1. Trees, shrubs & roses

The ground is still very wet for planting. If small trees have been purchased, they can be kept for weeks before planting by being heeled in, after opening out the bundles.

The trees at the centre of the bundle tend to dry out or overheat by being packed tightly. Roses can be pruned.

2. Fruit, vegetables and herbs

Seed potatoes of early varieties can be put on trays to sprout, as this gives an earlier harvest.

There is still time to sow seeds of early varieties of cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, lettuce and onions. These will give an early crop but have to be started off in warm conditions indoors.

3. Flowers

Perennial flowers can be lifted and divided, if necessary, but not if the ground is wet and sticky. Perennial flowers can be planted but only in good weather.

Plants in pots can wait. Seeds of geraniums, lobelia, busy lizzie and bedding begonias can be sown in a heated propagator.

4. Lawns

Lawns have had ice and snow and heavy rain and they should be allowed to dry out and become firm before they are given a first mowing.

Lawn edges can be re-cut with an edging tool and damaged patches can be repaired with sods lifted in other parts of the lawn, and re-sown.

5. Greenhouse and house plants

Greenhouse grape vines and peach trees will soon break bud as the temperature warms up.

A heavy soak watering for plants growing in the greenhouse soil is often beneficial in bringing on these plants, especially if the greenhouse soil tends to be dry. But do not overwater potted plants.

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