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Celebrating 49 years trading, Est. 1969 The UK's 1st on-line Garden Centre Finish the winter digging providing the ground isn't frozen. On flower borders, sprinkle a thick layer of compost or manure over the soil and fork it in between clumps of plants. Providing the soil is not too frozen container grown, bare-root shrubs can be planted in well dug soil, to which plenty of organic matter has been added. Knock off any heavy snow from conifer branches to prevent damage due to loading. Any unwieldy, damaged or diseased stems on trees and shrubs should be cut back with sharp secateurs or a pruning saw to allow more air and light to penetrate. Large cuts should be protected with a wound sealant. Follow pruning with a winter wash. Check biennial plants such as sweet william, wallflower and polyanthus after spells of cold, frosty weather for signs of lifting. They may need firming in. If there is still rough digging to be done, add some bulky organic matter or lime to the soil. This exposes the clods to frost and allows a naturally forming tilth. Begin growing some vegetables in the protection of the greenhouse or conservatory. Hardy varieties of radish can be sown under cloches in most areas and many winter hardy species such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, leeks, parsnips and spinach will be ready for harvest. Cover rhubarb crowns to encourage early growth. Container-grown or bare-rooted fruit can be planted at this time of the year as long as the soil and weather are suitable. Tree and shrub planting compost placed in the base of the planting hole will give a good start for outdoor plants in cold soil. If the plants arrive when the soil is waterlogged or covered in snow, either heel them in to a sheltered, drier position or keep them in a frost-free place until conditions improve. Pruning can be continued except on stone fruits. Cut to an outward pointing bud and aim to keep the trees and bushes open in the centre. Cut out crossing and touching branches and any that are diseased, damaged or dying. Burn all cuttings.