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guide to creating leaf mould in a leaf heap.Lightweight leaf grabbersFlat-tined plastic or rubber rakeBesom broomLeaf blowerWoven plastic bagsRotary lawn mowerautumntwo hours (depending on quantity of leaves)Buy yourself a lightweight pair of grabbers

(apologies to all those people standing ankle deep in post-flood sludge who probably don't need a smarty-pants pointing at the silver-lining).Lawns - because it has been well-nigh impossible to get the mower out of the shed, grass has grown much longer than

Monty Don explains the benefits of hand weeding, demonstrating how to keep unwanted weeds at bay.all year round, particularly springMore advice on dealing with weedsHow to hoe effectivelyMaintaining a healthy lawnDealing with brambles

of all cane and plant supports to prevent injury to eyesApply a moss killer to lawns, then, after a few days, scarify to rake out the dead matterWipe teak oil or other nourishing wood treatment on to wooden garden furniture to condition it for summer

Gradually lower the cutting height of your mower as grass growth increasesSpray roses showing signs of diseases such as blackspot, rust or powdery mildewApply a combined weed, feed and moss killer to your lawn if you think it needs itTop up water

Set up an automatic watering system to look after greenhouse crops, patio pots and baskets if you're going on holidayRaise mower cutting height to leave lawns longer if the weather is very dryTrim conifers and other garden hedgesTop up the water

Raise the cutting height of your lawn mower and continue composting clippingsWash out and top up bird baths regularlyStretch netting over ponds and water features to prevent autumn leaves blowing inWater houseplants less frequently and move them off

seed mixed with compost on to lawns to thicken growthPrune suckers away from around the base of ornamental treesProtect large ceramic or glazed pots from frost damage by wrapping them in bubble polytheneOrder bare-rooted roses for planting in autumn

Plant crocuses, fritillaries and dwarf narcissus in lawns Plant up patio pots for autumn interestLift gladioli, clean the corms and store them in a shed or garagePrune rambling and climbing roses, and shorten long shoots on standard roses

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