Dead head spring bulbs. Prune hydrangeas by cutting back old flowerheads to first pair of strong buds, and cut up to a third of oldest stems back to their base.
Cornus and Salix grown for winter colour can be cut back hard now. Apply general purpose fertiliser and mulch to beds and borders. Start putting supports in place for herbaceous perennials.
Sweet peas can be sown outdoor now. Encourage cannas and dahlias to grow indoors by potting them up and watering.
Cut back buddleja davidii to two or three pairs of healthy buds.
Mow lawns if the weather is mild enough and the grass shows signs of growth.
In late March apply a high nitrogen spring/summer lawn fertiliser. Start planting early potatoes.
Direct sow vegetables such as broad beans, carrots, lettuce, parsnips and peas when soil temperature reaches 5˚C.
Prune gooseberries, red and white currants by removing dead wood, then spur prune all side shoots back to 1-3 buds. Shorten branch tips by 1/4.
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