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years of enjoyment. Now is the ideal time to plant trees, so follow our step-by-step guide to giving your tree the best start.Clean out bird boxesLevel out dips in lawns with loam-based compost and oversow with grass seedClear away debris that could

and summer bedding plants can also be propagated by this method.Plectranthus house plantScissorsJar of waterPlant potsMulti-purpose compostall year roundan hourChoose healthy shoots of new growth and cut lengths of roughly 10-20cm. Cut below a leaf joint

interest and an instant snack for birds.Install a bird bath, where birds can drink and clean their feathers - essential for insulationBirdsFrogs, toads and newts overwinter in log and leaf piles, or beneath stones and plant pots. Some rest in the mud

the bulbs bake and ripen.Tulip bulbsAquatic basketsPeat-free, multi-purpose compostGritSeptember - December30 minutesFill the bottom third of an aquatic basket with equal parts of compost and grit. Place bulbs on the surface, at a depth of roughly 10cm

Watering can or hosepipeMarch - April, September - October1 weekendJune - AugustPrepare the area, levelling the ground and removing big stones. If the surface is uneven, wheelbarrow in some topsoil, pour it on top and even it out with a rake.Firm the soil

/vermiculite John Innes No. 2 compost for potting onMay - August30 minutesSnip off shoots of new growth 10cm - 15cm long. To reduce moisture loss, remove most of the lower leaves so you have a clean length of stem.Use a sharp knife to cut off the base of the stem

the young shoot, emerging between main stem and fruiting branch, and bend it sharply downwards to give a clean break from the branch. Try not to leave a stump behind that will die back.As temperatures rise, keep watering your plants whenever you think

.Verbena plantsSharp knife10cm potsFree-draining compost (multi-purpose and perlite mix - see Adam's tip)Rooting hormone (liquid or powder)Clear polythene bags and rubber bandsJuly - September45 minutesTake cuttings in the morning when shoots are at their firmest

your garden grow, or go on holiday, safe in the knowledge that your plants won't go thirsty.Watering kit (this one is 2 PotKit, available from AutoPot)summer30 minutesSet out the watering kit, attaching the pipe to the tank and valve. If you raise

the feature is completed.Place two house bricks on each side of the pump, ensuring that their upper level is slightly higher than the top of the pump. Fill the pan with clean water, to just below the level of the trimmed pond liner.Lay the plastic