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coming up for this Spring, I have read several articles recommending putting a mulch of compost across the garden to improve soil texture and to add nutrients.  The only way I can think of to do this would be to take up all of the bark chips first - which

in that spot, in which case you'll need to improve it somehow. Thanks very much. Thats very helpful N

I have found that the incinerator burning of waste veggy materiel oop t'lotty is missing a chance to improve patches of open areas waiting to be cultivated. I burn old cane prunings, knackered bamboo canes, hedge trimmings, all sorts of stuff, too

Sow a green manure crop, such as crimson clover, fenugreek or field lupins, which can be dug into the soil later in the season to improve itSow seeds of the following crops outside or under cloches: carrots, beetroot, broad beans, salad onions

Protect pots of seedlings from the cold by making mini-cloches from empty plastic bottlesPrick out seedlings once they have developed their first true leavesOpen doors and greenhouse vents on warm days to improve ventilationSow herbs into pots

Remove suckers from roses, shrubs and around the base of trees, like cornus and sorbusTrim box topiary and hedgingCut laurel hedges using secateurs so you don't damage the remaining leavesSpray mare's tail with a weedkiller such as glyphosateImprove

Bulk up the compost heap with spent flowerheads and stems from around the garden Improve drainage on compacted lawns by spiking the ground with a fork or aeratorCut everlasting flowers and ornamental grasses for dryingPut netting across ponds

Use a fork or hollow-tined aerator to spike your lawn and improve drainage Dig up and pot up tender perennials to bring indoors for winter protectionRaise the cutting height when mowing the lawnApply an autumn lawn foodCover ponds with netting

Add old crops and bedding to the compost heapSpike lawns then brush grit into the holes to improve surface drainageCollect seeds from beans and sweet peas to sow next yearFirm soil around newly planted trees and shrubs if they've been loosened

manure or mushroom compost to improve your soilCheck garden birds have water to drink, especially on frosty days when it might be frozen