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soilTrowelLength of timber to use as a straight edgeWatering can or hoseMarch - October 30 minutesMake a shallow groove or 'drill' in prepared soil using the end of a trowel or bamboo cane. Use a length of timber to create straight drills. As a rule

Monty Don and Chris Beardshaw demonstrate how to sow a range of vegetable crops in a greenhouse, including chillies, cucumber and lettuce. Pick up tips on choosing compost, watering, spacing, preventing disease and covering your seeds

Mow lawns then trim new edges with a half-moon edging toolDig compost into borders to improve water retention Add copper rings to pots to protect plants from slugs and snailsHoe bare areas of soil on dry days to remove weed seedlingsReplenish gravel

Sow seeds of cucumbers, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers to raise summer cropsWater compost with a suitable pesticide where vine weevils have been discoveredSow summer bedding plants, such as petunias, geranium, verbena and busy LizzieTake cuttings

Once house bulb displays have finished flowering, plant them outside and water in well with a liquid feedMow paths through areas of long grass and meadows to avoid walking on bulbs and wildflowers

Move plants from greenhouse to cold frame, to acclimatise to cooler temperatures before planting outDig out new ponds and water featuresClean and sharpen secateurs and garden knivesBuy summer-flowering bulbs now, while the best choice of varieties

Treat timber fences, trellis and posts with preservativeInstall water butts to all downpipes on your house, shed or greenhouse, to collect rainwaterApply moss killer to lawnsFork compost into any unused border area, ready for summer beddingCut away

with new aquatic plantsKeep newly planted trees and shrubs well watered until establishedAvoid mowing off leaves of crocus and dwarf bulbs growing in lawns until early June

, and water clumps with a generous helping of liquid feedPrepare to cover fruit tree blossom with horticultural fleece to protect flowers if frost is forecast Sow seeds of the following crops outside this week: beetroot, lettuce, salad leaves, watercress

to supports to prevent them flopping overScatter granular fertiliser around the base of roses, shrubs, perennials and hedges, and water in thoroughly if rain does not fall over the next week