Dig vacant ground if weather permits and work in manure or compost.

Take root cuttings of Oriental poppies, verbascum and phlox.

Store seeds you have ordered in a cool place.

Bend leaves over cauliflower curds to protect them from the weather.

Keep off the grass in frosty weather.

Tie in wayward branches on wall-trained fruit trees.

Mulch asparagus beds and clumps of rhubarb with manure or compost.

Sow French beans in pots in the greenhouse for an early crop.

Net brassicas to protect them from the birds.

Remove faded leaves from Brussels sprouts.

Clean gardening tools and oil the blades.