and mildew. Home-grown onionsGarden twine (doubled up)autumn1 hourKnot one