Flowers and Bedding.
Try to protect bedding and containers from the worst of the weather. Some plants may need
firming in after heavy frost. As long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged it is quite
safe to plant a bit of extra colour if you need cheering up. You should be able to find
heathers, primulas, pansies and alpines.
Perennials.
Fork over the ground and weed between plants. Try not to damage dormant buds just below
the surface. If you want to put in some new plants now the choice will be limited but the
price should be lower.
Shrubs and climbers.
Again it is safe to plant as long as the soil is workable.Winter prune Wisteria by cutting
back all new shoots to within 7.5 cm of the old wood (previous years growth). If you want
the plant to cover some more space, leave some long shoots.
Trees and hedges.
Keep an eye on tree stakes and ties in the stormy weather. Knock the snow off conifers and
hedges to reduce the chance of the weight breaking branches.Deciduous hedging can still be
planted.
Roses.
Roses can also be planted but be careful to support them as wind rock will prevent the
roots from establishing properly.
Lawn.
If the weather is bad and the lawn soggy, just stay off it. If there are areas that are
always soggy it may be wise to check whether there is a problem with rain water draining
away.If it is fine and dry then the lawn can be aerated which will be good for the
drainage and root growth.
Vegetables.
Plant rhubarb roots (available dry in packets). Sow peas, broad beans and shallots. Seed
potatoes are now available for chitting (sprouting the new shoots).
Fruit.
Use tar oil wash on fruit trees and bushes. This will kill off any eggs and insects that
are overwintering on the bark of the plants.Make sure that it doesn't touch grass or any
foliage. Cut back or prune newly planted fruit bushes and trees. Consider clearing a space
of a metre diameter around trees grown in grass, it will really improve their quality of
life.
Pond.
If your pond is likely to freeze, try to keep a hole in the ice open. Stand a container of
hot water on the ice. Don't smash the ice as you may hurt the fish and you will mix the
ice and water, lowering the temperature of the water.If you have a concrete pool, leave a
football in the water and it will absorb the expansion of the ice and prevent your pool
from cracking.
Greenhouse.
Check the heating and insulation daily if you can. If something goes wrong damage will
happen very quickly. Keep a watch for aphids, slugs, snails and tortrix moth caterpillars.
The caterpillars curl a leaf around themselves to hide.
Indoors.
Water houseplants sparingly and don't feed unless they are in flower. Give as much light
as possible and protect from draughts. Tidy up Christmas houseplants like Poinsettias and
Azaleas.
