After the surprise freeze on Tuesday, we can be in no doubt that winter’s icy breath is drawing closer.

  • If you’re wrapped up warm and can dodge the showers, it can be a lovely time of the year to be in and about the garden and there’s still plenty to do.
  • Improve the soil by adding mulch, manure and/ or compost and keep digging
  • Prune apple and pear trees by removing dead, dying or diseased wood and aim for an open goblet shape
  • Give your tools some TLC by cleaning and treat them to some oil
  • Clip any hedges that you have so that they look smart through the winter months
  • Clean gutters and clear ponds of the last of autumn’s leaves
  • Cut back perennials, compost and check if they need dividing
  • Lift dahlia tubers and remove foliage before storing dry over winter
  • Reassure yourself that spring is not too far away by noticing the daffodil shoots pushing through
  • Be ruthless with buddleia that has self-seeded, while bees and butterflies love it, it is highly invasive, so think about how many plants you really want
  • Spring bulbs are now half their original price and it’s not too late to plant them so see what bargains you can find