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of rubbish before starting bonfires to ensure a hedgehog hasn't set up residenceMow lawns on dry days with the blades on a high settingWrap outside taps with insulation material to prevent them freezing Spread compost from old growing bags on to outdoor beds

in the shed over winterBuild log piles to provide winter hibernation sites for insects and small animalsCheck tree ties and loosen any that are too tightWrap insulation around outdoor taps and water pipesOrder bare-rooted hedging for winter planting

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

and out before putting up bubble polythene for insulationSow hardy annuals, like calendulas, in pots for early displaysCheck bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rotWater sparingly in winter, taking care not to splash water aroundPick yellowing

featuresRemove pond pumps and filters to wash and storeLook out for special offers on early orders from seed cataloguesWrap outside taps with insulation to prevent them freezingTreat fences and timber structures with stain or preservativeWelcome in the new

'm in trouble. Compost heaps can be encouraged to break down in winter with a covering of thick insulation, such as a layer of cardboard, carpet or even an old duvet. Compost bins can be wrapped up - they will look ridiculous but at least they'll produce compost

in my shed. Those in use will benefit from an overcoat, so during the coldest periods I’ll keep them wrapped in bubble polythene to help provide insulation from cold.2. Store hose reels under coverHose cart, fittings and nozzles are easily damaged

on growing seedsPricking out seedlings, with Monty Don from BerryfieldsInsulate your greenhouseSow seeds indoorsBrowse a variety of tender perennial plantsView plants by soil type

as greenhouse insulationWatering your plantsView a variety of conservatory climbers Browse plants by sun exposure suitability

with insulation material to prevent them freezing and turn off the water supply inside your housePlace a floating heater or a ball in ponds to stop ice completely covering the surfaceMove tender or valuable houseplants away from cold window sills every evening