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Compost your kitchen and garden wasteTop up the water level in garden ponds when it starts getting low in summer Push canes in around tall plants like gladioli and lilies and tie them to the stems for supportPlace eye protectors on the tops of all

Bring aeoniums and other tender succulents under cover for winter Empty begonia tubers from pots, clean off the compost and store somewhere dark and dryWater plants more sparingly now conditions are getting coolerWash off all shade paint and remove

Move worm compost bins under cover for winterEmpty glazed and ceramic pots that aren't frost-proof and move under coverOrder loads of farmyard manure or mushroom compost to use over winterCut down marginal plants surrounding pondsCheck piles

Make a composting trench to enrich soil where beans will grow next springMake compost from spent cropsDig over vacant areasLift and divide congested clumps of rhubarbCut down asparagus fronds and the tops of Jerusalem artichokesBuy in rotted

A protective top covering used to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. May be organic, eg, leaves, peat, shredded bark, manure or compost; or inorganic, eg, pebbles, rock or black plastic sheeting.

compost and keep them in a bright place to ensure they germinate.Chilli seeds e.g. 'Cayenne'Good quality seed compostSmall pots x2ClingfilmJanuary - May10 minutes to sow the seedsJuly - AugustFill two small pots with seed compost. Water the compost

to prevent wilting until you are ready to root the cuttings.Rosemary plant (established)Sharp knife or scissorsHormone rooting powderTerracotta pots for rooting in and potting onCompost mix of equal parts potting compost and horticultural grit or perlite

Tomato plants will thrive on a sunny window sill or in a greenhouse, and may even be transplanted outside in the warmest months. You will need just two small pots to sow your tomato seeds; use a good quality seed compost and keep them in a bright

Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shoots of hostas and perennialsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsCut down marginal plants around ponds, and mulch with compost or bark

branches breaking under its weightSpread a mulch of compost over borders and around trees, shrubs and rosesClean algae and moss from paths and stepsSprinkle a top dressing of gritty compost over lawns