The coming week looks set to be cold as temperatures are forecast to drop to around 8 degrees.

This weekend could bring some sunshine but high winds are predicted for both Saturday and Sunday, so choose your moment carefully if you’re planning to get into the garden.

  • Make sure the greenhouse, doors, windows and guttering are secure before the storm and check them again after it blows through
  • Plant sets of onion and shallots and cloves of garlic and cover with fleece as necessary
  • If you haven’t grown any nuts, keep your eyes peeled along hedgerows for hazelnuts and sweet chestnuts
  • When foraging for mushrooms take care, if you are in any doubt at all about the identification of a mushroom do not pick it
  • Pick Brussels sprouts by working up the stem and remove yellowing leaves to improve circulation
  • Harvest winter cabbage, celeriac, celery, cauliflower, carrots and Florence fennel
  • Plant new currant bushes and raspberry canes
  • Prune existing currant and gooseberry bushes
  • Take hardwood cuttings from your favourite fruit trees
  • Check any ties that may you may be using on your trees and loosen if there’s not enough give in them