• Start to move more tender plants either inside or into the newly cleaned and disinfected greenhouses. Think about checking out existing heaters for signs wear and tear. Or look to invest in new heaters that incorporate a thermostat function for extra temperature control.

• Half-hardy plants should be protected with frost fleece or bubble insulation. Specimen plants, such as tree ferns, may also need some straw packing into the crown before wrapping to help protect this very tender part of the plant.

• As the beans and pea crops finish cut them off at the base and compost the plant. Remember to leave the roots in the soil as these are a valuable source of nitrogen which is released as the roots start to break down.

• Get spring bulbs planted now to give a burst of colour early next season. Make things easy on yourself and use a bulb basket to allow you to lift them after they have flowered and died back. Remember if you are planting tulips that they should be done next month.

• After you have tidied your borders complete the job with an extra layer of leaf mould, bark chips or mulch to help stop the weeds. This also helps give an extra layer of insulation for plant roots.