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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 bramblesRemoving Japanese knotweed

don't waste this valuable resource.Watering can or hosepipeWatering can rose or fine spray nozzleWater-retaining granulesMicro-drip irrigation system and timerWater buttlate-March - early September20 minutesAlways water your plants in the cool

Cut back ornamental miscanthus grass before new shoots start developingTrim back ivy and Virginia creeper from around windows and gutteringClear away dead foliage from perennials, chop it up and add to the compost heapRemove weeds from borders

in earthy shades produce natural-looking effects and appealing textures that will add interest to any stretch of lawn.2-3cm diameter pebblesSlate chippingsA bag of ready-mixed cement26 litre tub trugPieces of steel mesh large enough to fit base of tub trug

: granular, liquid, powder, or organic manureWatering can (for liquid application)Spade or fork (for digging in manure)March - August20 minutesWell-rotted horse and cattle manure contains plenty of nutrients for plants. It can be added before planting or used

Sweet peas are the classic annual climber and look just as lovely in pots as they do in a border. 'Spencer Mix' has large flowers and long stems, good for cutting, but 'Cupani' and 'Painted Lady' are particularly good as their short stems give good

.Once planted, my flower borders go into overdrive, spreading as they want with very little direction from me. Neighbouring plants mix and mingle, looking far more natural to my eye than carefully orchestrated displays. One spreader I love is alstroemeria, which

will give you some basics. Sage works well as part of mixed borders and thyme is always useful.Jekka's farm is usually closed to the public but there are 15 open days next year when everybody is welcome.

Brighter days and lighter evenings are really cheering me up, as is the anticipation of borders packed with sunflowers and sweet peas this summer.Seeds from the free packet of sunflower 'Russian Giant' and sweet pea '20th Anniversary Mix' that came

ripping out the lawn and a whole herbaceous border - to be replaced by a gravel path, three raised beds and a greenhouse. No more mowing of the lawn (or arguments about why it hadn't been mown). If you're a busy person, it makes more sense to have