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, including African violets, begonias and Cape primroseHang yellow sticky traps over plants to catch whitefly and flying pestsSow seeds of herbs, such as parsley, chives, coriander, garlic, basil, dill, fennel, mint, thyme, sage and lovage

Hang pheromone traps in fruit trees to control moth pests, such as codling moth larvae, which eat applesThin out congested fruit crops on peaches and nectarines, spacing fruits about 10cm apartWatch out for signs of powdery mildew or disease

Water crops in growing bags and pots daily, adding a liquid feed once a weekIntroduce biological controls if you have discovered pests, such as whitefly and red spider mitePinch out developing sideshoots on tomato stemsTrain cucumbers and tomatoes

and eucomis, under coverCheck all plants for signs of pests and treat immediatelySow sweet peas in potsAvoid moving Christmas cactus during autumn while they're forming flower buds, to prevent damageMove potted peaches and nectarines under cover

heaters regularlyCheck plants for signs of overwintering pestsPick faded flowers and dead leaves from plantsWater potted bulbs to ensure they never dry outScrub down staging and framework with disinfectantWash glazing inside and out to let in more light

wasp traps to catch them before they do any damage. Otherwise, there is little that can be done.Nearby wasp nests can be eliminated by calling in professional pest control companies, or if the infestation is small enough, tackle it yourself with an over

into the plant and can be present in concentrated forms in the nectar and pollen of flowers. If you do use these chemicals, remove any flowers before they open, as they will also kill any bees that visit them.mint, pennyroyalMay-SeptemberMore pests of herbs

persimilis on to your plants. Alternatively, use sprays containing, fatty acids or plant oils.houseplants, greenhouse plants, also outdoors on fuchsias, runner beans, busy lizzies, grape vinesall year roundMore common garden pestsMealybugsScale insectsWhiteflyThrips

Carol Klein explains how to create the optimum soil conditions for growing camellias.With hints on environmentally friendly, acidic soil conditioners and guidance on spotting garden pest and signs of ill health, Carol offers a comprehensive guide

Plant tagetes with your tomatoes, to act as companion flowers which deter pests Scoop out floating pond weed and algae from poolsHoe bare soil and hand weed beds weekly to prevent weeds from establishing and setting seedPut soft tops on the tips