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, and dig deeply to sieve out roots of perennial weeds, such as bindweed, ground elder and couch grass Improve compacted soil by mixing in extra compost. Take care not to walk on or dig up spring bulbsTake root cuttings from phlox and oriental poppiesPot up
include lettuces, spinach, land cress, purslane, beetroot, radishes, coriander, spring onions, calabrese, spring greens, turnips for their green tops, Swiss chard, winter spinach and hardy Japanese onions
Take cuttings from pansies and violas Pot up tender perennials grown outside and bring under cover when cold nights are forecastPrune rambling roses after floweringGrow bulbs in aquatic baskets ready to drop into gaps in the border in spring
and containersPlant wallflowers, pansies, forget-me-nots and other spring beddingLift and divide congested clumps of perennialsLift gladioli and store their corms after the flowers have fadedSow hardy annuals outside for early flowers next summerBuy spring
Continue picking sweetcorn, beans and marrows Prune out fruited blackberry stems and tie in new onesSave seeds from favourite bean varieties to plant next springHarvest and store apples, wrapping them in newspaper for storageLift and store onions
Plant tulip bulbs in groups to make drifts of spring colourAfter first frosts, lift and store dahlia tubers or leave in the ground but mulch heavilyPlant evergreen shrubs and conifers, including new hedgesLift tender cannas to avoid frost damage
Rachel de Thame explains the secrets of the soil conditions in which alpine plants thrive, with recipes for the perfect growing medium.spring or autumnMore on growing alpinesMaking an alpine path and gravel bedPlanting up alpines video project
Watch Monty Don's video demonstration of how to plant asparagus crowns, with advice on the soil preparation, aspect and aftercare.autumn or springMore advice on growing asparagusHow to plant asparagusPlant profile of asparagus officinalis
Create new plants for your garden by learning how to divide clumps of herbaceous perennials with Sarah Raven's video guide.spring and autumnDividing plants in your gardenIrisesHostasAstersDay liliesBrowse a selection of herbaceous perennials
Generate new plants from your hostas by following Monty Don's video guide to lifting, dividing and planting.spring and autumnPropagating plants by dividingIrisesHerbaceous perennialsAstersDay liliesView a selection of hosta plantsBrowse a variety
