Now as the days become shorter, this is a great opportunity to get into your garages and sheds, and have a cleanup. Tidy up your shelves and clean all old pots, stakes and canes with a weak disinfectant, thereby stopping any pests or diseases from overwintering.

Those of you who planted tree saplings over the last year, now is the time to make sure that those tree ties are not too tight around the trunk, as over time these can dig in and strangle the tree. Also make sure the stakes are in a good state.

Tulip-lovers, don’t forget to plant your bulbs, remember to plant them two to three times their own depth. If you have heavy clay soil place some coarse grit at the bottom of the hole, this prevents them from rotting off. A good idea is to plant them in containers so you can bring them closer to the house, so you can admire their blooms.