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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

with new aquatic plantsKeep newly planted trees and shrubs well watered until establishedAvoid mowing off leaves of crocus and dwarf bulbs growing in lawns until early June

heaters regularlyCheck plants for signs of overwintering pestsPick faded flowers and dead leaves from plantsWater potted bulbs to ensure they never dry outScrub down staging and framework with disinfectantWash glazing inside and out to let in more light

without drainage holesmid-April - July 20 minutes to plantharvest all year round depending on the cropHarden off greenhouse-raised plants if necessary by standing them in a sheltered spot outdoors for a week before planting.Before putting into the ground

These tiny, sap-sucking pests may be only 0.5mm long but they can wreak havoc in a greenhouse or on houseplants indoors. For most of the year they are a pale green colour with two dark spots on their back; it's only in autumn and winter

Spread a compost mulch around border plants to suppress weedsPut pond pumps and fountains back into pools, thoroughly cleaning filters firstLay turf or sow new lawns from seedClean out bird baths and top up with fresh waterCheck tree ties

Give wooden furniture a facelift, sanding smooth then applying teak wood oilCut back climbing plants that are hanging down from arches and pergolas Empty, mix and refill compost bins to improve the composting processWater hydrangeas with a colourant

Prune suckers away from the base of ornamental treesCollect hoses, sprinklers and other watering equipment to store in the shed over winterProtect glazed pots from frost damage by wrapping up or bringing into a shedOrder bare-root roses for planting

Clematis wilt is caused by a fungus that enters the plant through a wound made by an insect or an abrasion, such as rubbing from a plant tie. It's spread by water splash, and blocks the uptake of water in the stems, causing instant collapse

Tomatoes will thrive in a greenhouse in midsummer with the right light, warmth, water and feed. But there's no point in ruining your hard work by watching the plant collapse under its own weight, when some simple staking will save the day. Nor do