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of ground, to dig into the ground as fertiliser in springThrow a net over branches of holly berries to protect them from hungry birds

Collect seed from allium seedheads and sow straight away into seed compostPlant evergreen shrubs and conifer hedgesCarefully dig up gladioli corms and overwinter in cool, dry storage conditionsLift and pot up tender perennials to protect over winter

the crowns of hardy fuchsias to provide protection from cold

Dig over empty borders and pile manure on top for the worms to pull undergroundLift and divide congested clumps of rhubarbCut down asparagus ferns and the tops of Jerusalem artichokesUse cloches to protect winter peas, beans and saladsLift and pot

to summerCover broad beans and peas with cloches for winter protectionLift and divide large clumps of rhubarbCut down Jerusalem artichokes then dig up and store tubers in buckets of dry compostPrune sideshoots on gooseberries back to about 5cmPile earth up

freezing around parsnipsTake hardwood cuttings from currants and gooseberriesNet cabbages and other brassicas to protect them from pigeon damagePlace forcing jars over crowns of seakaleContinue winter digging, adding spent mushroom compost to improve

to keep birds awayPrune overgrown laurel, yew and camellias back hard to rejuvenate themWrap straw or bracken around the base of tender shrubs and climbers to protect them the from coldCheck stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers

farmyard manure or other composted green wasteUse cloches to protect winter peas, beans and saladsLift and pot up chicory roots to force chiconsPlant new fruit trees, bushes and cane fruitsBring potted bay trees under cover if conditions turn very cold

-sown sweet peas to promote bushier growthBring pots or glasses of prepared hyacinths indoors to flowerProtect potted peach trees from winter rain and peach leaf curl by bringing under cover

Carrots can be stored for winter use in a number of ways. On well-drained soils they can be left in the ground, protected from the cold by a thick layer of straw, bracken or soil.Carrots stored in this way can be difficult to harvest, however, so it