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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

)Pick off dead flower heads from spring bulbsProtect emerging shoots of delphiniums and lupins from slugs and snails using a barrier such as copper tape for pots or garlic granules

Spread a layer of manure or compost around roses and shrubsPrepare areas for laying new lawns in spring, digging over, weeding and enriching the soilBe on the look out for slugs and snails, which will attack emerging shoots of perennials

Clean out bird boxesLevel out dips in lawns with loam-based compost and sow fresh grass seedClear away debris that could be sheltering slugs and snailsCheck bonfires before lighting, in case they are sheltering sleeping hedgehogsSend off for seed

Prune wisteria sideshoots to 10-15cm from their base, and tie in leading shoots to create a frameworkRake up fallen leaves that could be sheltering slugsCut down dead perennialsPlant bareroot trees and deciduous hedges such as beech and privet

growth. Check the pots daily.clematis, dahlias, chrysanthemums and other plantsspring, summer, autumnMore common garden pestsWaspsSlugsAntsCaterpillars

-chewing garden pestsSlugsCaterpillarsEarwigsRosemary leaf beetle

can be eliminated by calling in professional pest control companies, or if the nest is small enough, by using a proprietory product from any hardware store.fruit trees and busheslate-summer to autumnMore common garden pestsSlugsAphidsEarwigsMealybugs

Viburnum beetle was named as the number one pest by the RHS in 2010, stealing the crown from slugs and snails. It's native to the UK, but is becoming more widespread. Most of the leaf damage is caused by the stripey, beige-coloured larvae, though

lawn and help keep it looking its best.Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shootsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsAround the gardenSprinkle granular fertiliser round roses