TOP JOBS FOR FEBRUARY

The days are finally getting longer, so Stephanie Hafferty explains what to do now – and what's still worth waiting for

- Stephanie Hafferty

I love an energetic outdoor gardening job in the winter, and one of my favourites is cutting pea and bean sticks, while the trees are dormant. This seasonal task combines two jobs into one – pruning and making plant supports.

The best branches to use are hazel, birch, dogwood and also willow, although you do need to be careful that the willow doesn't sprout and grow into a tree when pushed into the ground!

To prevent this, let the willow dry out before using, and strip the bark from the base so that it is 3cm above the ground when pushed in.

Choose long, slender branches for bean poles, and more twiggy branches for pea sticks. I cut the branches at an angle at the bottom, which makes them easier to push into the soil.

Tie the poles in bundles and store them in a sheltered spot until needed, such as behind a shed or compost heap. You'll be glad to have them ready to use in the spring.

STEP BY STEP MULTI-SOWING IN MODULES

STEP 1: Multi-sowing means sowing more than one seed per cell in module trays or pots. It's a really helpful way of growing more plants in a smaller space, using less compost, and can help to increase the productivity of your plot. It works for many kinds of veg, including peas, beetroot, onions and leeks.