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Fix nesting boxes for birds to suitable trees around your gardenService petrol lawn mowers and power toolsKeep indoor azaleas well-watered with rainwaterMake fat cakes and hang them among roses to encourage bluetits to feed off overwintering pests

to visit gardens in autumn and winter, as they rely on bird feeders when their natural sources of insects and grubs dry up. They need calorie-rich suet, sunflower hearts and peanuts to maintain fat reserves on frosty nights. In colder weather, look out

Mow lawns regularly, gradually lowering the height of the cut as spring progressesTreat problem weeds, such as nettles and brambles, with weedkillerTidy up hedges, but before you start cutting make sure no birds are nesting in them Keep large sheets

colourant solution if you want blue flowersUse a circuit breaker (RCD) when using electric toolsScoop floating weed from ponds with a netTrim hedges and topiaryTop up bird baths regularly

Tidy up piles of flowerpots and debris that could harbour snailsRaise patio containers on feet or bricks, to ensure their compost drains properlyAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frost, as you'll kill the grassProvide birds with fresh water

Keep window bird feeders topped up with seed to attract bluetits and sparrowsWash out flowerpots and seed traysMove patio pots to sheltered sites during cold periodsIf snow falls, knock it off the branches of evergreen shrubs and conifers to prevent

clumps and replant your new plants wherever you want.Fix nesting boxes for birds to suitable treesGet petrol mowers and power tools servicedKeep indoor azaleas well-watered with rainwaterAround the gardenPrune back shoots on hydrangeas Trim all foliage

in spring.1m x 150cm woodBalloonDrill or screwdriverNewspaperPaintbrushSawScrewsWater-based paintWaterproof PVA glueall year rounda couple of hoursPlace a round balloon in a vase, pointing downwards. Mix eight parts glue with one part water and stick strips

Cover strawberries with netting to keep birds off the fruitSow seeds of the following vegetables outside now: radish, runner beans, calabrese, pak choi, mizuna, marrows, courgettes, chicory, kohl rabi, lettuce, marrows, swede, turnip, French beans and endive

and roost in your garden. If you're lucky, they may even give birth and raise their young there, so make sure you site it in a sheltered spot.Plank of rough-sawn untreated wood 120cm x 20cm x 2cm19cm x 4cm long nails and hammer1 x metal eyelet with a 1cm