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and early autumn, give tomato plants overnight protection with horticultural fleece, which should keep them safe until the first frosts.tomatoesspring, summer, autumnAdvice and common problems affecting tomatoesCaring for greenhouse tomatoesTomato leaf mould

and choose resistant varieties such as 'Dombello' and 'Shirley'.tomatoesmid-spring to autumnCommon problems affecting tomatoesTomato blightTomato splittingTomato frost damageBlossom end rot

the crawling female winter mothCut off whole trusses of unripe fruits from outdoor tomatoes before they're hit by frost and ripen in a sheltered spotPlant out spring cabbagesDig up onions and lay them out in an airy space to dry before storing

Buy tulips now while they're fresh in garden centres, but hold off planting till next month Plant daffodils, hyacinths and crocus in potsLift and pot up tender perennials to protect over winterClear away faded summer bedding and annuals, composting

Scrub off shading paint and wash the glass thoroughly inside and out Listen out for weather forecasts of early frosts and be ready to bring tender potted plants under coverVentilate the greenhouse on warm days, but close doors and vents every

wallflowers, interspersing with taller-growing tulipsPile a thick mulch of compost or bark around hardy fuchsias to protect them from frostMove shrubs, including conifers and evergreens, that have outgrown their positionPot up tender perennials from summer

Work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areas of groundPlace cloches over tender plants to give them extra protection from frostSharpen blades on hoes, secateurs and other garden tools, and wipe with an oily rag before storing awayDo a

Plant out summer beddingSummer is almost here, but before you rush into the greenhouse to bring out your summer bedding plants, make sure the threat of frost is completely passed. For a successful display, take it slowly and acclimatise plants

piles of flowerpots and debrisRaise patio containers on feet or bricksAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frostAround the gardenCut back ornamental miscanthus grassTrim back ivy and Virginia creeper Clear away dead foliage from perennials

Take verbena cuttingsNow's the perfect time to take cuttings from your borderline-hardy perennials, such as verbena, to replace any that may get cut down by frost in the winter.Lay new turf and re-sow bare patches of lawnPot up colchicums