In The Flower Garden

• Dig up congested clumps of winter aconites and transplant to new sites
• Improve the soil the soil by spreading compost or manure over beds and forking in
• Move plants growing in the wrong place
• Dig deeply areas where you’ll be planting new roses, shrubs or perennials
• Spread a thick mulch of bark over the crown of tender plants, such as fuchsias, dahlias and cannas
• Prune summer-flowering clematis, cutting stems back to emerging buds close to soil level

The Fruit and Vegetable Garden

• Prune out the oldest stems from black currants to encourage new shoots
• Check crops that are in store and discard any showing signs of rot
• Fork compost into the soil and clear old crops from the veg plot
• Cover fruit trees and bushes with netting to prevent hungry bullfinches eating blossom buds
• Sow the following crops under cloches during January and early February: broad beans, hardy peas, spinach, carrots and onions

In The Greenhouse

• Wash glazing inside and out to let in as much light as possible
• Bring potted camellias into unheated porches or conservatories to enjoy early displays
• Buy chrysanthemum cuttings or take cuttings from your own plants
• Sow seed of hardy annuals, such as Calendula, for some early flowers
• Tidy up the greenhouse, getting rid of any old compost or rubbish that could hide unwanted visitors

Generally

• Keep window bird feeders topped up with seed to attract blue tits and sparrows
• Wash out flowerpots and seed trays
• Move patio pots to sheltered sites during cold periods
• Spread a mulch of compost over borders and around trees, shrubs and roses
• Clean algae and moss from paths and steps
• Sprinkle a top-dressing of gritty compost over lawns

Kings Seeds Early Starter Spring Catalogue arrived this week and I was impressed at the good value in it. (and it takes a lot for me to be impressed!) www.kingsseeds.com