HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN...

■ It’s the rainy season so make sure your drains are clear of twigs and leaves. You can stand pots on bricks to help drain them more quickly. Try not to walk on lawns that are sodden.

■ Larger tender plants such as bananas, olives, palms, bay trees, cordylines, echiums, gingers, and tree ferns can be wrapped up with horticultural fleece for winter. Tree ferns need their fronds tied up first so they don’t snap off, though in milder areas just cover the crown, even with a bit of straw.

■ Decking and paths can be hazardous in wet weather – remove algae with diluted bleach solution.

■ You can stop feeding goldfish in the ponds but make sure if the water ices over to keep an area open to let oxygen in.

JOBS FOR THE WEEK

■ Lag outdoor taps and drainpipes before icy weather sets in to prevent damage.

■ It’s your last chance to get those bulbs in the ground for spring flowers.

■ If you leave your carrots in the ground over winter, insulate with a covering of straw.