Plant tulip bulbs in borders and containers for a colourful spring display. Choose a sunny well drained spot and plant the bulbs with the pointed end facing up to a depth of 3 times their height.
Use grease bands and tree barrier glues to prevent winter moths climbing fruit trees to lay eggs. Only use products sold for this purpose as they will not entangle larger animals.
Avoid over watering house plants because they start needing less water this month. If you are unsure allow the surface of the compost to dry a little before watering again.
Grape vines should be pruned towards the end of the month, or in December, removing the side branches back to two buds.
Hard neck, soft neck and elephant garlic can all be planted now. Plant individual cloves in fertile soil in a sunny spot. If you don’t have much space a container will do.
Now is the time to bring Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) bulbs back into growth, water sparingly until new leaves develop, then water and feed regularly.
Start pruning apple and pear trees once the leaves have fallen. Aim to maintain an open centered goblet shaped crown. Wait until next summer to prune stone fruits, such as cherries and plums to avoid silverleaf disease.
Cover kale, winter, brussel sprouts and other winter brassicas with re-used or plastic free netting to protect from pigeons. Check mesh is free of holes and taut to stop birds becoming entangled.
Leave ivy untrimmed, the plant will produce berries which are valuable food for birds next spring.
Overwinter Fuchsias and zonal Pelargoniums in a frost free green house with plenty of light.