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the date when the first frost arrived last year - but I’m not, so I have absolutely no idea. Sorry. Anyway, things to do now the frost has finally arrived…First, this is the time to dig up dahlia tubers and bring them in for the winter. The foliage will now

to dig, spread a thick layer of compost, manure or composted green waste (like peat-free compost) over the soil surface. Worms will gradually work this in and the surface layer acts as a mulch to deter the germination of annual weeds.On the veg plot, I

tulips, not the shoes) but I haven’t quite got round to actually digging the holes.I don’t know why, but sometimes the ancient Lord of Procrastination overtakes my life. Almost anything - mending the lawn mower, rodding a drain or sitting on the sofa

in the kettle after making my first brew of the day to melt them. The bracing cold also helps to wake me up! (Note to self: add thermal pyjamas to my Christmas list).6. Complete seed order before ChristmasMy neat pile of 2013 seed catalogues is sitting next

.To grow good veg you need a sheltered site that gets full sun for at least half the day, with deep, fertile, well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter. Deep beds – the original no-dig technique – are perfect for small gardens; by working

circulation inside is vital.Easy accessIf you’re planning on growing in the beds inside your structure, choose a spot with decent soil, if you can, as you’ll be asking a lot from it. Poor soil can be improved by digging in organic matter, and raised beds

rail which is fitted to the foundation tubes; or burying a skirt of polythene in a trench 30cm deep. A base rail is the easiest way, particularly if there’s not enough space around the polytunnel to dig out a trench. If your model is supplied without a

with a timer, to make watering quick and easy.Install an outdoor tapFor an easy life, find a favourite hoe and use it little and often. If you wait until weeds are big enough to dig out by hand, they will be competing with crops and hosting pests. But hoe