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Monty Don shows how to plant the herbs, peppermint and thyme in pots, with advice on watering, drainage and when to prune.springMore advice on growing herbsPicking herbsRaising new mint plantsGrowing basil from seedPlanting herbs in a window box

Monty Don talks through the process of choosing a good pair of secateurs for pruning, looking at a variety of styles, to help you select a pair to suit your needs. all year roundMore practical garden projectsHow to prune your plantsMaintaining a

and place it in a bucket of water in a cool, shady spot outdoors. This allows the branches to settle and rehydrates the tree.Give your tree a vigorous shake before taking it inside, to dislodge any loose needles.Saw a few centimetres off the bottom

.Your salad leaf seedlings will be ready to transplant when their roots fill the compost in the guttering. Use a garden trowel to make a wide, shallow drill in prepared soil and slide the seedlings in place. Water them in thoroughly.AdamWater the young lettuce

TrowelPlant labelsPencil or waterproof penWatering can with a roseMarch - May, August - October15 minutesJune - OctoberMake a straight drill of even depth by pressing a bamboo cane into moist soil. Rows need to be about 15cm apart, in a sunny site.Take pinches

The colour combination of pink and yellow creates a refreshing display, blending pretty marguerites and pink begonias with the peachy pompoms of verbena. Play up the cottage-garden look with a rustic basket, and decorate the sides with a trail

and texture, while the delicate pelargonium flowers add a splash of colour.MayMay - September30 minutesAthyrium nipponicum pictum x2 Begonia 'Escargot'Pelargonium 'Deerwood Lavender Lass' x2Drill Old metal bucket and crocksCompostWater-retaining gel

If deadheaded regularly, pretty bellis daisies will keep flowering for weeks, offering a colourful display through spring and into summer. The ivy in this pot recipe can be planted in the garden when the display is past its best.February - April

Learn how to give frost-tender plants the best chance of surviving the winter, by following Rachel de Thame's video advice, with tips on watering and where to store plants.October-NovemberMore on protecting plants over winterHow to protect tender

Mow lawns then trim new edges with a half-moon edging toolDig compost into borders to improve water retention Add copper rings to pots to protect plants from slugs and snailsHoe bare areas of soil on dry days to remove weed seedlingsReplenish gravel