Make a shallow trench one to two centimetres deep and line the cloves in the bottom and backfill when the garlic sprouts a green leaf.

When planning the vegetable garden for new crops remember that crop rotation is important.

It is important because vegetables grow best when they are not planted or sown in a bed that has previously grown the same or similar crop.

Another reason is that some vegetables such as potatoes and strawberries and tomatoes are susceptible to viral diseases, so don't grow them in the same bed for at least four years.

Dahlias can be lifted by levering up gently with a fork.

Hose off the soil gently and place the clumps on the ground in a shady place.

Don't separate the tubers yet.

Wait until the buds are beginning to swell on the necks.

Chrysanthemum clumps can also be divided.

After flowering, cut the tops down and leave the crowns in the ground until suckers start to grow.

About July they can be taken from the crown and treated as cuttings and potted up.

Plant out in the garden in spring.

Hydrangea cuttings of 15 to 17 centimetres long can be taken with a sliver of the old wood from the main stem at the base.

Insert four to five cuttings into a pot filled with seed-raising mix.

Blue was the original delphinium colour but hybridisers have extended this range to include mauve, purple, lavender, violet, white, cream, yellow, pink and red.

These traditional cottage garden favourites thrive in our cool climate and long growing season.

Replace plants every few years to maintain vigour and disease-free stock.

Hellebores are great for brightening up the winter garden and are perfect for planting under trees.

Spinach grows well in winter and is best grown as quickly as possible to retain its unique flavor.

Apply an application of a liquid fertiliser regularly.

LES HODGE