3 Jobs to do in the garden

1 Plant bulbs

From February, summerflowering bulbs, such as lilies, should be planted in free-draining soil in pots. Keep indoors or in a cool greenhouse until frosts have passed.

2 Save rainwater

Install a water butt in time for summer. Acid-loving ericaceous plants, like rhododendrons, azaleas and blueberries, prefer rainwater, especially if you’re in a hard-water area.

3 Prune shrubs

Cut back shrubs that bloom in winter, such as mahonia and heathers, once they’ve finished flowering. Remove damaged and diseased growth, and old flowers.