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Mow lawns then trim new edges with a half-moon edging toolDig compost into borders to improve water retention Add copper rings to pots to protect plants from slugs and snailsHoe bare areas of soil on dry days to remove weed seedlingsReplenish gravel

Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shoots of hostas and perennialsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsCut down marginal plants around ponds, and mulch with compost or bark

Remove winter grime from patios and terraces with a pressure washerSow new lawns, choosing a grass mix that suits the type of lawn you wantSnip plain green shoots off variegated shrubsMow lawns on dry days if grass is growing stronglyDig out couch

Mow lawns regularly, gradually lowering the height of the cut as spring progressesTreat problem weeds, such as nettles and brambles, with weedkillerTidy up hedges, but before you start cutting make sure no birds are nesting in them Keep large sheets

with new aquatic plantsKeep newly planted trees and shrubs well watered until establishedAvoid mowing off leaves of crocus and dwarf bulbs growing in lawns until early June

Add lawn cuttings to the compost heap, or use them to mulch around fruit trees Mow and edge your lawnTie stems of tall perennials to supportsFeed houseplants every week with a liquid fertiliserClean out filters of pond pumps to get rid of any debris

privetKeep mowing the lawn regularlyDeadhead border plants, unless you want to collect seedsPick everlasting flowers or herbs for dryingOrder flower bulbs for autumn planting including colchicum, daffodils and other spring bulbsLook out for developing

and aquatic featuresScoop water weed from ponds with a small netRemove suckers from roses or around the base of treesSummer prune wisteria by shortening all long sideshootsStake dahlias and late-flowering chrysanthemumsTrim privet, laurel, conifers and other

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

cataloguesMow lawns during dry weather with blades set highBring garden hoses and sprinklers under cover for winter to avoid damage in freezing weatherCollect canes and plant supports, and store them in the shedSow a green manure crop over bare areas