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weather sets in.Use a fork or hollow-tined aerator to spike lawnsDig up and pot up tender perennials to bring indoorsRaise the cutting height when mowing the lawnAround the gardenPlant crocuses, fritillaries and dwarf narcissus in lawnsPlant up patio pots

Make a bird houseA nesting box is a great way of attracting birds into your garden in the spring and summer. It not only gives you the pleasure of watching them but also gives the birds a home close to plenty of garden insects to feast upon. Well

.Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants Around the gardenTake root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers

Protect tender plants for winterThe trend for growing exotic looking plants in our gardens means that some of them may need protection from the worst of the winter cold and wet. Wrap half hardy bananas, palms and tree ferns with fleece, straw

which are available in a wide range of colours. And they couldn't be easier to grow.Cover soil with polythene sheets to keep it dryKeep your Christmas tree outside in a bucket of waterWash cloches and cold framesAround the gardenClear away annual

throughout the festive season.Work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areasPlace cloches over tender plantsSharpen blades on garden toolsAround the gardenMake last-minute pickings of fresh flowers for the houseSpread compost on to flower beds

-rotted manure)autumn or springan hourPrepare the soil by thoroughly digging it over, removing weeds and mixing in organic matter such as well-rotted manure. A week before planting, scatter general fertiliser granules over the area and fork in, then rake

This traditional water feature made out of bamboo will conjure up the spirit of a tranquil Eastern garden. You can buy a bamboo water hammer kit from garden centres or water garden specialists. You'll often find them called by their Japanese name

planting.Blackcurrant bush, e.g. 'Ben Sarek'ForkSpadeCompostGeneral fertiliser such as blood, fish and boneSecateursautumn and winter45 minutesChoose an open and sunny site. Fork over a wide area of ground, then dig a hole deep enough to accommodate

's better to make an earth clamp. Choose a sheltered, dry site to make your clamp, and only choose carrots in good condition. Prepare the crops by shaking off loose soil and removing any foliage.Home-grown carrotsStrawautumn1 hourDig a shallow hole and cover