The garden is quiet in January and February, but there are plenty of tasks to get on with. Some jobs are needed at this time of year while others, if carried out now, will help you for the gardening y

Lucy ponders some of the potentially exciting jobs for the fortnight ahead

Pick sprouting broccoli shoots before the tight buds open into bitter, bright-yellow flowers. The ones you want for harvesting grow as short shoots coming from the upright main stems. They tend to be

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE THIS MONTH WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE CHANGING SEASONS

Toby explains why starting early potatoes now gives you the best head start

Hardy herbs such as chives and thyme can be sown in a heated propagator now, but delay starting tender ones, like basil. Dig up and force small herb plants, moving them into a well lit, gently heated