Thankfully damage from pests and diseases will start slowing down this month; however a lot can be done to prevent them from overwintering and causing so many problems next season. Try and remove as much dead material in the borders as possible, don’t forget to compost this, unless the material is diseased. Yellowing leaves should be removed as they can encourage fungal diseases. New growth which has been attacked by aphids or mildew should be pruned back to healthier growth.

If your garden has clay soil, roughly dig the soil over and hopefully the winter weather will break up the clods. Also try incorporating organic matter as well as pea shingle into the clay. This should raise the soil level, by doing this hard work it will enable the soil to drain easier as well as warm up quicker in the spring.