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Learn how to carry out basic lawn mower maintenance on a petrol lawn mower, with Monty's video demonstration, including how to remove grass debris, check oil levels, and check blade edges.all-year-roundMore lawn mower adviceAdvice on maintaining

effectivelyHow to cut a clean lawn edgeBrowse a selection of grass varietiesView plants by soil type

and sunny spot, or with pretty campanulas spilling out of the pockets, as here, for a cottage garden in partial shade.Roll of lead, 45cm x 300cm, from any builder's merchantMarine plywood, 30cm x 85cm18 clout nails (large-headed, galvanised nails)3 pots

Keep baskets and patio pots wateredSpray roses to protect them from pests and diseasesCut the foliage of daffodils and tulips down to the groundTrim box topiary and formal edging to keep it neat and tidyTake cuttings of non-flowering new shoots from

Paving and gravel paths can quickly become colonised by garden weeds. Follow our tips on keeping your paths pristine and weed free, below. While some plants, such as thyme and alpines, look delightful growing in the gaps between patio slabs or path

one edge. Brush the clean edge of the card over the top of your plants - when the beetles hop into the air they'll stick to the grease. Repeat as necessary.Use pyrethrum chemical controls, or spray seedling brassicas with a thiacloprid insecticide

. The adults have six legs and a pair of antennae, moving in the open at night, chewing the edges of leaves. This isn't itself a problem, but the fact that each adult is a female, laying almost 1,000 eggs in summer, is alarming.Holes and notches chewed out

This simple container feature uses only three three plants to dramatic effect. The feathery leaves of the soft shield fern arch gracefully over the edges of the pot, making a perfect foil to the silvery leaves of the Japanese painted fern

single variety, planted in large drifts.In damp areas, try planting snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), an early flowering bulb that looks stunning when naturalised in grass.Bulbs or corms, such as daffodils or crocusLawn-edging tool

-sided tape. Leave about 5cm excess at the edges.Use a hairdryer to blow the film until all the wrinkles disappear and it goes tight. Snip off the surplus film with a pair of scissors.AdamUse garden wire and pegs to anchor your cloche to the soil.More advice