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Work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areas of groundPlace cloches over tender plants to give them extra protection from frostSharpen blades on hoes, secateurs and other garden tools, and wipe with an oily rag before storing awayDo a

Monty Don demonstrates how to lift garlic without damaging the bulbs, offering tips for drying and storing.summerMore advice on growing alliumsRead Lila Das Gupta's blog on growing garlicGrowing garlic practical projectMonth's advice on Growing

Watch Monty Don's video demonstration on collecting leaves and storing them to create leaf mould, with storage techniques for both large and small gardens.autumnMore on leaf mould and compostingHow to build a leaf heapAdvice on collecting autumn

Learn how to give frost-tender plants the best chance of surviving the winter, by following Rachel de Thame's video advice, with tips on watering and where to store plants.October-NovemberMore on protecting plants over winterHow to protect tender

Collect fruits and berries from cotoneaster and pyracantha, and sow their seedsCheck stored bulbs and tubers for signs of rot Bring potted strawberries into the greenhouse or put in a cold frame to protect from coldWash glazing inside and out to let

Prune out the oldest stems from blackcurrants to encourage new shootsCheck crops that are in store and discard any showing signs of rotFork compost into the soil and clear old crops from the veg plotCover fruit trees and bushes with netting

Lift and store carrots Pot up chives and other herbs to bring under cover for winter useSow green manure crops over bare areas of soilSow broad beans for early pickings next May or JunePrune out fruited blackberry canes and tie in new shoots

to reduce the spread of diseaseCheck dahlia tubers and bulbs in store for signs of rotPick off fading or diseased leaves from pelargoniums and other plantsContinue ventilating the greenhouse on warm daysCut down chrysanthemums after floweringPrune dormant

Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelionsWatch out for greenfly and blackfly developing on shrubs, perennials and roses, and spray with a soft soap solution if infestations are badCollect hellebore seeds from ripe pods, and store

an existing greenhouse and know the name of the manufacturer, contact them first to see if they can supply a kit before heading for the DIY store.More on saving and using waterSaving water in your gardenAdvice on watering plantsInstalling an automatic watering