Mulch bare soil in beds

Propagate shrubs by layering, and prune any with colourful winter stems

Sow vegetables outside

Harden off young plants to put outside

Plant early potatoes and asparagus

Protect fruit blossom against late frosts

Take growing bags into the greenhouse to warm up before planting

Put stakes and other plant supports in to help new growth

From “Gardening Through the Year” by Ian Spence

Prepare seedbeds for direct sowing

Harden off early sowings of vegetables

Lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower can still be sown indoors to give a succession of crops from those sown earlier

Sow globe artichokes for planting out in May

Plant out young vegetable plants, hardening off in cold frames

Sow parsnips outside

Plant early potatoes

Plant onion sets from now onwards

Plant asparagus crowns

Feed winter lettuces

Watch out for pests and diseases

Keep the weeds down

Harvest the last of the winter crops

Sow new chicory plants

Sow herbs outside and buy young plants

Divide chives

From “Gardening Through the Year” by Ian Spence