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warmth for early sowings. Of course I'll be keeping heat to a minimum, and insulating the greenhouse with bubble polythene to reduce heat loss, but my environmental conscience keeps asking me the same question.Looking at things another way, I wonder if it

The long chilly winter evenings are ideal for looking back on the year and reflecting on its triumphs and disasters. Some triumphs are of my own making - my carrots were fantastic thanks to my sowing the seeds at the right time, unlike last year

besides. They're not pre-packaged salad mixes from the supermarket, but home-grown in my greenhouse. And if you don't have space for a greenhouse don't worry - a windowsill is perfect. All you need is some compost. I reuse seed-sowing compost from

in guttering.Sowing seeds indoors

-prepared ground. Choose bush varieties and let them ramble over a mulch to eliminate weeding. One or two plants produce plentiful crops and stay productive for weeks (providing you keep picking).Four time-saving veg cropsCourgettes, squashes and patty pansSow seed

new canes about 15cm apartUse soapy sprays at the first signs of greenfly and blackflyThin out congested fruits on apples and plums - the remaining fruits will grow far larger if competition is reducedSow seeds now: lettuce, rocket, beetroot, dwarf

potatoes and shallots as they matureSow swedes and cover with fleece to prevent seedlings being attacked by flea beetleSow seeds of vegetables, including beetroot, cabbage, endive, kohl rabi, lettuce, radish, rocket, spinach and turnips

the soilWater runner beans, celery, marrows, courgettes and saladsSow seeds of salad leaves, beetroot, radishes, spring cabbages, kohl rabi, Swiss chard, spinach, Oriental greens, chicory, swede and turnips for green tops

labour.Move plants from greenhouse to cold framePut pond pumps and fountains back into poolsLay turf or sow new lawns from seedAround the gardenFill gaps in flower beds with primulas and polyanthusPrune forsythia and flowering currantsLeave daffodil

constructed, the box should last for years and provide a cosy home for generations of birds.Add old crops and bedding to the compost heapSpike lawns then brush grit into the holesCollect seeds from beans and sweet peas to sow next yearAround the gardenCut late