1) Nesting boxes can be fitted this month (out of predators' reach)

2) Moss will begin to invade your lawn this month so you will need to take precautions

3) Horseradish, asparagus and artichokes can be planted on frost-free days this month

4) Turn the compost heap

1) If you see some premature tender growth on perennials, protect with a layer of mulch.

2) Take time to have an assessment of your garden and look into areas that may need improving, e.g. overgrown rockeries, garden paths, tired old patios, large trees in need of pruning, overgrown borders, redesigning areas n need of a make-over, etc.

3) Last chance to plant garlic.

4) Remember to turn your house plants or you may get uneven or lopsided growth.

Plants of note: Liriope Muscari

1) This is a good time to prune grapevines and wisteria.

2) Choose your seeds in catalogues for the coming season.

3) Design and plan your vegetable plot for rotation purposes.

4) Coppice hazel and willow trees.

Plants of note: Honeysuckle "Winter Beauty", Betula Var Utilis "Grayswood Ghost"

1) Start to force rhubarb by placing a large bucket over the crown and weigh down with a stone

2) Cut back old hellebore leaves to expose the flowers

3) Check tree ties and stakes - replace if damaged or loose

4) Keep an area of your pond ice-free by floating a football on the surface - never smash the ice as this can be harmful to the fish and wildlife

5) I've said it before but it's worth a reminder - as the temperature drops below freezing food becomes scarce for birds...keep your bird-feeders topped-up

Plants looking good this month: Chimonathus Praecox; Bergenia species; Eranthis Hyemalis

1) Earth your brussels sprouts to prevent wind rock

2) Remove fallen leaves from alpine gardens - a leaf sucker is ideal for the job

3) Recycle your Christmas tree and arrange with your local council to have it collected and chipped

4) Bumps and hollows can be dealt with on lawns when the weather is not frosty or waterlogged - strip back the turf and either add soil for a hollow or shave off lumps, then roll level

Plants of note: Erica Carnea, Skimmia Japonica, Heleborous Niger, Garriya Eliptica