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with low-growing stems can be propagated by layering, such as honeysuckle, mock orange (Philadelphus), rhododendron, magnolia and forsythiaDig up and divide clumps of winter aconitesPlant new shrubs and hardy perennialsCut away old foliage on Christmas

for ChristmasPlant pots of 'Paper White' narcissus for indoor displaysRemove lower leaves from cordon-trained tomatoes up to the bottom truss, to let light and air reach the fruits

Plant spring bedding, including wallflowers and forget-me-nots, among tulipsLift, divide and replant congested clumps of perennialsNet holly berries to protect them from hungry birds if you want them for Christmas arrangementsPlant lily bulbs, including

on staging to dry thoroughly before storingMonitor day and night temperatures with a max-min thermometer and turn on heating if neededWater plants sparingly and avoid splashing the water aroundMove Christmas cacti to where they get short days and long nights

Clear away annual climbers, like sweet peas and morning glory, growing on obelisksPick seedheads and evergreen foliage and mix with fruit such as clementines or limes to make a fresh Christmas wreathMove tubs of shrubs or winter bedding to a

Net crops to protect them from pigeonsEarmark your best sprouts for the Christmas table and give them last-minute protection if windyTake hardwood cuttings from fruit bushesGet ready for planting asparagus in spring, removing weeds and digging over

, cleaning them off and spraying some oil around. There are certain tools without which I cannot cope and others which I hardly ever use. Among my favourites are:1. My small border fork and spade, which are perfect for planting and diddling around.2. A steel

Parsnips need a really long growing season but they're well worth the wait. Sow seeds early in the year and look forward to parsnips roasted for the Christmas table, or in warming winter soups.Parsnip seeds e.g. 'Gladiator F1'Trowel or draw hoe

Now the chaos of Christmas is over, I can settle down to some serious shopping. In January and February I like to get all my seed and plant orders underway; it's usually the perfect weather to stay indoors, warm and cosy, contemplating the season

Cover soil with polythene sheets to keep it dry so that winter digging can be completedKeep your Christmas tree outside in a bucket of water until you're ready to bring it indoors to decorateWash cloches and cold framesOrder manure or mushroom