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Protect tender plants for winterThe trend for growing exotic looking plants in our gardens means that some of them may need protection from the worst of the winter cold and wet. Wrap half hardy bananas, palms and tree ferns with fleece, straw

with more of your favourite plants for free.Add lawn cuttings to the compost heapMow and edge your lawnTie stems of tall perennials to supportsAround the gardenKeep baskets and patio pots wateredSpray roses to protect them from pests and diseases

Insulate a greenhouse with bubble polytheneAs the cold weather draws in, you need to think about how you are going to protect your plants through the winter. If you have a greenhouse but don't want to install a costly heating system, lining

an impressive spring display that will flower for weeks.Prune suckers away from the base of ornamental treesCollect watering equipment to store in the shedProtect glazed pots from frost damageAround the gardenPlant out spring beddingPot up tender perennials from

for wormsCollect fallen leaves showing signs of blackspot FlowersNet crops to protect them from pigeons Earmark your best sprouts for the Christmas tableTake hardwood cuttings from fruit bushes Fruit & vegWater azaleas regularly with rainwater Last chance

off shrubs and conifersPlace rabbit guards around trees to protect barkFirm down plants lifted by frost or wind rockAround the gardenDeadhead winter-flowering pansies and bedding plantsDivide congested herbaceous perennialsPrune winter jasmine to cut

from barrenwort (Epimedium)Plant lilies in potsFlowersPlant shallots outside into well-prepared soilSow mustard and cress in a pot on the kitchen windowsill Use netting and bird scarers to protect fruit bushesFruit & vegHand pollinate the flowers

condition - and you'll also save yourself some pennies when it comes to the annual service.Mow lawns and trim new edgesDig compost into borders to improve water retention Add copper rings to pots to protect plants from slugs and snailsAround the garden

the exact plants we show here, as there'll be plenty of similar things at your local nursery or garden centre. If you get cracking now you'll have a stunning display in just a few weeks.Gradually lower the cutting height of your mower Spray roses showing

Around the gardenLift dahlia tubers or protect those left in the ground Sow sweet peas now Collect seeds and berries from shrubs and flowering plantsFlowersLift and store carrots Pot up herbs to bring under cover for winter useSow green manure crops over bare areas