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A method of propagating fruit trees and a wide range of other plants, by taking a cutting of a variety with buds attached (scion) and joining it on to another related variety (stock). The tissues grow together and a single plant is formed

The base of a stem where it joins the main stem. When a stem is torn from a larger branch, the heel is the piece of bark or wood retained at the base where it had been attached. Many cuttings root more readily with a heel.

The cutting back of leaves or branches for four main reasons:1) To remove dead, injured or diseased parts.2) To control or direct growth.3) To improve the yield of flowers or fruit.4) To ensure premium growth conditions by allowing more light

with more of your favourite plants for free.Add lawn cuttings to the compost heapMow and edge your lawnTie stems of tall perennials to supportsAround the gardenKeep baskets and patio pots wateredSpray roses to protect them from pests and diseasesCut

!Raise the cutting height of your lawn mowerWash out and top up bird baths regularlyStretch netting over ponds and water features Around the gardenBuy tulips now while they're fresh in garden centresPlant daffodils and crocus in potsLift and pot up tender perennials

Plant lily bulbs in pots for colourful summer displaysPrune shrub roses to low new shootsCut back overgrown honeysuckle stems close to their base, just above new shootsTrim back old shoots of perennials left for winter interest, taking care

Prune summer-flowering clematis, cutting above a low pair of green budsCut out dead stems of ceratostigma and hardy fuchsiasPrune all stems of Hydrangea paniculata down to about three buds from soil levelPrepare areas in flowerbeds ready for sowing

and ceramic pots that aren't frost-proof Order farmyard manure or mushroom compost Around the gardenPlant heathers and trailing ivy in pots for winter colourCut down faded stems on rudbeckia and Shasta daisiesFinish planting tulips as soon as possible

With fresh new shoots emerging on your rosemary plant, now is the perfect time to take cuttings and boost your plant numbers. Early in the day, snip off shoots without flowers and pop them in a plastic bag. Seal it and keep it in a shady spot

Collect and sow seed from foxglovesTake cuttings from pinks (Dianthus)Prune philadelphus after flowering, removing stems carrying old flowers. Cut out very weak stems and some of the oldest woodFeed dahlias with a liquid fertiliser and ensure plants