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Sow sweet peas in deep pots and pinch out shoot tips once two pairs of leaves have developedCut back old stems of mallow (Lavatera) to ground level, taking care not to harm new shootsPlant hedging plantsPrune down stems of dogwoods, willows, cotinus

Dry compostStorage box or containerautumn30 mins, plus drying timeUsing secateurs, cut down dahlia stems to a few centimetres from ground level and compost the leaves.Dig all around the dahlia clump and lift the tubers with a fork, taking great care

rampant and can grow to 2.1m in just one season, overwhelming any garden plants in its way. It doesn't colonise gardens by producing seeds, instead it sprouts from very small sections of rhizomes.Weaken the plant by cutting off the top growth every two

. Top up the box with more compost, gently firming it around the plant roots with your fingers.AdamScabious is a short-lived perennial, but luckily it's easily propagated by taking cuttings in early spring.If you can't find this deep red scabious, try

for growth.AdamTie the stem to the cane in one or more places to give the plant maximum support.More advice on growing dahliasVideo guide to taking dahlia cuttings, with Sarah RavenPlanting up dahlia tubers, with instruction from Sarah Raven.Growing dahlias

Raise new mint plantsIf you're already dreaming about sipping a cool mint julep in your summer garden, now's the time to get your mint plants ready for the job. Take cuttings from established mint plants to keep the drinks tray supplied all summer

and topiaryCut laurel hedgesAround the gardenMake earwig traps with straw in upturned pots on canesPrune pyracantha and train shoots to supports Prepare soil to plant evergreen shrubsFlowersPrune old fruited stems of raspberries down to soil level Pinch out

Around the gardenTake cuttings from pansies and violasPot up tender perennials grown outside Prune rambling roses after floweringFlowersFinish summer pruning trained apple and pear treesHarvest apples, pears, plums and gages as they ripenSave seeds from varieties

and family.Collect leaves as they fall to make leaf-mould Leave out sunflower seed heads for the birds to feed onCollect up all watering kit to store in the shedAround the gardenTake cuttings of your favourite rosesTidy borders by cutting down perennials past

.Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants Around the gardenTake root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers