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Carol Klein explains how to hand-pollinate hellebores and guides you through the process, offering practical tips and advice.springMore advice on propagating plantsCarol Klein demonstrates how to cross-pollinate daffodils.Collecting allium seeds

Follow Carol Klein's video guide to cross-pollinating two daffodil varieties using a pen. springMore advice on growing daffodilsForcing narcissiCreating a daffodil containerLayering bulbs in a potDaffodils blog, by Pippa GreenwoodBrowse a variety

The transfer of pollen - by insects, wind or hand - to the female stigma, after which fertilisation of the ovule ensues.

Hand pollinate the flowers of peaches and nectarine, with a soft brushCut off hippeastrum flower heads, leaving the stalkSow summer-bedding plants in trays in a heated propagator or in the greenhousePlant dahlia tubers in trays to encourage shoots

to improve, so then will the crop.Baby courgettes fail to develop. Instead of growing into a long or round shape, they quickly rot on the plant.Pollinate the early batch of flowers by hand, rather than relying on insects. Pick an open male flower (which doesn

, and can be picked off by hand.The moment you spot an infestation, spray them with pyrethrum. If the plants are in flower, spray in the evening, so pollinating insects aren't affected.verbascum, buddleia, figwortsmid-spring to midsummerMore advice

from barrenwort (Epimedium)Plant lilies in potsFlowersPlant shallots outside into well-prepared soilSow mustard and cress in a pot on the kitchen windowsill Use netting and bird scarers to protect fruit bushesFruit & vegHand pollinate the flowers

garden to look good, and for neighbouring plants to complement one another.Walking through my garden this week I was struck by its freshness following a shower. Doesn't rain transform the colour and vigour of plants in a way simply watering by hand never

and shape of its flowers.The day before you intend to pollinate your plant, cut at least one fully open flower from the father plant, making sure it has 2.5cm (1in) of stem. Bring this flower into the house and float it in a shallow bowl of water overnight

perfect, carefully pollinated by hand using a brush to ensure good fruit set. Once early frosts were over I'd inspect my peach tree to count the developing fruits, looking forward to summer harvests.And then the mystery begins. One day the fruit is there