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Plant up hanging baskets, and leave them in a sheltered spot before hanging fully outsidePlant out potted alliums in groups to add interest to flower bedsPrune spring-flowering shrubs immediately after flowering, such as forsythia, ribes

, and dig deeply to sieve out roots of perennial weeds, such as bindweed, ground elder and couch grass Improve compacted soil by mixing in extra compost. Take care not to walk on or dig up spring bulbsTake root cuttings from phlox and oriental poppiesPot up

Take cuttings from pansies and violas Pot up tender perennials grown outside and bring under cover when cold nights are forecastPrune rambling roses after floweringGrow bulbs in aquatic baskets ready to drop into gaps in the border in spring

and containersPlant wallflowers, pansies, forget-me-nots and other spring beddingLift and divide congested clumps of perennialsLift gladioli and store their corms after the flowers have fadedSow hardy annuals outside for early flowers next summerBuy spring-flowering

, and overwinter tubers in cool dark conditionsPlant out spring beddingSow hardy annuals in cleared areas for early flowers next summerSow sweet peas in pots, and overwinter under coverPrune back standard roses to help prevent wind rock damaging the plants

)Pick off dead flower heads from spring bulbsProtect emerging shoots of delphiniums and lupins from slugs and snails using a barrier such as copper tape for pots or garlic granules

, to promote new growthLift and divide large clumps of hostaTrim winter-flowering jasmine and tie in new shoots to supportsSprinkle granular fertiliser around clumps of spring bulbsFinish pruning roses as soon as possibleCut down all previous year's growth

roses to prevent hellebore leaf spot spreadingPick off developing seed heads on daffodils and spring bulbsSprinkle fertiliser over flower beds and around shrubs and roses

Use secateurs to remove suckers growing from the stems of standard rosesTie tall border plants like delphiniums to their supportsFinish planting out dahlias, cannas and summer beddingCut back dead and dying foliage on spring bulbsDeadhead camellias

their shoots into the soilCut down old stems on spring-flowering euphorbias, taking care not to get the milky sap on your skinGive hanging baskets and patio pots a weekly liquid feedRemove flower heads from flag irises as petals fadePrune back flowered stems