In the Garden... Dig over bare areas, forking in plenty of compost or rotted manure. If conditions are very wet, cover an area with polythene sheet to keep the rain off, and dig once the soil has dried out. Bare-rooted roses can still be planted along with other bare rooted hedge plants. Avoid planting new roses where old ones have been removed, unless the soil is replaced and conditioned, to avoid diseases. Brush snow off from evergreen shrubs and conifers, as the weight can damage their branches. Move patio pots up on feet to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, protect pots in very cold spells by moving them to a sheltered position. Many perennials can be cut back hard now, although we tend to wait till valentines has passed, remove old growth to make room for new shoots.

In the allotment... Dig over bare areas, forking in plenty of compost or rotted manure. If conditions are very wet, cover an area with polythene sheet to keep the rain off, and dig once the soil has dried out. Continue planting new fruit trees and bushes. Raspberries and cane fruits can also be planted now. Shorten sideshoots on red and white currants to just one bud. Also remove any old stems crowding the centre of the bush.

In the Glasshouse / Conservatory... Some bulbs are ready to be planted now for late spring. Wash down the roof to remove grime and let in more light. Clean out the gutters, and empty and clean water-butts. Any old pots and seed trays should be cleaned by now but if not dont leave this! General maintenace now in the glass house and shed should be done and larger jobs listed ready for the spring.

General... Removing pumps and filters from ponds and water features helps prevent them being damaged by freezing water during the winter. Keep ponds covered with netting to prevent fallen leaves blowing in. Finish raking up fallen leaves, especially those collected under hedges and shrubs. These offer protection to slugs and snails over winter months, so all leaves should be cleared away. Also clear gutters which can get clogged up and put all the leaves in a leaf bin to rot down. Black Rubbish Bags do a great job as well!