As usual at this time of year we’d urge you to remember that it is still winter (despite the lengthening days and occasional bursts of warmer weather). There is plenty that you can do, but don’t worry about postponing things if the ground is waterlogged or frozen. You’ll only damage the soil structure if you put weight on it.

In the better weather; it is still a good time for planting bare root shrubs and trees, and of course container grown plants can go in at any time. Even in a generally soggy time of year, don’t forget to keep new plants well watered.

Bare root roses soaking prior to planting

This year’s snowdrops will be starting to go over by the end of February. If you’re lucky enough to have good colonies of them, this is the perfect time to lift and split clumps, allowing you to start building up stocks in different areas. Also have a look around the garden to check whether you have other things in flower, if not think about adding plants like primulas that provide nectar for early foraging bumblebees.

Depending on the weather and cultivars you are growing, crocuses, narcissi and Iris reticulata will all bloom this month, take time out to enjoy these flashes of colour and heralds of spring.

Daffodils in the sun

Seed sowing time is arriving for both flowers and vegetables. Use propagators and warm windowsills where appropriate, but don’t forget that you can start hardy annuals in less protected environments.

Finally, for those soggy days; spend some time cleaning and sharpening your tools. As well as extending their lives, using well maintained tools is much easier.  It is also human nature to keep clean things clean.  Wiping one session’s mud off a spade is far less of a task than cleaning a season’s worth of accumulated grot.  As usual the RHS provides good detailed advice.