What to do in: December During summer, black beetles emerge from holes in the lawn. Treat with Baythroid Lawn Grub & Garden Insecticide. Hydrangeas are wonderful for indoor decoration. Crush ends of stems and scorch over a flame, then stand in deep water for 2 hours. Add water-storing crystals to pots before going on holidays....Read More

What to do in: November Prune spring-flowering roses as they finish blooming. Look out for plague thrips, tiny sap-sucking insects. They love to infest light-coloured flowers. Spray with Baythroid, Confidor or Yates Pyrethrum. Fertilise every plant in the garden. Dig gypsum and organic matter into clay soils to improve drainage. Sow radishes in the same...Read More

What to do in: October Plant perennial petunias for long lasting garden colour. Yellowing of older gardenia leaves is a sign of short-term magnesium deficiency. Water with a weak solution of epsom salts. Spread snail bait amongst vulnerable plants, especially during damp weather. Sow sunflower seeds for cheerful summer blooms. Sow corn into warm (more...Read More

What to do in: September IBe patient with broad beans. They may begin flowering but won’t set fruit until temperatures are reasonably warm. When cyclamen have finished flowering they can go outside into a sheltered, fairly dry spot. Lettuce grows most easily during spring or autumn. It can go rapidly to seed in warm weather....Read More

Why use rainwater? Using rainwater can reduce your water bills as rainwater is free. Collecting rainwater allows you to be prepared for times of low rainfall, so you can still maintain your garden, especially if there are water restrictions in your area. Capturing rainwater reduces the load on stormwater systems because roof runoff is not...Read More

What to do in: August In frost-free areas, cut back impatiens, begonias and summer flowering shrubs like gardenias, hibiscus and fuchsias. Use Weed ‘n’ Feed or bindii killer to control broadleafed weeds in lawns. Fertilise citrus with citrus food or organic plant food. Complete all major landscaping projects before warm weather arrives. Weed regularly around...Read More

What to do in: July In cold districts, seeds can be raised indoors on a warm windowsill, or by covering seed tray with a sheet of plastic. Prune roses in temperate areas and give a follow-up spray with Lime Sulphur. Prune most deciduous fruit trees. Spray citrus with a weak white oil solution to control...Read More

What to do in: June Plant asparagus crowns in the base of a 20cm deep trench. As the shoots grow, fill the trench with organically rich soil to which a little lime has been added. Look out for summer-flowering perennials and bulbs. There are some interesting varieties available at this time of year. Take hardwood...Read More

I know it’s probably something which is out of our lead… However since most of us a down with flue, we decided to give everyone a reminder about it. What everyday steps can I take to stop the spread of germs? Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid...Read More

What to do in: May Pot up basil to grow on an indoor windowsill. In most areas it will die of with winter’s arrival. May’s the last chance to finish planting spring bulbs. In warm, frost-free districts, cut back tibouchinas immediately after they’ve finished flowering. As soon as possible after purchasing lilium bulbs, plant them...Read More