How to clear borders of spent plants

Follow Monty Don's advice on clearing spent plants to create more growing space.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Time to act
Time to act

Do not Time to act in January

Do not Time to act in February

Do not Time to act in March

Do not Time to act in April

Do not Time to act in May

Do not Time to act in June

Do Time to act in July

Do Time to act in August

Do not Time to act in September

Do not Time to act in October

Do not Time to act in November

Do not Time to act in December

In this video guide, Monty Don tackles spent plants from the border, either by removing them completely or cutting them back. They include Allium ‘Purple Sensation’, which Monty wants to prevent self-seeding, as well as early flowering perennials such as hardy geraniums, delphiniums and oriental poppies, that will flower again in early September if cut back now. Watch the video to find out how to clear your borders of spent plants, and how to use tender plants, such as zinnias and cosmos, to fill any gaps.

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