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-grown seedlings, spring and early summer is the time to plant them out. Raising them from seed is cheaper but adds a few weeks to the process - so if this is for you, it's time to get sowing!Young brassica plantsGarden line or string and canesTrowelSeed trays

and manhole covers. Position several over the patio site to work with, using a spirit level to ensure they're even.For a random design, place several slabs on the ground to help you decide which shapes interlock well together. Alternatively, cut out pieces

the ground level.Dig a trench, 30cm wide by 20cm deep, and part fill with soil down its length to make a mound 10cm high. Take the asparagus crowns and sit them 30cm apart on top of the mound, spreading the roots on either side. Cover the crowns with 5cm

may find it less successful. In mild regions, the cloves can be planted out in prepared ground and covered with cloches or fleece. Or simply plant into seed trays and set out the young plants in March.Watch Monty Don plant garlic bulbs in our practical

Although, in some areas, dahlia tubers have survived the recent mild winters outside, it's well worth lifting and storing them. Discover how you can ensure a bumper crop of dahlias for next summer, whatever the weather.SecateursGarden fork

of the stem.About 15cm from the shoot tip, make a nick using a sharp knife on the underside of the branch - aim to cut just halfway through the stem. Dust the area with hormone rooting powder.Dig a shallow hole at the point where the stem touches the ground

. Garden fork Sharp knifeLarge potsGritty compost mix made from equal parts grit or perlite and potting compostLabel and pencilDecember - January30 minutesUse a garden fork to lift the whole plant out of the ground gently, taking care not to damage its

If you think topiary is pricey, then make your own with one of these metal spiral plant supports. Given time, ivy will cover the frame, to give you a stylish evergreen display at a fraction of the cost of clipped topiary. If you shop carefully, you

-based compostFill the barrel with a loam-based compost for weight, stability and long-lasting nutrition. Firm the birch in well, and plant the ferns and heuchera around the base for ground cover.AdamBuy a younger birch to keep costs down. After a few years

peas in pots, and pinch out shoot tipsCut old stems of mallow (Lavatera) to ground levelPlant hedging plantsFlowersCover rhubarb with an old bucket to exclude lightPrune gooseberry bushes to open up the centreChit seed potatoes in trays in a bright