London (change)
Today 17°C / 6°C
Tomorrow 11°C / 6°C

Job of the week

Grow hippeastrum

The huge trumpet flowers of hippeastrum, often called amaryllis, are sure to brighten up the dark days of winter. You might get one as a Christmas gift, but it's also worth treating yourself to one (or more!) of the massive bulbs which are available in a wide range of colours. And they couldn't be easier to grow.
Takes just 10 minutes

Flowers

  • Clear away annual climbers
  • Pick seedheads and evergreen foliage
  • Move tubs of shrubs or winter bedding to a sheltered spot

Fruit & veg

  • Make a composting trench to enrich soil
  • Make compost from spent crops
  • Dig over vacant areas

Greenhouse

  • Keep potted herbs on the staging to crop over winter
  • Move potted bulbs into the greenhouse to develop
  • Clear out old crops and growing bags

Around the garden

  • Cover soil with polythene sheets to keep it dry
  • Keep your Christmas tree outside in a bucket of water
  • Wash cloches and cold frames