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.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

supply, their cells shrink and the plant begins to wilt. Most wilted plants recover once watered, but try not to let them wilt regularly. Instead, look for the early warning signs; feel the compost with your fingers and if it feels dry to the touch

, covered with a sheet of glass and a layer of paper.Remove the glass once seedlings develop - these will be large enough to prick out by next spring.Next spring, gently tease out individual cacti, and plant out in a tray of gritty compost. Water well

want filler plants for beds and containers. Garden-ready plugs can be planted out if it’s warm enough, but can also be grown on for a few weeks in a large pot, for sturdier roots.PencilDibberGood quality compostPotsMarch - April15 minutes

Bulb fibre or multi-purpose compostFlower pot, large enough to accommodate bulb or, ready-boxed hippeastrum kit with pot and compost includedBowl to soak bulbNovember - February 10 minutesDecember - MarchSoak the hippeastrum bulb and its roots in a bowl

Hyacinth bulbs are widely available and will produce a broad spectrum of colours. Whatever their shade, hyacinths look spectacular planted on their own in a rustic terracotta pot. It's a quick and easy job for autumn that will have stunning rewards

exciting varieties to grow on yourself.Potted orchidSpecialist orchid compostOrchid fertiliserall year round20 minutesStand the young orchid plants in trays in the greenhouse, well out of any direct sunlight. If the compost looks very dry, water the plants

plants the following summer. Kept on a warm windowsill over winter, your cuttings will quickly develop roots and leaves. They'll be ready to plant out in spring, and will flower all summer.Established geranium (pelargonium) plantPlastic potsSeed compost

their thick, white, fleshy roots completely fill the pot. I'm never sure quite where the compost goes, but remove the pot from the rootball of an established plant and almost all you'll see is roots, with little compost remaining - just what's required

Sarah Raven offers video advice on planting eucomis bulbs in a pot, including information on drainage, compost and planting depths.springMore advice on growing exotic plantsCaring for cannas video project with Carol Klein.Growing exotic plants from