In The Flower Garden
- Prune summer-flowering clematis, cutting above a low pair of green buds
- Cut out dead stems of ceratostigma and hardy fuchsias
- Prune all stems of Hydrangea paniculata down to about three buds from soil level
- Prepare areas in flowerbeds ready for sowing hardy annuals in late March and into April, digging over, weeding and enriching the soil
- Lift and divide congested border plants
- Plant out lilies to fill gaps in borders, or grow them on in pots
- Trim winter-flowering heathers
The Fruit and Vegetable Garden
- Sprinkle a handful of sulphate of potash fertiliser around the base of fruit trees and bushes
- Plant new raspberry canes and blackberry plants
- Prepare beds to plant asparagus
- Place tunnel cloches or simple sheets of polythene over beds to warm soil for early sowings
- Carry on sowing seeds in pots or trays in the greenhouse, ready to transplant later, including Brussels sprouts, spring cabbage and onions
In The Greenhouse
- Empty your greenhouse and thoroughly clean inside, pressure washing the frame, staging and glazing
- Cut back overwintered fuchsias, and increase frequency of watering to encourage new growth
- Sow summer bedding plants
- Monitor temperatures with a max-min thermometer to ensure heaters are working efficiently
- Plant gloxinias, begonias, achimenes and cannas
Around the Garden
- Spread a layer of manure or compost around roses and shrubs
- Prepare areas for laying new lawns in spring, digging over, weeding and enriching the soil
- Be on the look out for slugs and snails, which will attack emerging shoots of perennials
- Regularly remove weeds by hand or use a hoe if conditions are dry
- Maintain mowers and check garden machinery is in good working order and ready for the season ahead
- Look out for compost bargains at garden centres so you’ll have all you need for spring sowing and potting
