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Plum trees can be prone to silver leaf disease if pruned in winter, so cut them back in summer to encourage the development of bushy growth, which stops them becoming too large and unmanageable. Plum treeSecateurs June - July 20 minutesUse secateurs

Virtually wingless, female winter moths hatch in November, then crawl up fruit trees to mate with male moths. The eggs that are laid hatch into leaf-eating caterpillars in spring. Trap female moths before they climb to mate, by attaching a grease

Magnesium is needed to give leaves their green colour, so when there's a deficiency, yellow breaks through between the veins and around the leaf edges instead. Other colours, such as purple, brown or red, might also appear. Older leaves suffer first, and will die if they're not g...

A birch tree makes an ideal focal point and can be grown in a large container. Its silver-white bark and delicate foliage combine with the handsome, soft shield fern and evergreen heuchera leaves for a wonderful woodland combination

over winter, wrap each one in a single sheet of newspaper and place them in single layers on a tray. For a cheap alternative to apple racks, use an old filing tray, adding more layers as you need them.If you have the space and a large apple tree, you

Japanese maples, or acers, are ideal for pots as they're slow growing and make stunning focal points. As well as being easy to look after, they'll reward you with feathery plumage all summer that slowly changes colour as the weather turns colder. Look forward to a blaze of fiery ...

This willow border edging is ideal for supporting billowing plants and its rustic appearance will blend into any style of garden. Bear in mind the willow will sprout into leaf in spring, so you'll need to wind in new growth to keep it looking neat and tidy. Live willow whips, 2m ...

A hazel-pole trellis is a beautiful way to show off your climbing plants. Simple to construct, it oozes rustic charm, adding interest to a drab wall or fence.1.8m hazel poles6mm sisal ropeAllow about 7 poles and 75cm of rope per 30cm depth of screenSawDrill7mm timber drill bitMar...

the garden before it's eaten. It can be made into jellies and, when combined with apples, used as a pie-filling. Quince trees will grow up to 3.7m tall.Quince 'Leskovac'For more on fruitBrogdale Horticultural Trust has the largest collection of fruit tree

Follow Monty Don's video advice on planting a bare-root tree, including tips on plant depth, staking and mulching.autumn - springMore advice on plantingPlanting a bare-root rosePlanting a shrubBare-root plantingPlanting a fig tree