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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

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

Hedgehogs need somewhere to hibernate in winter, so here's your chance to provide them with a cosy home. This wooden hedgehog house should entice them away from bonfire stacks and ensure they stay in your garden ready to feast on slugs in the spring

and drawn. 3 strawberry plants (pot-grown or lifted from the garden)Large pot or hanging basketMulti-purpose compostJanuary - April20 minutes harvest May - JunePlant two or three strawberry plants in a hanging basket or large pot of multi-purpose compost

As soon as your strawberry plants have finished fruiting it's time to clear away all the straw or matting to discourage slugs and snails from nibbling at the plants. It's also a good time to raise some new plants from their abundant runners

Keeping garden pests at bayAphidsSlugsMealybugsEarwigs

of the plant, it turns yellowish-brown and becomes a slimy rot.Promptly remove any infected parts of the lettuce. Try to reduce the risk of damage to lettuce leaves by drowning slugs and snails in beer traps, or go on a night-time patrol and remove them by hand

it in with your fingers.This combination of plants should overwinter safely in the wall pot. In autumn, tidy up the fleabane by cutting it back. protect the strawberries from the cold weather with a covering of straw.AdamIt's worth considering slug protection

.Protecting strawberries from slug and rain damage.Growing early strawberries.Propagating strawberries.

If you're short of sun in your garden but want an interesting summer display, try this rich blend of foliage plants. Both the plectranthus and begonias perform well in shade.April - JuneJuly - September20 minutesBegonia rex x2Purple