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Summer is the ideal time to take verbena cuttings. Overwinter the semi-hardy perennials in a frost-free place and you'll have a fresh, healthy supply of verbena plants next year to replace any in the garden that have been killed by frost

. Use them to fill gaps in summer borders or grow larger quantities in rows on the allotment or veg plot. Stagger sowings by a few weeks to give you a regular supply of blooms.Many of the best summer blooms are easy-to-grow hardy annuals and, with seeds

wrap. Add a layer of polystyrene chips to aid drainage. This will also prevent the pot becoming too heavy.Half-fill the container with John Innes compost, mixing in plenty of grit to avoid waterlogging.Arrange the plants in the window box while still

Summer is the ideal time to take leaf cuttings from your houseplants. A single leaf can produce many young plants, and this technique is particularly useful for foliage plants such as Begonia rex.Healthy begonia plantClean, sharp knife and cutting boardPotsFree-draining compost, ...

Although, in some areas, dahlia tubers have survived the recent mild winters outside, it's well worth lifting and storing them. Discover how you can ensure a bumper crop of dahlias for next summer, whatever the weather.SecateursGarden forkDry compostStorage box or containerautum...

to the wall before planting it up. Pop a handful of crocks into the bottom, then half fill it with compost.Plant the strawberries at the back of the pot, then plant the fleabane along the front. Tuck the compost around the plants' roots and firm

In a large pot, mix together a rich purple osteospermum with zesty yellow and orange bidens, lantana, portulaca and California poppies for the perfect summer cocktail.springJune - August 40 minutesOsteospermum 'Malindi'Lantana camaraCalifornia poppy, such as Eschscholzia californ...