JOBS TO DO THIS WEEK

Get the ground ready for March sowings – clear out weeds and use polythene or horticultural fleece to warm the earth up.

Plant summer flowering bulbs such as liatris, begonia and gladioli in pots indoors.

Prune winter flowering shrubs such as mahonia and viburnum when they have finished their display.

Apply well-rotted farmyard manure or garden compost around rhubarb crops.

Bulbs that were forced to flower indoors such as hyacinth can be planted outdoors now.

Protect blossoms on apricots and peaches from frosts with horticultural fleece.

Sow tender crops such as tomato, chilli and cucumber in a heated propagator or sunny windowsill.

Delay turning your compost heap at the moment as you may disturb hibernators who are still sleeping.