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the growing conditions to discourage moss and help the grass fight back. Encourage the grass to grow vigorously by feeding it and avoiding mowing too closely. In autumn and spring, scarify the lawn with a spring-tine rake to remove any moss. On compacted soils

were filling in large holes! We raked fine sandy soil over the damaged areas, so hopefully the grass will soon grow back. The deeper holes were filled in and reseeded, and then raked over. It was nearly dark by the time we finished, and the lawn (as

, cleaning them off and spraying some oil around. There are certain tools without which I cannot cope and others which I hardly ever use. Among my favourites are:1. My small border fork and spade, which are perfect for planting and diddling around.2. A steel

a recommended fungicide, containing either a Bordeaux mixture or copper, and spray before signs of infection and repeat at 10-15 day intervals.acersearly summerMore advice on growing acersPlanting an acer in a potAcer inspirationPlanting a small tree

that show signs of entrance holes. This stops the larvae from escaping into the soil and pupating. Rake the soil around affected trees in winter, so the exposed sawflies are killed by frost.applesearly to late-summerMore common apple and pear trees problems

stems of sedumsClear borders and rake up leaves FlowersKeep harvesting root vegetables as they matureOrder seed potatoes, onion sets and shallotsStretch netting over brassicasFruit & vegSow onion seed under cover, and keep warmCheck overwintering plants

and rake up leavesFlowersSpread a thick layer of mulch around fruit trees and bushesPlant fruit bushes, trees and canes into enriched soilPrune blackcurrantsFruit & vegCollect fruits/berries from cotoneaster and pyracanthaCheck stored bulbs and tubers

or bubble polythene and they'll reward you with lush foliage next season.Clean and sharpen pruning tools Repair and treat fencing and timber structures Bring all watering equipment indoorsAround the gardenPrune wisteria sideshoots to 10-15cm from their baseRake

sturdy wooden stakesSledgehammerBow sawStrong wireall year round1 dayClear the area where you're going to put the compost bin and, if necessary, level the ground using a spade or a rake.Take a pallet and stand it on its long edge to form the back edge

. Improving the soil with plenty of organic matter in the form of compost helps drainage and aeration on heavy soils and conserves essential moisture on light ones.SoilGarden spadeGarden forkGarden rakeOrganic matter in the form of compost or well