Jobs to do

■ Don’t delay – protect any vulnerable plants by bringing them under cover for the winter.

■ Prune ornamental vines and grape vines.

■ Support growing Brussels sprouts by earthing them up at the base or tying them to sturdy canes.

■ Adopt a regime of feeding the birds – and make sure they always have a supply of fresh water.

■ Any major pruning of established ornamental deciduous trees can be done now while the plants are dormant.

■ Plant up beds with winterflowering bedding that will continue to bloom in spring. Polyanthus and primrose (pictured) are hardy enough in most areas to survive a few years, producing vibrant pockets of colour in your garden.