Spring

Don't be tempted to buy your summer bedding yet, unless you have a greenhouse, conservatory or cold frame that you can store them in. A late April / early May frost is not uncommon in the UK.

Tidy up any remaining leaves and general garden rubbish. It's home to slugs, snails, vine weevil and woodlice and can introduce disease and infection into your garden. Put out feeders for birds, not forgetting fresh water. Encouraging birds into the garden will help reduce the number of insects and slugs.

After a frost try to stay off the grass. Treading on the lawn in frosty conditions can damage the grass. Re-firm the roots of any shrubs that may have been lifted by frost.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Cover shrubs that are likely to be damaged by frost with garden fleece, sacking or an old light blanket. Listen to the weather forecasts, if frost is due cover sensitive plants with sacking or netting.

Plant or move roses. They like plenty of sun and a clay soil. Leave 60cm (24in) between plants to allow air circulation, which will reduce the chance of infection.

Source: www.ukgardening.co.uk