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Plant shallots outside into well-prepared soilSow mustard and cress in a pot on the kitchen windowsill for a quick cropUse netting and bird scarers to protect fruit bushes from hungry birds, which can strip off swelling budsPrune side shoots

I found this young cat in my garden trying its very best to get to my homemade seed cake, I think it was attracted to the lard    Love the photo, it's the sort of daft thing one of mine would do. I think the lard was still warm when I put the cake

Spread a compost mulch around border plants to suppress weedsPut pond pumps and fountains back into pools, thoroughly cleaning filters firstLay turf or sow new lawns from seedClean out bird baths and top up with fresh waterCheck tree ties

Clean and sharpen knives and secateurs, and spray metal tools with oilPut up nesting boxes for birds in suitable trees or on buildingsMove shrubs growing in the wrong placeService petrol lawn mowersSearch through seed, bulb and nursery catalogues

Trim autumn-flowering heathersCollect fallen rose leaves that could carry diseases over to next seasonPlant new rosesTransplant shrubs or small treesFinish planting tulip bulbsHang bird feeders over rose beds to attract birds to pick off overwintering pests

So far I've only really scattered a few peanuts around, but mainly squirrels get those...and whenever I tried a sunflower shaped wire bird feeder (hanging type) all the nuts kept getting soaked and spoiled. What's the best type to use which also

Mow lawns regularly, gradually lowering the height of the cut as spring progressesTreat problem weeds, such as nettles and brambles, with weedkillerTidy up hedges, but before you start cutting make sure no birds are nesting in them Keep large sheets

colourant solution if you want blue flowersUse a circuit breaker (RCD) when using electric toolsScoop floating weed from ponds with a netTrim hedges and topiaryTop up bird baths regularly

Tidy up piles of flowerpots and debris that could harbour snailsRaise patio containers on feet or bricks, to ensure their compost drains properlyAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frost, as you'll kill the grassProvide birds with fresh water