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the fungus. Lily bulbs don't have a natural protective layer and are bruised easily, which can lead to rot.Patches of mould start to appear on the bulb. Sometimes it's tucked in between the scales, or it can be found under the papery tissue around the neck

to other plants. Carry out repeated, preventative spraying the moment the first batch of tomatoes starts to set. Use fungicide containing copper. They don't provide 100 per cent protection, but an attack will be slowed down and you should get ripe tomatoes

and early autumn, give tomato plants overnight protection with horticultural fleece, which should keep them safe until the first frosts.tomatoesspring, summer, autumnAdvice and common problems affecting tomatoesCaring for greenhouse tomatoesTomato leaf mould

Keep harvesting root vegetables as they mature, including parsnips and leeksOrder seed potatoes, onion sets and shallotsStretch netting over brassicas to protect them from pigeonsCover clumps of rhubarb with buckets or terracotta pots to force early

Finish planting out vegetable crops, including tomatoes, beans, courgettes and sweetcornSow summer salads in guttering to grow quick cropsUse netting to protect developing and ripening fruits from birdsTie in new shoots on blackberries, raspberries

Plant out leeks and brassicas raised in a seed bedSpread mulch around beans and other crops to help conserve soil moistureNet developing soft fruits to protect them from birdsSpray apple trees showing signs of powdery mildew or scabWater onions

Pick gooseberries when ripe. If they're still very green, small and hard, leave them a bit longer. Some varieties turn red or white as they ripenPrune bay trees to keep them in shapeSpray apples and gooseberries with a fungicide to protect against

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