Search - Articles

Deadhead pelargoniums and other summer bedding plantsSummer prune wisteria, cutting back whippy sideshoots to about 20cmWater plants in pots and basketsTake cuttings from shrubs choosing non-flowering shootsCollect seed from flowers that you want

their shoots into the soilCut down old stems on spring-flowering euphorbias, taking care not to get the milky sap on your skinGive hanging baskets and patio pots a weekly liquid feedRemove flower heads from flag irises as petals fadePrune back flowered stems

, 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

Plant lily bulbs in pots for colourful summer displaysPrune shrub roses to low new shootsCut back overgrown honeysuckle stems close to their base, just above new shootsTrim back old shoots of perennials left for winter interest, taking care

Take cuttings from shrubs including pyracantha, cotinus, hypericum, potentilla, honeysuckle, ivy, hydrangea, spiraea and rosemaryPrune out plain green shoots from variegated trees and shrubsCut lavender for drying when in full flowerCut back pansies

Collect and sow seed from foxglovesTake cuttings from pinks (Dianthus)Prune philadelphus after flowering, removing stems carrying old flowers. Cut out very weak stems and some of the oldest woodFeed dahlias with a liquid fertiliser and ensure plants

roses, cutting out old stems that carried flowers and training in new shootsTake lavender cuttings by pulling off new shoots and inserting them in gritty compostCut back perennials past their best

Squash mistletoe berries into apple tree branches to encourage plants to develop Cut down old stems of sedums, taking care not to damage new shoots Clear borders and rake up leaves before bulbs start poking throughDig over gaps in the borders

cuttings from dogwoodsPick off faded flowers from winter-flowering pansies to prevent them setting seed

Take cuttings from delphiniums using strong young shoots, and root them in free-draining compostWash off greenfly from shoot tips with soapy waterFeed rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris and camellias with ericaceous (acidic) plant foodSeveral shrubs