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ForkSpadeCompostautumn and winter45 minutesChoose an open site and fork over the soil, mixing in lots of compost. Dig a deep planting hole and place the shrub's rootball in the centre.Spread the roots around the hole then backfill with soil enriched with compost to cover them

Learn how to recognise and remove dead wood from garden trees, in Chris Beardshaw's video demonstration.summerMore advice on growing treesPlanting a bare-root treePlanting a fig treeTraining a nectarine tree against a fencePlanting a small tree

Shrubs and perennials planted permanently in containers need good quality compost if they are to survive for more than a couple of years. The addition of loam-based compost such as John Innes no.3 will retain a good open structure for plant roots

Watch Monty Don's video demonstration of how to plant a yew hedge, with advice on drainage, planting distances and mulching.spring or autumnMore advice on plantingPlanting a bare-root rosePlanting a shrubBare-root plantingPlanting a bare-root tree

of leaves. Plants will bloom again next spring.AdamChoose a position in full sun, where the iris flowers will show up against a plain background – an evergreen shrub, hedge, brick wall or painted fence are ideal.Weed regularly by hand, to stop them taking