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and out to let in more lightTake root cuttings of perennials including phlox and oriental poppiesPlant hippeastrum bulbsUse rainwater to keep the compost of potted azaleas constantly moistVentilate greenhouses on warm, dry days

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

Growing your own cut flowers is pure luxury, but it's also a great way to save money. I love to have flowers in the house and come late-winter I feel I almost need some spring cheer to help me ward off symptoms of SAD.Cut flowers also remind me

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

to four weeks. Let the cut stems wither in the sun until dead before digging up and disposing of them. Do not add them to the compost heap. If you dig up any rhizomes, you must take them to a licensed waste site, as they are a 'controlled waste' under

. 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

tops of main shoots on outdoor tomato plantsPrune trained forms of fruit treesFruit & vegTake cuttings from tender perennials and bedding plantsSow a few pots of hardy annualsShade delicate plants to avoid sun scorch on hot daysGreenhouse10 minutes a

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