Epimedium

While they can be left undisturbed for three or four years, by the end of a severe winter <PLANTID=4447>Epimedium x rubrum</PLANTID> can start to look a little worse for wear. Keep worn plants looking good by shearing off old leaves during February or March at the latest, before flower stems grow too tall. Dainty flowers unfurl in spring and a new carpet of foliage will grow to cover the stems.

Clean pots and trays

Piles of pots and stacks of dirty seed trays need to be washed out and stored away ready for use this spring. Add in some general household disinfectant, then rinse in clean water. Using hot water makes the job more bearable on a cold day.

Traditional shaped pot cleaning brushes are available, but any brush will do to thoroughly remove dirt and old compost that could harbour pests or diseases.

Mail order seeds

Don't delay sending off to mail-order companies for seeds to sow this spring. An impressive range of new varieties of flowers and vegetables can be found in most catalogues, so do try some of these exciting introductions to complement your tried and tested favourites. Remember to store seed packets in a cool and dry place, such as in a sandwich box in your fridge, until ready for sowing.

Spread mulch

Now that the majority of perennial flowers have died down for winter, it is a good time to spread a thick mulch of compost, pulverised bark or similar material over borders and between trees, shrubs, roses and fruit. This can be applied up to 5cm to 7.5cm (2in to 3in) thick, if you have sufficient material. Newly emerging perennials will grow up through it in spring. Take care not to cover dwarf bulbs, such as winter aconites, now in flower.

Tree ties

Check tree ties to ensure they aren't cutting into the bark. Replace any that are worn or damaged. It is particularly important to check your tree stakes and ties for damage after heavy wind and storms.

Firm soil

Firm soil around newly planted shrubs that may have been lifted by frost.

Composting

Even if you don't get time to start the winter digging, try and cover areas to be dug with a layer of compost or manure. This will be worked in by worms over time, or it can be lightly forked in to the surface in spring to prepare the soil for planting.

Ice and snow

Knock snow from trees and shrubs to prevent its weight breaking branches. Keep using floating pond heaters to prevent ice forming over the entire surface of ponds

Cover soil

Covering soil with a large sheet of clear polythene, held down with lengths of wood or bricks, will help keep heavy rain off so the soil remains dry and workable.

Simply roll back the sheet to continue digging when you get time, replacing the polythene afterwards. This is particularly useful for heavy or clay soils.

Also use polythene to warm the soil for early sowings. A single layer left in place for a couple of weeks can raise the soil temperature by a few degrees. This will help to encourage rapid germination and establishment.

It is also helpful to wrap extra insulation around compost and worm bins.