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The evaporation of water from a plant through the stomata of the leaves and stem. The rate of transpiration is determined by external factors, such as temperature, light and humidity.

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, give your container plants a little time and care. Water, feed and deadhead them regularly over the next few weeks and you can keep plants flowering and looking good right into autumn.Container plantsWatering

Follow Monty Don's video guide to planting courgette plants, which includes advice on planting depth and watering.summerMore on growing vegetablesMonty's video project on planting broccoliHow to plant sweetcornPlanting runner beansPlanting brassicasPlanting

Joe Swift demonstrates how to introduce fish into a garden pond, having first checked the cleanliness of the water using a pond testing kit. spring to autumnMore on ponds and water featuresHow to grow marginal pond plantsGrowing marginal plants in a

The process of rooting cuttings in water is an effective method of propagating many types of house plant. Once cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be potted up in compost. In addition to house plants, various tender perennials

. Wind can scorch leaves as well as sun (and we’ve certainly had plenty of wind in Hampshire). Heavy rain and hail will also damage plants, peppering leaves and flowers with tiny shot marks.To make matters worse, water droplets on foliage can magnify

. During the worst weather I've needed a whole kettle of boiling water to melt the ice completely.It's surprising how quickly birds find this fresh supply of water, but anyone who doesn't have a bird bath can simply fill a plant saucer or bowl with water

Trim hedges to keep them neat, then shred and compost the clippingsTop up compost or bark mulches around heathersHoe and hand weed bordersWater hanging baskets and patio containers regularlyPlace orders for bulbs to plant this autumnDeadhead flowers

in local streams and rivers, promoting algae and upsetting fish, and too much can kill plants. Some detergents also contain sodium, which can inhibit plant growth. Almost all detergents contain surfactants, which help to break the water's surface tension

Learn how to plant up a traditional hanging basket, with Sarah Raven's advice on choosing a basket and plants, as well as tips on retaining water. springMore advice on hanging basketsRachel de Thame demonstrates how to plant up a traditional