In The Flower Garden

• Clear faded growth of golden hops and annual climbers from pergolas and trellis
• Plant bare-root roses in well-prepared soil
• Transplant shrubs and conifers that have outgrown their position
• Cut down chrysanthemums to soil level after flowering
• Make leaf mould from fallen leaves
• Plant drifts of lily-of-the-valley in shaded beds
• Finish planting tulip bulbs outside
• Improve soil by incorporating compost
• Deadhead pansies to prevent them setting seed

In The Fruit and Vegetable Garden

• Check fruits in store for signs of rot or deterioration
• Plant new fruit bushes and cane fruits
• Take hardwood cuttings from healthy fruit bushes, including currants and gooseberries
• Winter prune fruit trees, including apples – but save plum pruning to summer
• Cover broad beans and peas with cloches for winter protection
• Lift and divide large clumps of rhubarb
• Cut down Jerusalem artichokes then dig up and store tubers in buckets of dry compost
• Prune side shoots on gooseberries back to about 5cm
• Pile earth up around the stems of Brussels sprouts to provide extra support

In The Greenhouse

• Plant hippeastrum bulbs for spring displays
• Insulate your greenhouse with bubble polythene for insulation
• Ventilate greenhouses on warm, dry days
• Use rainwater to keep the compost of potted azaleas constantly moist
• Check fuel levels in paraffin and gas heaters regularly
• Check plants for signs of overwintering pests
• Pick faded flowers and dead leaves from plants
• Water potted bulbs to ensure they never dry out
• Scrub down staging and framework with disinfectant
• Wash glazing inside and out to let in more light

Around The Garden

• Plant bare-root trees, bare-root shrubs and hedging
• Regularly wash and disinfect bird baths and feeders
• Avoid walking on lawns covered with frost
• Empty the contents of well-composted bins and spread over bare soil
• Wash cold frames and cloches to let in more light
• Choose a dry day to treat fences and timber structures with stain or preservative
• Test soil with a pH kit to measure acidity or alkalinity to help you plan plantings next season
• Remove pond pumps and filters, wash and store away
• Take advantage of seed catalogue early order special offers

Don’t forget to send me your questions. Check the Q&A pages and what questions have already been asked.

See you next week.

Andrew