Half hardy annuals like Lobelia, Pansy, Antirrhinum, Petunia and Impatiens can be sown under glass this month.

Revive stored Dahlia tubers.

Protect marginally hardy shrubs, climbers and patio plants with hessian during cold spells.

Prune winter jasmine as soon as flowers fade.

Start chitting early potatoes and sow vegetable seed under cloches for early crops.

Force spring bulbs planted in pots during Sept. & Oct. Start of tuberous Begonias, Gloxinias and Achimenes.

Prune Roses at the end of this month.

Still time to plant trees, shrubs and lay lawns when conditions are right.

Sow greenhouse cucumber and tomatoes.

Re-shape and prune conifers damaged by frost.

Prune shrubs like Buddleia davidii, cut all previous seasons shoots back to within 2 or 3 buds of old wood. This hard pruning will encourage the development of strong growth that will bare good size flowers from June onwards.

Although the weather is still likely to be at its worst there will be plenty of signs that things are beginning to wake up. Bulbs are breaking through the soil, buds are beginning to swell on trees and shrubs, at this time of year the gardener is anxious to get working.

The best place to be at this time of year is in the greenhouse, but don't start your annuals to early, it's a long time for seedlings to be in trays and they could get drawn. Latter sown annuals soon catch up if you can be patient and  you won't have to look after them as long.

If soil is prepared for planting cover it with polythene sheeting, this will stop it from getting wet and warm the soil so that when you do plant they will get away quicker. 

If snow lies on hedges, shrubs and trees, remove it before it breaks or disfigures the plants.