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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

lawn and help keep it looking its best.Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shootsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsAround the gardenSprinkle granular fertiliser round roses

Mow lawns then trim new edges with a half-moon edging toolDig compost into borders to improve water retention Add copper rings to pots to protect plants from slugs and snailsHoe bare areas of soil on dry days to remove weed seedlingsReplenish gravel

Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shoots of hostas and perennialsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsCut down marginal plants around ponds, and mulch with compost or bark

Move plants from greenhouse to cold frame, to acclimatise to cooler temperatures before planting outDig out new ponds and water featuresClean and sharpen secateurs and garden knivesBuy summer-flowering bulbs now, while the best choice of varieties

Remove winter grime from patios and terraces with a pressure washerSow new lawns, choosing a grass mix that suits the type of lawn you wantSnip plain green shoots off variegated shrubsMow lawns on dry days if grass is growing stronglyDig out couch

Plant tender crops outside, covering them with cloches when night temperatures fallDig out perennial weeds, such as couch grass and bindweed, from borders as soon as you spot themWash dust off the foliage of houseplants, and apply leaf shine product

Pick herbs, lavender and everlasting flowers to hang and dryBe on the lookout for developing pest problems and take actionDig out problem lawn weeds or treat with weedkiller Re-seed bare patches in lawnsWash out pond filtersWater hydrangeas with a

Spread a layer of manure or compost around roses and shrubsPrepare areas for laying new lawns in spring, digging over, weeding and enriching the soilBe on the look out for slugs and snails, which will attack emerging shoots of perennials

hardy annuals in late March and into April, digging over, weeding and enriching the soilLift and divide congested border plantsPlant out lilies to fill gaps in borders, or grow them on in pots Trim winter-flowering heathers