· Plant up empty pots and containers with winter flowering heathers, shrubs and trailing ivy.

· Bay trees, particularly potted ones, need protecting if the weather turns cold. Lift inside or protect with Horticultural fleece.

· Don’t forget to regularly check your greenhouse heater is working correctly during the winter.

· Cut 5cm off the bottom of your Christmas tree just before you put it in the stand. It will help with the water uptake.

· If you’ve not already done so, insulate your outdoor taps and pipes before the winter cold arrives.

· Keep mice away from potted bulbs and stored produce.

· Protect newly planted and vulnerable plants from rabbits and squirrels.

· This is the best time of year to plant bare-rooted hedges.

· Check that your greenhouse heater is working!

· Reduce the watering of houseplants.