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the woody, flowered stems. Prune back to just above vigorous green stems growing from low down on the plant.For the thickest woody stems, or where shrubs have become very overgrown, use long-handled loppers or a garden saw to cut through the tough stems

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, give your container plants a little time and care. Water, feed and deadhead them regularly over the next few weeks and you can keep plants flowering and looking good right into autumn.Container plantsWatering canLiquid plant foodJune - Aug...

Mow your lawn regularly from spring onwards to encourage healthy, lush-looking grass and to deter weeds. When the grass is growing strongly in summer it will need to be mown at least once a week; but during periods of drought leave it uncut as longer grass will stay greener in ho...

Aside from being less expensive than laying turf, sowing a lawn allows you to choose a seed mixture most appropriate for your site and needs; whether you want a bowling green or a hard-wearing football pitch. Grass seeds sown in autumn, while the ground is warm and moist, will ge...

The vigorous growth of many herbaceous perennials and climbers often needs a helping hand to prevent them flopping onto neighbouring plants or over the edges of lawns and paths. Putting plant supports in place early means they even the most obvious ones can be hidden by the folia...

Watch Monty Don planting up a sandbox for displaying alpine plants, in our step-by-step video project - with tips for keeping plants cool, and retaining moisture.springMore advice on growing alpinesMaking an alpine pathPlanting alpines in a potMaking an alpine container displayCr...

Watch Monty Don, as he plants and trains a nectarine tree up against a fence, using wires and tensioners. With tips on mixing compost and protecting trees from frost damage.springMore advice on growing fruitGrowing citrus plants.Planting a fig tree.Growing a kiwi plant.Summer pr...

Soil typesYour soil type - sandy, loam or clay - determines which plant species you can grow. Knowing your soil type enables to you to choose the plants best suited to your garden. Soil type is identified the presence of clay, sand and silt

Monty Don explains how to attract bats to roost in your garden by adding a number of bat boxes around the garden. He demonstrates how to build your own boxes and where to locate them for the best chance of success.all-year-roundAttracting wildlife

before you put your lawnmower into the shed for the winter, empty the petrol tank.Lawn care adviceVideo guide to choosing the best lawn mower for your gardenLaying turf, with advice from Monty Don and Chris BeardshawMonty Don gives advice on renovating a