Prepare to plant

Start preparing holes for planting bare-rooted roses, fruiting and ornamental trees, shrubs and vines, rhubarb and asparagus crowns, and cane fruits such as raspberries (right). These will all be available soon from garden centres and online suppliers, and prepping now will make it easier to plant when you get hold of your new purchases. Choose your spot, and dig over the area to about a spade’s depth and 2–3 times the expected root ball width, then till through a generous amount of compost or aged manure. Water the area well, and keep it just moist while the worms and microbes work their magic. Your new plants will be well pleased when they arrive.