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Fix nesting boxes for birds to suitable trees around your gardenService petrol lawn mowers and power toolsKeep indoor azaleas well-watered with rainwaterMake fat cakes and hang them among roses to encourage bluetits to feed off overwintering pests

to visit gardens in autumn and winter, as they rely on bird feeders when their natural sources of insects and grubs dry up. They need calorie-rich suet, sunflower hearts and peanuts to maintain fat reserves on frosty nights. In colder weather, look out

Mow lawns regularly, gradually lowering the height of the cut as spring progressesTreat problem weeds, such as nettles and brambles, with weedkillerTidy up hedges, but before you start cutting make sure no birds are nesting in them Keep large sheets

colourant solution if you want blue flowersUse a circuit breaker (RCD) when using electric toolsScoop floating weed from ponds with a netTrim hedges and topiaryTop up bird baths regularly

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

Keep window bird feeders topped up with seed to attract bluetits and sparrowsWash out flowerpots and seed traysMove patio pots to sheltered sites during cold periodsIf snow falls, knock it off the branches of evergreen shrubs and conifers to prevent

clumps and replant your new plants wherever you want.Fix nesting boxes for birds to suitable treesGet petrol mowers and power tools servicedKeep indoor azaleas well-watered with rainwaterAround the gardenPrune back shoots on hydrangeas Trim all foliage

it to the back board using screws.Paint the nest with a dark, water-based paint and finish with a coat of waterproof PVA glue.More on creating nest boxes for garden birdsMake a bird boxInstall a nest-box cameraBuilding a bird raft video projectAdd a green roof

Cover strawberries with netting to keep birds off the fruitSow seeds of the following vegetables outside now: radish, runner beans, calabrese, pak choi, mizuna, marrows, courgettes, chicory, kohl rabi, lettuce, marrows, swede, turnip, French beans and endive

A bat box works on the same principle as a bird box, except that bats prefer a wedge-shaped roost and enter through a gap underneath rather than a hole at the front. Using cheap, untreated wood, this box will give bats the perfect place to shelter