Winter is here...

• Plant any remaining spring bulbs.  Daffodils and narcissi may flower a little later than normal if planted now, but they will not survive being kept dry

• Spring bedding can still be planted and will give some bursts of colour until late spring

• Plant bare-rooted trees, shrubs, and roses – a very cost-effective way to add plants to the garden

• In the vegetable garden, harvest leeks, winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, and parsnips - Kale will continue to grow all winter long, so pick leaves around the main stem but do not pick the growing tip

• Prune and maintain many shrubs and deciduous trees, including open-grown apple and pear trees.  However, do not prune evergreens or tender shrubs, cherries, plums, and other stone fruit, or shrubs that flower early in the year (on ‘old’ wood) such as Forsythia and Weigela

• Most acers do not need pruning and are best left to develop their natural shape.  However, if any reshaping or pruning is required, do this before January to prevent the bleeding of sap.  This is also true for the pruning of birches and any vines.

• Stop watering any succulents or cacti and reduce watering of most houseplants - with the light levels being very low, the plants will not be growing and will not need regular watering

• If you’re buying a Poinsettia, remember that they don’t like draughts, chills, or being overwatered, so be wary of plants positioned near the door of a shop, and once home, give them lots of light during the day and don’t trap them behind a curtain on a cold windowsill overnight or they will drop all their leaves

• Whilst it’s harder to be motivated to get out in the garden when the days are so short and it’s cold and damp, doing a bit of work on the brighter days will pay dividends next year