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Protect pots of seedlings from the cold by making mini-cloches from empty plastic bottlesPrick out seedlings once they have developed their first true leavesOpen doors and greenhouse vents on warm days to improve ventilationSow herbs into pots

Pot up rooted cuttings and young plants that have outgrown their potsSow seeds of marrows, courgettes, squashes, cucumbers and melons in a heated propagatorWater pots and trays of seedlings with a solution of copper fungicide to prevent damping

Prick out petunia seedlings once they've developed two true leavesSow French and runner beans in pots Put up greenhouse shade netting if the sun is out and conditions are hotPlant up hanging baskets and patio pots with summer beddingBuy young plants

Put up shading to reflect scorching sunlight and keep temperatures downOpen all vents on warm days, but close again in the eveningOrder plug plants and seedlings by post, and pot up as soon as they arriveTake leaf cuttings from houseplants

Plant dahlia tubers in pots or trays, and place in a heated propagatorStart raising crops from seed, including tomatoes, chilli peppers, aubergines and cucumbersPrevent seedlings being affected by damping-off disease by watering compost with a

Plant strawberry runners in hanging baskets, which you can grow in the greenhouse to produce an early summer crop Order seedlings and bedding plants from mail-order suppliersSow dwarf French beans in a large pot for an early crop in JunePlant lily

and morning glory (Ipomoea)Grow an early crop of dwarf French beans in a large potRepot any top-heavy or pot-bound houseplantsStart feeding young plants about 3-4 weeks after potting up in fresh compostPot up rooted cuttings and seedlings

Sow sweet peas and pinch out the growing tips of seedlings for bushier plants Continue harvesting chillies, peppers and other cropsReduce watering potted tuberous begonias to allow the top growth to die downBring pots of tender bulbs like agapanthus