With all the snow about there may be some damage to plants within the garden so be prepared to shake it off to prevent any major damage. Snow can have some benefits in that it can actually be a benefit for some plants as it will act as an insulation layer against frosts. Likewise ensure any pots, containers etc are well protected with a layer of fleece or similar. It will also be a good idea to check the drainage of pots and containers because I’ve noticed some of mine with standing water on the top where the fine particles in the compost mix has run together to form a seal preventing the water getting away.

This month is a good time to plant fruit trees, roses, hippeastrum bulbs (inside), lilies provided the soil is in a suitable condition. However frosts can lift the soil, exposing the newly planted roots so keep an eye out for this and be prepared to firm the soil around them as soon as possible.

On soils which are not too cold, wet or heavy, you can sow hardier peas and broad beans. On light soils you can even plant shallots. A word of warning though trying to dig waterlogged soil (or even walk on it) will only compact it, so unless you are absolutely desperate to get out and work your garden , stay indoors with a cup of tea! If you do have to dig, use a plank to stand on to spread your weight so you do not cause any damage.

Make sure you keep putting out bird food over the next few months and make sure the bird bath is kept topped up and ice free. Pet shops will give you advice on what is suitable.

If it is a mild winter, hedgehogs can wake up for a mid-winter snack before dropping off again, so keep an eye out for them and if seen give them proper food (available from the better pet shops etc), failing that dog food.

Top tip for January! Leave the lawn alone, gaze at it longingly if you must, have a hot chocolate and consider buying plug plants in the spring as your response to the credit crunch, pound pinch, or whatever.

I do not seem to have mentioned much about fruit trees so to rectify that now is a good time to prune your apples and pears, whilst they are dormant. Pruning is not as complicated as it seems just check whether your apples are tip or spur bearers; tip bearers bear their fruit on older wood (2yr+) whilst tip bearers bear it on young wood.

With that it is time to leave you with the thought that spring is just around the corner, well after Burns Night, Valentines Day, Pancake Day, St David’s Day and so on. So it just leaves me to say “A Happy New Year to you all and live long and prosper”.