If you have not limed the soil around your roses for two or three years you can do it now. Use 200gms to a square metre and leave it on the surface of the soil for the rain to soak it in.

Clumps of perennials which need dividing and replanting can be lifted from now until August. New growth comes away much quicker than it does if the divisions are done in autumn. 

When a large clump is lifted place, two forks back to back in the centre and lever them outwards. 

Repeat the process until pieces from the outside of the old clump are reduced to a smaller size. This is much less drastic than chopping the clumps with a spade. 

Plant brussel sprout seedlings into a well-manured bed at spacings of 60-75cms between each plant.

The tight rosettes encrusted on the thick stems should be ready to harvest in about four to five months. When picking remove them with a downward and sideways action.

Another cold climate vegetable, which is also a member of the cabbage family, is kohlrabi. The part that is eaten is the swollen, turnip-like root.

Feed well to encourage fast growth and harvest when the roots are about the size of tennis balls.

Late June and July are the usual times for starting tuberous begonias. 

Sprout the tubers in a tray of soil to put into pots later. In the pots use charcoal to drain then a layer of broken pieces of old cow manure.  

Place two stakes, one on each side of the pot, then fill the pot to within 30mm of the top using a premium potting mix.

The sprouted tuber is placed on top of the soil and pressed lightly into it. Water from underneath by standing the pot in a tray of water for a few minutes. Let drain, then place the pot in a warm, sheltered spot.  

Light is essential for strong, healthy growth and the stakes are necessary to support the growth of lovely flowers.

Begonias for hanging baskets may be started the same way and then transplanted into the basket later. 

Winter is prime pruning season for fruit trees like peaches, plums, apples and pears.  Don’t prune apricots in winter - they are pruned immediately after fruiting in autumn.