It's time to start your spring gardening

The cold winter has dragged on and left us gardeners in a tizzy. But early spring is the most exciting time to be a gardener. Here are the best jobs to be getting on with now: 1. Tie your trees. Conifers that have been splayed by the snow can be pulled back into shape by wrapping them in black, 1in nylon netting. This will support the branches and let new growth through. It is almost invisible and will last for years. 2. Don't be panicked into sowing seeds outdoors. Wait until the soil is warm, when they will have a good start. 3. Plant primulas, polyanthus, pansies, pots of dwarf irises and miniature daffs – they are all hardy enough to be outdoors now. But be sure to keep them moist and shelter them from drying winds. 4. Garden centres want you to buy summer bedding plants as soon as possible, but a late frost could kill them. Wait – to give your plants a better chance. 5. There's still time to plant shrubs and perennials, but give them a good soak beforehand. 6. If you have not thought about cutting your lawn, best do so now. Put the mower on a high cut for the first few gos, gradually lowering the height as the grass grows more vigorously. Think about a spring feed if it is looking peaky. 7. If you get on top of weeds now, while the beds are still empty, you will be ahead for the rest of the year. Bear in mind that I am in the Midlands. Gardens in the south will be a couple of weeks ahead and those in the north a few weeks behind.