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Watch Monty Don's video demonstration on collecting leaves and storing them to create leaf mould, with storage techniques for both large and small gardens.autumnMore on leaf mould and compostingHow to build a leaf heapAdvice on collecting autumn
with a larger rooting area and stop them drying out in hot weather, which is better for the plants and means less watering for you. 2 - 3 tomato plants60 or 75 litre bag of multi-purpose compostKnife or scissorsHand forkTrowelJune (or May in a greenhouse
Any plant that grows either completely submerged in, or with leaves and flowers emerging from, water. It may be rooted in the soil or compost under water, or be free floating.
The practice of improving soil, by adding a layer of fertiliser to the surface and allowing it to settle in without digging over. Replacing the top layer of soil with compost.
Give wooden furniture a facelift, sanding smooth then applying teak wood oilCut back climbing plants that are hanging down from arches and pergolas Empty, mix and refill compost bins to improve the composting processWater hydrangeas with a colourant
Trim hedges to keep them neat, then shred and compost the clippingsTop up compost or bark mulches around heathersHoe and hand weed bordersWater hanging baskets and patio containers regularlyPlace orders for bulbs to plant this autumnDeadhead flowers
In this pot design, the graceful astelia and black ophiopogon add structure, while a small-flowered blue pansy or viola unites the blue pot and the plants.September - NovemberOctober - March30 minutesOphiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' x2Astelia
leaves of the low-growing bugle will soon hide the compost, and in spring and early summer, dark blue flowers will add to the scheme. all year roundApril - August20 minutesJapanese maple, Acer palmatum dissectum x1Bugle, Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' x4Tall
of the rootball to about 2cm - 3cm below the rim of the container. Fill around the rootball with more compost mix, firming it in layers as you fill.Aim for the finished compost level to be 2cm - 3cm below the rim of the pot. This will allow you to water the plant
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
