HERE is a list of jobs you could embark upon over the next couple of weeks.

Start to sow slow-maturing bedding plants, such as African marigolds and antirrhinums under glass.

If weather permits, prepare seed beds on free-draining, sandy soil by lightly forking over the surface, breaking down large lumps and raking the soil to a fine tilth.

Continue to bring in forced bulbs for indoor flowering as they become ready for extra warmth.

Examine stored dahlia tubers for any sign of rotting.

Check trellis, pergolas and arches which are supporting climbers and repair any that are damaged.

Before plants start growing actively, check on the ties that secure them to supports. Replace any that have rotted and add extra ties if needed.

Continue to plant bare root fruit trees and bushes if the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

If you have bought bare-root hedging plants which you can’t plant because the ground is waterlogged, open them out to allow air to circulate, cover roots with straw and store in an open, rodent-free place, keeping the roots moist to avoid dehydration.

Pot autumn-rooted fuchsia cuttings into small, individual pots.

Continue winter-pruning trees, roses, climbers and shrubs before spring growth gets under way.