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on the leaves.Dispose of fallen leaves that might have the bugs or eggs attached. Use the predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri when temperatures rise in summer. Also try spraying plants with fatty acids or plant oils. You may need to do this a few times

infestations, scrape off the scales by hand and dispose of them. For heavy infestations, prune out those branches that are badly affected. Spray with a plant oil wash in winter.Spray the young scales in mid-July and early September with a systemic insecticide

be used on houseplants and in greenhouses to attack the western flower thrips. Organic pesticide sprays are available, which are based on plant oils or pyrethrum.Ornamental plants can be sprayed with insecticides containing imidacloprid with methiocarb

These tiny, sap-sucking pests may be only 0.5mm long but they can wreak havoc in a greenhouse or on houseplants indoors. For most of the year they are a pale green colour with two dark spots on their back; it's only in autumn and winter

A surface structure that secretes oils or resins. Some plants produce glandular hairs, such as the stinging nettle.

, promoting relaxation. Simply add five or six drops to your bath water.500g fresh or 250g dried lavender flowers750ml light olive oilSmall saucepanWooden spoonCoffee filter or muslin bagSmall funnelContainer with lidautumn20 minutesGently wash the lavender

A genus of plants in the mustard family, the members of which may be collectively known as mustards or cabbages. The various parts of different species of brassica have been developed for food, such as roots for swedes, stems for kohlrabi, leaves

Give wooden furniture a facelift, sanding smooth then applying teak wood oilCut back climbing plants that are hanging down from arches and pergolas Empty, mix and refill compost bins to improve the composting processWater hydrangeas with a colourant

Clean and sharpen knives and secateurs, and spray metal tools with oilPut up nesting boxes for birds in suitable trees or on buildingsMove shrubs growing in the wrong placeService petrol lawn mowersSearch through seed, bulb and nursery catalogues

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