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Watering can or hosepipeMarch - April, September - October1 weekendJune - AugustPrepare the area, levelling the ground and removing big stones. If the surface is uneven, wheelbarrow in some topsoil, pour it on top and even it out with a rake.Firm the soil

Lay a patio now and you'll enjoy the benefits each time you're out in the garden. It's not a difficult job, so put aside a weekend and you'll soon be entertaining friends, or enjoying a well-earned rest on your new patio surrounded by pots

Paving and gravel paths can quickly become colonised by garden weeds. Follow our tips on keeping your paths pristine and weed free, below. While some plants, such as thyme and alpines, look delightful growing in the gaps between patio slabs or path

you start. When you're ready, remove the spark plug cap so the mower can't start unexpectedly.Petrol lawnmowerRag or clothSocket wrenchSpannerall year round15 minutesOnce the spark plug cap is removed, check to see if the spark plug is dirty, removing

Soil typesYour soil type - sandy, loam or clay - determines which plant species you can grow. Knowing your soil type enables to you to choose the plants best suited to your garden. Soil type is identified the presence of clay, sand and silt

Watch Monty Don planting up a sandbox for displaying alpine plants, in our step-by-step video project - with tips for keeping plants cool, and retaining moisture.springMore advice on growing alpinesMaking an alpine pathPlanting alpines in a potMaking an alpine container displayCr...

Watch Monty Don, as he plants and trains a nectarine tree up against a fence, using wires and tensioners. With tips on mixing compost and protecting trees from frost damage.springMore advice on growing fruitGrowing citrus plants.Planting a fig tree.Growing a kiwi plant.Summer pr...

Monty Don explains how to attract bats to roost in your garden by adding a number of bat boxes around the garden. He demonstrates how to build your own boxes and where to locate them for the best chance of success.all-year-roundAttracting wildlife

Carol Klein and Joe Swift demonstrate how to create a raised bed at Berryfields, using local stone and alpine planting, with tips on compost mixes and plant suggestions.springMore advice on growing alpinesVideo advice on planting alpines in a potWatch our video guide to making an...

PostWindow feederBird seedall year round20 minutesSet up a bird table close to the house, then screw the window feeder to a separate pole in the ground so birds get used to feeding from it.Each week move the pole and feeder a little closer to the house. Keep