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to their baseFlowersGrow early-maturing potatoes in a bag of compostFork compost into beds to prepare soil for plantingChit potatoes Fruit & vegSow cucumbers, tomatoes, aubergines and peppersWater compost with a suitable pesticideSow summer bedding plants

and tubers Sow coleus and other houseplantsWatch out for pestsGreenhouse1 dayLearn about building your own compost bin

them neat, then shred and compost the clippingsTop up compost or bark mulches around heathersHoe and hand weed bordersAround the gardenSummer prune wisteriaWater hydrangea bushes Take clematis cuttings or layer new shootsFlowersShorten sideshoots

Grow early strawberries Enjoy delicious home-grown strawberries at least four weeks before you pick them from the garden, by bringing some plants into a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Planted in a large container or hanging basket, just three

Take root cuttingsWinter is the ideal time to propagate perennials from root cuttings. Follow our step-by-step guide and you'll have plenty of new plants to beef up your borders in spring.Move worm compost bins under cover for winterEmpty glazed

Improve your soilPlants need good soil conditions if they are to give the best results. Improving the soil with plenty of organic matter in the form of compost helps drainage and aeration on heavy soils and conserves essential moisture on light ones

climbersPick seedheads and evergreen foliage Move tubs of shrubs or winter bedding to a sheltered spotFlowersMake a composting trench to enrich soilMake compost from spent cropsDig over vacant areasFruit & vegKeep potted herbs on the staging to crop over

condition - and you'll also save yourself some pennies when it comes to the annual service.Mow lawns and trim new edgesDig compost into borders to improve water retention Add copper rings to pots to protect plants from slugs and snailsAround the garden

lawn and help keep it looking its best.Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shootsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsAround the gardenSprinkle granular fertiliser round roses

and moisture, and you'll soon enjoy statuesque plants heavy with cobs.Give wooden furniture a faceliftCut back climbing plants that are hanging down Empty, mix and refill compost bins Around the gardenPlant out tender summer-bedding plantsLook out for aphids