Use a weed-control fabric/membrane. It lets water and nutrients into the soil, helps retain moisture, and suppresses weed growth.

Apply a quality feed & moss killer (e.g. Scotts Lawn Builder + Moss Control) evenly. After ~2 weeks the moss turns black/brown—rake it out and re-seed bare patches. Improve drainage and feed regularly to prevent recurrence.

Use a combined lawn feed and moss killer, then scarify (rake) dead moss and re-seed. Ongoing drainage improvement and seasonal feeding help keep moss at bay.

Melt a hole in the ice using a container of hot water (don’t smash the ice). This keeps vital gas exchange going for pond life.

In spring, give the pond a good clean and thin out older aquatic plants to maintain a healthy balance for wildlife.

Use a ready-to-use insecticide such as Provado Ultimate Bug Killer RTU, following label directions carefully.

Lily beetle is bright red; adults and larvae both damage plants. For pots, drench with Provado Vine Weevil Killer (systemic; protects up to 6 months). For open ground, spray with Provado Ultimate Bug Killer and repeat after 14 days.

Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser, monitor for pests/disease, and keep plants away from heat sources and draughts.

Water regularly and avoid temperature extremes. A normal warm room is ideal. Look out for white and pink varieties too.

Begin a spray programme with insecticide and fungicide, and feed regularly with a rose fertiliser (e.g. Provado, Fungus Clear, Top Rose fertiliser).

In spring, try the Easy-Care method: simply cut bush roses to half their height with sharp secateurs (or a hedge trimmer). Remove only dead wood to the base.

Use a liquid feed like Miracle-Gro Pour & Feed, or add Miracle-Gro Plant Food Tablets to the compost for season-long feeding.

Maintain a pH below 5.5. For pots, use Westland Ericaceous Compost and apply Vitax Hydrangea Colorant as directed. In the ground, apply at planting and treat regularly for intense blue blooms.

Consider Hoselock automatic irrigation for borders, patios, greenhouses and containers. Add water-storing granules to containers and mulch borders to reduce evaporation. Choose drought-tolerant plants; a good hose/sprinkler still helps for manual watering.

Try pet-safe options: Growing Success Slug Killer (non-toxic to pets/wildlife), slug traps, or Gauba Fito Slug Barrier Granules to create a barrier slugs/snails won’t cross.

Press tubers into moist compost hollow-side up, level with the surface (don’t bury). Keep warm; shoots appear shortly. Plant out once all risk of frost has passed.

Provide good light and a frost-free spot. Prick out or pot on soon after purchase using a seedling/cutting compost and keep evenly moist. If damping-off occurs, treat with a suitable fungicide. Harden off before planting out.

Provado Ultimate Bug Killer (contact + systemic; protects up to ~8 weeks) for many insect issues. Roundup (systemic) for annuals and deep-rooted perennials; it breaks down on contact with soil. Always follow the label.

Choose low-voltage kits or solar-powered lights. Both are flexible and DIY-friendly. Low-voltage is brighter; solar can go anywhere without wiring.

1) Greatly reduced needle drop (roots take up moisture). 2) Stays fresher for longer. 3) No stand required. 4) Can be planted out after Christmas.

Keep it in a cool room (warm rooms speed dehydration). Keep compost moist. After Christmas, plant it out with minimal root disturbance and water well.

Place in the coolest suitable part of the room away from direct heat. Use a stand with a water reservoir and consider an anti-needle-drop spray. Some varieties (e.g. Nordman fir, Scots pine) are naturally low-drop.