Prune shrubs – many shrubs will benefit from a trim this month to keep them tidy and encourage new growth. Shorten the shoots of cape fuchsia, cutting back strong side-shoots, shaping the plant and relieving congestion
Hard prune fast-growing shrubs that flower on new wood. Many dogwoods and willows, grown as clumps and valued for their colourful winter stems, should also be cut back hard now, right down to a stubby base about 12 inches from the ground
A little attention to spring-flowering pots will ensure they look their best right through until May. Pick off dead flower-heads from primulas and winter-flowering pansies to encourage plants to develop further flowers. Also pick off the faded heads from spring bulbs, such as daffodils, but leave their foliage intact
Continue forking over the soil between shrubs, teasing compost into the surface. Prepare areas where summer bedding will be planted out in late May
Many summer-flowering bulbs can be planted in March and April. In mild area, dahlia tubers can be planted outside, covered with about 4 inches of soil In colder regions, delay planting until later in April
Mark any congested clumps of spring bulbs that have flowered poorly with a label to remind you to lift and divide them later in the year
Spread a thick layer of compost or well-rotted manure as a mulch around established shrubs and along the base of hedges to help conserve moisture in the soil and keep down annual weed
Sow tomato plants in a warm place for growing in unheated green houses or planting outside in early June. Also sow aubergines, capsicum, celeriac, peppers and celery. Cucumbers and melons can be sown in late April
Plant up hanging baskets with fuchsias and tender perennials, then hang them in the greenhouse to develop
Continue planting begonia tubers in pots in the greenhouse. Always ensure the slightly concave surface of the begonia tuber is uppermost, and just cover with compost
Start spot treating lawns to get rid of any perennial weeds or moss. Hoe during dry weather to prevent weed seedlings establishing
Watch out for slugs and snails. Trap them under tiles or grapefruit skins and dispose of them daily. Sprinkling a layer of sand, grit or crushed eggshells around plants may help. Alternatively, sparingly scatter slug pellets around plants most at risk. Never leave pellets in piles. Cover pellets with a tile resting on pebbles to keep them out of sight of birds and animals
