In The Flower Garden

* Sow sweet peas in deep pots and pinch out once two pairs of leaves have developed
* Cut back old stems of mallow (Lavatera) to ground level. Take care not to harm roots
* Plant hedging plants
* Prune stems of dogwoods, willows, cotinus and paulownias
* Fork and rake over area for hardy annual bedding

The Fruit and Veg Garden

* Cover rhubarb with a forcing jar or an old bucket to exclude light and encourage early shoots for early pickings of rhubarb
* Prune gooseberry bushes to open up the centre of the bush to improve air circulation
* Chit seed potatoes in trays in bright frost free place
* Plant bare root fruit trees before they begin to shoot. When the arrive soak the roots and heel in some soil until you are ready to plant.
* Sow seeds of broad beans, carrots, hardy peas and parsnips outside in soil warmed by cloches

Greenhouse

* Plant dahlia tubers in pots or trays and place in a heated propagator if you want to take cuttings
* Star raising crops from seed, including tomatoes, chilli peppers, aubergines and cucumbers
* Water with a copper fungicide solution to prevent damping off of seedlings
* Sow seeds of cyclamen keeping in total darkness until seeds have germinated

Generally Around The Garden

* Take care not to walk over emerging spring bulbs in the border or in the lawn
* Order young plants from mail order companies
* Sort out and clean up canes and support ready for use in the spring
* Use a pressure washer to clean paths

If you want more chit chat about gardening visit my Web page at www.andrewbabicz.wordpress.com

Andrew