JOBS for the week

Split dahlia tubers to increase your stock. Make sure to keep a good neck, even a piece of the old stalk and ensure it has at least one eye on the neck or it won’t sprout. On cut ends where there is flesh exposed, dip the tuber in cinnamon – it will help it dry out and stop disease/rotting.

Sow broad beans in pots indoors now for planting outdoors in March and April. A sunny windowsill that doesn’t get too hot or a cold greenhouse is ideal for germination.

We’re still in the bare root planting season so now’s the time to plant roses, trees and shrubs inexpensively.

Perennials and ornamental grasses that you left over for winter interest can now be cut back before new growth starts.

Trim old growth off evergreen epimediums as flowers will start to emerge soon.

Prevention is better than cure… apply a winter wash to fruit trees to get rid of the overwintering eggs of pests.

It’s a good time to mulch your borders, especially if you have finished pruning shrubs.