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Cover soil with cloches or sheets of polythene to keep it dry and frost-free before digging Place a ball in a pond to prevent ice completely covering the surfaceTake your petrol mower to a dealer for maintenanceFinish collecting leaves and clearing

Prune suckers away from the base of ornamental treesCollect hoses, sprinklers and other watering equipment to store in the shed over winterProtect glazed pots from frost damage by wrapping up or bringing into a shedOrder bare-root roses for planting

Knock heavy snow off shrubs and conifers to prevent its weight damaging branchesPlace rabbit guards around trees to protect barkFirm down plants lifted by frost or wind rockCover areas needed for early seed sowing with polythene or cloches to warm

of fleece handy to protect plants if frost is forecastBuild log piles at the back of borders for wildlife to shelter inRake out dead grass from lawns

Tidy up piles of flowerpots and debris that could harbour snailsRaise patio containers on feet or bricks, to ensure their compost drains properlyAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frost, as you'll kill the grassProvide birds with fresh water

seed mixed with compost on to lawns to thicken growthPrune suckers away from around the base of ornamental treesProtect large ceramic or glazed pots from frost damage by wrapping them in bubble polytheneOrder bare-rooted roses for planting in autumn

Move worm compost bins under cover for winterEmpty glazed and ceramic pots that aren't frost-proof and move under coverOrder loads of farmyard manure or mushroom compost to use over winterCut down marginal plants surrounding pondsCheck piles

Save time by investing in a garden vac to scoop up fallen leaves, for leaf-mouldPlant bare-root trees, bare-root shrubs and hedgingRegularly wash and disinfect bird baths and feedersAvoid walking on lawns covered with frostEmpty the contents of well

Clean and sharpen pruning toolsRepair and treat fencing and timber structures while climbing plants are dormantBring all watering equipment indoors, including hoses and sprinklersWrap insulation around outside taps and cut off the water supply

Work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areas of groundPlace cloches over tender plants to give them extra protection from frostSharpen blades on hoes, secateurs and other garden tools, and wipe with an oily rag before storing awayDo a