It's time for a garden reset

The winter months can be used for protecting and improving your patch so it can flourish

- With DAVID DOMONEY daviddomoney.com YouTube.com/DavidDomoney

the garden. Gently brush any snow or frost off evergreens to prevent branches snapping.

Clear leaves, algae and moss from paths to reduce slips. Remove debris from guttering on your shed and greenhouse so rainwater can run into water butts, not across paving. If you spot wind rock on new shrubs, firm the soil around the rootball and check that ties aren't rubbing.

SEED-SOWING SETUP

Seed-sowing will ramp up soon, so clean pots and trays now, and set out labels and fresh seed compost. This is also where perlite and vermiculite earn their keep. Mix a little perlite through seed or potting compost to improve drainage and airflow, which helps prevent cold, soggy conditions.