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displays to bring under cover for winter protectionPick leaves affected by rose blackspot and collect any lying on the ground nearbyCut down perennials whose seedheads aren't worth keeping, digging in compost around them

Grow garlicGarlic is a key ingredient in much of our cooking and nothing beats the flavour of a home-grown crop. It needs a long growing season in the UK so the key to success is early planting, between November and the New Year.Cover soil

tender plants under coverSow sweet peas in deep potsGreenhouse2 hoursDiscover how to attract birds into your garden

sturdy wooden stakesSledgehammerBow sawStrong wireall year round1 dayClear the area where you're going to put the compost bin and, if necessary, level the ground using a spade or a rake.Take a pallet and stand it on its long edge to form the back edge

Thankfully, Buster the guinea-pig has a thick night-time cover of old carpet, otherwise he might have been shocked to discover the fornication going on outside his hutch one morning last week. When I peered out from the kitchen at 6.30am, two great

's better to make an earth clamp. Choose a sheltered, dry site to make your clamp, and only choose carrots in good condition. Prepare the crops by shaking off loose soil and removing any foliage.Home-grown carrotsStrawautumn1 hourDig a shallow hole and cover

to protect the growing point. In cold regions this can be loosely packed with straw for extra insulation.Push bamboo canes into the ground around the plant to be protected, and cover with horticultural fleece or bubble polythene to create a protective tent

are shredded and may be covered in brown-black droppings.Pick off the grubs and adults as soon as you see them. The adults will drop to the ground at the slightest touch, so spread newspaper under the plants to catch them. Be quick and crush them under foot

Around the gardenLift dahlia tubers or protect those left in the ground Sow sweet peas now Collect seeds and berries from shrubs and flowering plantsFlowersLift and store carrots Pot up herbs to bring under cover for winter useSow green manure crops over bare areas

large clods. If necessary, incorporate some well-rotted manure or garden compost to improve soil texture and fertility.Transplant the leeks into the ground when they're about 15-20cm tall. Use a broom handle to make holes 15-20cm deep and about 15cm