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Prune out the oldest stems from blackcurrants to encourage new shootsCheck crops that are in store and discard any showing signs of rotFork compost into the soil and clear old crops from the veg plotCover fruit trees and bushes with netting

mould from fallen leavesPlant drifts of lily-of-the-valley in shaded bedsFinish planting tulip bulbs outsideImprove soil by incorporating compostDeadhead pansies to prevent them setting seed

Plant hippeastrum bulbs for spring displaysInsulate your greenhouse with bubble polythene for insulationVentilate greenhouses on warm, dry daysUse rainwater to keep the compost of potted azaleas constantly moistCheck fuel levels in paraffin and gas

Prune gooseberry bushesFork over vacant beds, mixing in compost or well-rotted manurePlant fruit trees trained as cordons, fans or espaliers to make use of limited spaceTie in raspberry and blackberry canes to support wiresLift and divide congested

and out to let in more lightTake root cuttings of perennials including phlox and oriental poppiesPlant hippeastrum bulbsUse rainwater to keep the compost of potted azaleas constantly moistVentilate greenhouses on warm, dry days

Plant dahlia tubers in pots or trays, and place in a heated propagatorStart raising crops from seed, including tomatoes, chilli peppers, aubergines and cucumbersPrevent seedlings being affected by damping-off disease by watering compost with a

the beds, filling them with ericaceous compost that I knew acid-loving plants would love. One bed provides a home to a much loved Rhododendron yakushimanum that was a gift to me on leaving a rhododendron nursery I worked at. By filling the beds with bags

Red geranium plants, e.g. Pelargonium 'Toscana Tabea' x5Red trailing verbenas x3Dichondra 'Silver Falls' x535cm wire hanging basket and linerCompost and slow-release fertiliserWater-retaining gelSuspend the basket to make planting up the sides easier and add a

patch, be sure to allow sufficient space for the fully mature crop.Pumpkin seedsSmall potsSeed compostHeated propagator or warm windowsillWell-rotted manure or compostVented bell clochemid-March to mid-June18-22 weeks from sowingSow seeds individually

in an envelope in the shed or sprinkle over prepared soilInvest in an extra compost bin, so that as much green waste from your kitchen and garden can be recycledCheck your RCD works for all outdoor power tools such as mowers and hedge cutters