Search - Articles

, and dig deeply to sieve out roots of perennial weeds, such as bindweed, ground elder and couch grass Improve compacted soil by mixing in extra compost. Take care not to walk on or dig up spring bulbsTake root cuttings from phlox and oriental poppiesPot up

Remove suckers from roses, shrubs and around the base of trees, like cornus and sorbusTrim box topiary and hedgingCut laurel hedges using secateurs so you don't damage the remaining leavesSpray mare's tail with a weedkiller such as glyphosateImprove

Bulk up the compost heap with spent flowerheads and stems from around the garden Improve drainage on compacted lawns by spiking the ground with a fork or aeratorCut everlasting flowers and ornamental grasses for dryingPut netting across ponds

Use a fork or hollow-tined aerator to spike your lawn and improve drainage Dig up and pot up tender perennials to bring indoors for winter protectionRaise the cutting height when mowing the lawnApply an autumn lawn foodCover ponds with netting

material around outdoor tapsOrder hedging plants, roses, trees and shrubs, and prepare the soil for plantingSpike compacted lawns and brush grit into the holes to improve drainageRemove pumps and filters from ponds and bubble fountainsDig over vacant soil

Plant new fruit trees and bushesTidy strawberry beds, cutting back old foliage and congested runners and removing weedsPot up a few roots of mint and bring under cover for winter pickingsImprove soil, digging over bare ground and forking in bulky, well

Add old crops and bedding to the compost heapSpike lawns then brush grit into the holes to improve surface drainageCollect seeds from beans and sweet peas to sow next yearFirm soil around newly planted trees and shrubs if they've been loosened

manure or mushroom compost to improve your soilCheck garden birds have water to drink, especially on frosty days when it might be frozen

The John Innes Horticultural Institute was founded in 1904, 'for the improvement of horticulture by experiment and research'. It was set up with money bequeathed by a London businessman of Scottish descent.John Innes composts were developed

been mown too closely. Once it's established it will quickly spread, appearing as an undesirable and unsightly addition to a lawn. Moss appears in lawns in compact, spreading, springy patches that inhibit the growth of the grass. In lawns, improve