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Protect tender plants for winterThe trend for growing exotic looking plants in our gardens means that some of them may need protection from the worst of the winter cold and wet. Wrap half hardy bananas, palms and tree ferns with fleece, straw

Learn how to check for signs of frost damage in plants, with Sarah Raven's video advice. Sarah inspects banana plants covered in horticultural fleece for winter, and plants out a banana overwintered in a greenhouse.springMore advice on growing

Lift and store carrots Pot up chives and other herbs to bring under cover for winter useSow green manure crops over bare areas of soilSow broad beans for early pickings next May or JunePrune out fruited blackberry canes and tie in new shoots

Clear out old tomato and cucumber cordons and add to the compost heapMove potted bulbs into the greenhouse to develop before bringing into the houseWater sparingly, aiming to keep the atmosphere as dry as possible over winterBring potted herbs under

Keep potted herbs on the staging to crop over winterMove potted bulbs into the greenhouse to develop before bringing into the houseClear out old crops and growing bagsWater sparingly and aim to keep the atmosphere as dry as possible over winter

of nutrients and good drainage, so shouldn't get too waterlogged in winter.Place some crocks in the bottom of the pot and cover with a layer of compost.Remove the astelia from its pot and position it in the middle of the display. Add compost and firm it around

For the last few years I've noticed large numbers of harlequin ladybirds (pictured, left) visiting my garden in summer, and then hibernating inside my window frames over winter.The window frames also provide winter shelter for lacewings and many

CrocksPosition the container where you need winter interest, and place a layer of crocks at the bottom, then three-quarters fill it with compost.Plant the dogwood in the centre of the container, to the same depth in the new compost as it was in its previous pot. Then encircle

display.Fill the remaining corners with the three hellebores, and push more compost into any gaps.Water the plants in well and stand in a sheltered spot. Make sure the compost doesn't dry out in winter winds.AdamTransplant the hellebores and carex

Grow hippeastrumThe huge trumpet flowers of hippeastrum, often called amaryllis, are sure to brighten up the dark days of winter. You might get one as a Christmas gift, but it's also worth treating yourself to one (or more!) of the massive bulbs