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Take root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbersMove containers of shrubs or winter bedding to a sheltered spot when conditions turn very coldPlant new rose bushesEmpty pots of spent annuals and compost

sheltered spot if conditions turn very coldTake root cuttings of oriental poppies and other perennialsLook for early-flowering snowdrops to pot up and bring into the housePrepare soil well before planting new rosesCover branches of holly berries with netting

in the garden before you leave them out.Feed fast-growing plants with fertiliser Thin out congested pond plantsHand flower beds to prevent weeds establishing Around the gardenPlant out dahlias into well-prepared soil Regularly tie tall stems of delphiniums

is the ideal time to plant bare-rooted trees and there are few simple ways to give them the best start. Tree, tree tieCane, stringSpade, forkWooden stakeHammer, sawCompost, granular fertiliser, well-rotted manureMulch or bark chippingsNovember - February1 hour

Fill gaps in your summer planting displays with brightly-coloured lilies for a temporary, but timely, burst of colour. Plant lily bulbs into pots then simply drop them, pot and all, into arrangements on the patio, or even in your borders. Lily

be tied in ready to flower next season. Rambling roseSecateursLong-handled loppers early July - early August 1 hour per rose (approximately)JuneCut back the flowered stems of rambling rose right down to the base of the plant. Alternatively prune back

training of young wisteria plants, select a few strong shoots to tie into wires or trellis. Once you have created these, you can prune any sideshoots back to this framework. Wisteria plantSecateurs String for tying-in if necessaryLadder if necessarylate

Plant runner beans Runner beans make one of the easiest and most rewarding summer crops. Planted now they'll romp away in the warm soil and, with plenty of moisture at the roots, they'll quickly twine up their support to produce masses of succulent

container-grown roses and shrubsPrepare soil in flower beds for summer beddingTie in new growth on climbing plantsFlowersSow bean, marrow, courgette and squash seedsSpray peaches and nectarines with fungicide Pick rhubarb stems as they developFruit & veg

tomato plants before they collapse under the weight of their fruit. Drive a bamboo cane into the soil next to the plant, taking care not to damage the roots, then tie the stems to the cane with twine, using a figure-of-eight knot, in one or more places