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days ago I decided to dig up part of our 'lawn' (yes, the tamed pastureland is diminishing again!). Lifting turf on heavy clay is not the easiest job, but they both instantly joined me.My seven-year-old digs like a turbo-charged trooper - cutting

Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelionsWatch out for greenfly and blackfly developing on shrubs, perennials and roses, and spray with a soft soap solution if infestations are badCollect hellebore seeds from ripe pods, and store

to dig the soil, mulch my beds or dig in manure or compost .But now it's warmed up a little I can finally get on with a few jobs. In fact this weather is perfect for moving plants. The combination of moist, warm soil, dormant plants and no wind is ideal

and watch. As soon as I spot a robin I try to stand motionless (well, it does provide a break from digging and leaf gathering). Hopefully the robin knows I'm not a threat. They are such trusting birds, unlike so many others. Perhaps it's simply their need

Discover how to renovate a lawn with Monty Don's video project on preparing soil by digging, forking and raking before laying the turf.spring or autumnMore lawn care adviceHow to maintain a healthy lawnHow to repair a lawn patchHow to mow a lawn

and restrict their growth. Willowherb will take over any domestic garden, spreading by seed and tough underground roots to form dense clumps. Keep digging the plants out. Willowherb can be forked out fairly easily - especially when the soil is loosened after

Squash mistletoe berries into apple tree branches to encourage plants to develop Cut down old stems of sedums, taking care not to damage new shoots Clear borders and rake up leaves before bulbs start poking throughDig over gaps in the borders

Sow onion seed under cover, and keep warm until germinatedCheck overwintering plants for signs of greenfly and other pests, and treat if necessaryBring potted strawberries under coverDig up clumps of rhubarb to force into growth in darkness under

Grow early-maturing potatoes in a bag of compostFork compost into beds to prepare soil for plantingChit potatoes by standing them in trays in a warm bright position until they develop small shootsDig out problem weeds and emerging annual weeds

Sow peas in lengths of guttering under cover, so you can plant out seedlings in an instant rowPlant out onion sets in rows, spacing them about 10-15cm apartCarefully dig away grass or plants growing close to the stems of fruit trees to reduce