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-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

Rake up fallen leaves that could be sheltering slugsCut down dead perennialsFlowersWinter prune apple trees Prune away stems of autumn-fruiting raspberriesPrepare sites to plant new fruit trees and bushesFruit & vegFollow weather forecasts to set the right

couple of days to set before being positioned in the garden. Spread a layer of manure or compost around shrubsPrepare areas for laying new lawns in springBe on the look out for slugs and snailsAround the gardenPrune summer-flowering clematisCut out dead

. Then one morning, a shadow, a brown shape...a hedgehog. Whoops!Released to continue feeding on my slugs (yes, even the editor of Gardeners' World Magazine has slugs in his garden - but not many!), the humane trap was reset, and the waiting continued

leaves but Pippa has also grown what is known as sugarloaf chicory, which had green leaves and a much looser habit. It was more like a lettuce than anything I was picturing in my head.All very vulnerable to slug attack and as this year has felt at times

from slugs and snails) and planted them out when they had a good clump of leaves. I always grow lettuces in a well-drained (and less slug-prone) bed close to my shed, so I can keep an eye on them.I tend to try a few new lettuce varieties each year

, laying lawn edging and root pruning cordon fruit trees (while, apparently wearing a pair of white cricket trousers and a double-breasted blazer!). The best tip is for a slug trap: "take an old photographic negative and a piece of tin. Solidified