Jobs for the week

1. Put pips in pots

FORCE lily-of-the-valley rhizome or “pips” for early blooms. Soak for two hours in lukewarm water before planting 3cm deep in pots of moist John Innes compost. Keep out of direct sun and at 18-20C. In a months, flowers will appear.

2. A lot of rot

DAMPEN dry material in the compost bin and add a compost accelerator. In winter, the cold slows down the process.

3. Cordyline columns

PROTECT cordylines and yuccas by drawing up the leaves and loosely tying them into an upright column with soft string. In severe weather cover with a horticultural fleece.