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and out before putting up bubble polythene for insulationSow hardy annuals, like calendulas, in pots for early displaysCheck bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rotWater sparingly in winter, taking care not to splash water aroundPick yellowing

Water azaleas regularly with rainwaterTake the last chance to bring on forced indoor bulbs for festive decorationsWater potted fuchsias sparingly to prevent the compost drying out completelyTidy the greenhouse and pick faded leaves from pelargoniums

Balling is triggered by cool, damp conditions, often in a partially shady site, where water-saturated outer petals fail to dry out before being scorched by the sun. The mushy plant tissue dries to form a stiff straightjacket around the petals

in the year, to encourage them to put on growth before winter sets in. Space them at 10cm intervals in rows 20cm apart, and water well. If you don't have seedlings to plant out, you can usually buy plug plants from garden centres and mail order companies

Pot up rooted cuttings and young plants that have outgrown their potsSow seeds of marrows, courgettes, squashes, cucumbers and melons in a heated propagatorWater pots and trays of seedlings with a solution of copper fungicide to prevent damping

Regularly water crops in pots and growing bags, daily if needed in warm weather Plant trailing tomatoes in hanging basketsFeed young plants weekly with a solution of liquid fertiliserVentilate the greenhouse during the day, but close vents

Raise lettuce and salad crops in pots for early pickingsWater potted fuchsias sparingly to prevent compost drying out completelyPrune grapevines before they come into growth, when their sap starts risingBring pots of strawberries under cover

Empty your greenhouse and thoroughly clean inside, pressure washing the frame, staging and glazingCut back overwintered fuchsias, and increase frequency of watering to encourage new growthSow summer bedding plantsMonitor temperatures with a max

Monty Don and Chris Beardshaw demonstrate how to sow a range of vegetable crops in a greenhouse, including chillies, cucumber and lettuce. Pick up tips on choosing compost, watering, spacing, preventing disease and covering your seeds

Once house bulb displays have finished flowering, plant them outside and water in well with a liquid feedMow paths through areas of long grass and meadows to avoid walking on bulbs and wildflowers