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Take action to remove algae from paths if they start to become slippery. Gently remove snow from glasshouses and conservatories to prevent damage to the glass and allow good light penetration. Go through your shed and remove any old, out-of-date garden chemicals. If in doubt of how to dispose of them, your local authority tip should be able to help. You can check our list of chemicals removed from the market for up-to-date information.
Check and repair pergolas and arches if needed. Rub down and treat wooden garden furniture when dry. Only use paints and preservatives in a well-ventilated area. In dry spells, you can treat timber structures with wood preservative and stain. Only do this in a well-ventilated space, to reduce the risks to your lungs and eyes. Make sure you use appropriate products. Creosote, for example, is no longer legal.
Put design ideas for new garden projects on paper and cost them out. This month is your last opportunity to see the bare skeleton of your garden before all the perennials and new leaves emerge. Hard landscaping has less impact on plants when they are still dormant. But do take care not to compact your soil with machinery when it is wet. Garden contractors are likely to be less busy before March, and may therefore be available for major jobs such as paving, fence building and pond digging. Make a coldframe - you could save lots of money, as good cold frames are very expensive to buy.
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Advice on structures by month
Things to do in the garden this month
Flowers
Trees and shrubs
Lawns
Ponds
Structures
Greenhouse, conservatory and houseplants
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