Ready, Steady, Go

Gardening at this time of year? Yes, you can start, Here are a few ideas to get you motivated or you can choose the alternative idea.
 
At a Glance:

• Make sure that birds have food and water
• Keep on top of winter germinating weeds
• Clear the crowns of plants of damp leaves
• Continue with winter digging as soil conditions allow, cover to keep out the wet
• Order seeds and summer flowering bulbs
  
• Check newly planted trees and shrubs ,refirm if lifted by frosts
• Check supports of trees and shrubs
• Protect plants vulnerable to wind and cold
• Plant deciduous hedging
• Prune shrubs and trees into shape ..not on frosty days
• Prune wisteria and other vigorous climbers
• Take hardwood cuttings of trees and shrubs 
• Check forced bulbs for growth
• Sow sweet peas under cover
• Aerate lawns to  improve drainage
• Keep a small area of ponds free from ice
• Chit early potatoes
• Sow early vegetable crops under cover
• Protect fruit trees from bird damage 
• Force rhubarb
• Sow some summer -bedding under cover

 
Last Chance:

• Prune grape vines and other vines  before sap starts rising
• Protect container plants from freezing and insulate outside taps

 
Alternative idea:
Sit in a comfortable chair with a good book, preferably a gardening book!
 
Hazel Wyatt