Clean or discard any old pots and trays that you are not intending to reuse

Clean out nesting boxes and feed the birds on a regular basis

If you are having a bonfire check the heap for hibernating hedgehogs before lighting

Check your tools

Press on with winter digging

Plant fruit trees and bushes and winter-prune established plants

Lift and divide rhubarb crowns

Protect tender plants from the winter weather

From “Gardening Through the Year” by Ian Spence

Press on with winter digging

Check all stored crops for signs of disease

Begin harvesting Brussels sprouts, stake tall plants if necessary

Finish planting garlic by the end of the month

Broad beans and peas can still be sown outside this month if covered with cloches

Net all brassicas to protect from pigeons

Protect the curds of cauliflowers by covering with bent leaves

Force chicory and seakale

Lift clumps of chives and grown on the windowsill

From “Gardening Through the Year” by Ian Spence