At this time of year a job in time saves nine! Everything is on the move, pests as well as the plants. Prioritising work, bearing in mind that we can still have heavy frosts or snow, is important. Hardy annuals like Love In A Mist, Corncockle, and Cornflower to name just a few, should be fine, just broadcast on finely raked soil. Some of mine had set seed last year, saving me a job. Half-hardy seeds need to be protected until the danger of frost is over.

Some of our large plants have been moved on into larger pots, a good job for the spring, as they have the whole season ahead to grow on. If the plant is a standard or at all top heavy, it is worth using a heavy container, and soil based compost. I use a John Innes number 3 as it has longer lasting properties than number 2. Multi purpose is OK to use if the plant is unlikely to blow over, but a long-life fertiliser will need to be added.

I am planning to cut back the Hydrangeas. The flower heads have been left on, as they are supposed to protect the new buds through winter. I usually take out any old, weak and crossing stems, and then cut back from the old flower head down the stem to the first strong pair of buds. I give them all a long-life feed too.

The lawn has had its first brief rake, and looks so much better. Feeding will start once it is growing strongly. I am tired, but happy. I love spring!