• Cut back hedges before birds start to nest in them.

• Prune large-flowered (Group 3) clematis.

• In mild areas, start to prune roses, removing dead, diseased and dying stems.

• Trim back winter-flowering jasmine when it has finished flowering.

• Top-dress or repot pot-grown camellias when they pass out of flower.

• Check supports on wall-trained fruit trees or bushes before the new season’s growth starts in earnest.

• Test the soil in your garden to see if the pH needs adjusting or if it is deficient in any major nutrients.

• Put cloches in position to warm the soil for early sowings of vegetables next month.

• Sow under glass slow-maturing bedding plants such as African marigolds, petunias, lobelia and antirrhinums.

• Prune autumn-fruiting raspberry canes.