IN THE GARDEN

WHAT TO DO OUTDOORS

• Plan your seed-sowing calendar and order anything you need • Harvest Jerusalem artichokes, celeriac, chicory, parsnips, kale, leeks and Brussels sprouts

• Sow broad beans, lettuce, leeks, onions and shallots under cover

• Start ‘chitting’ seed potatoes by placing them in a light spot to encourage the first shoots to sprout • Continue removing all old crops from the ground, weeding and applying organic mulch, such as home-made compost

• Start forcing rhubarb by covering it to completely exclude light and encourage early tender shoots

• Prune apple and pear trees to improve productivity

• Plant ‘bare-root’ fruit bushes and trees

• Inspect stored fruit and veg, removing any spoiled ones