London (change)
Today 16°C / 6°C
Tomorrow 11°C / 6°C

Job of the week

Force rhubarb

The stalks of rhubarb are a delicious treat when there's little other fruit available. Left to its own devices, rhubarb can usually be pulled in late April and May but, by covering the crowns early in the year, it's possible to force it into growth up to eight weeks early.
Takes just 10 minutes

Flowers

  • Squash mistletoe berries into apple tree branches
  • Cut down old stems of sedums
  • Clear borders and rake up leaves

Fruit & veg

  • Keep harvesting root vegetables as they mature
  • Order seed potatoes, onion sets and shallots
  • Stretch netting over brassicas

Greenhouse

  • Sow onion seed under cover, and keep warm
  • Check overwintering plants for signs of pests
  • Bring potted strawberries under cover

Around the garden

  • Top up bird baths with fresh water daily
  • Recycle your Christmas tree at the local council tip
  • Check closing dates for any seed catalogue discounts