- Established autumn-fruiting raspberries such as ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘September’ need to be pruned. Using sharp secateurs, cut the old canes to just above ground level, then surround the remaining stumps with a mulch of organic matter. The old canes can be chopped up and put on the compost heap.

- Late winter is an ideal time to cut back unwanted growth from deciduous berberis shrubs such as Berberis thunbergii. Wear tough gloves to protect yourself from the sharp thorns.

- On a mild, dry day, start clearing, digging and forking over the ground in preparation for sowing a new lawn towards the end of this month.

- Tuberous begonias, above, for summer displays in pots and bedding schemes, can be potted up and kept in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. Plant each tuber in a 4in pot filled with moist potting compost – its hollow side should face upwards. Make sure the top is just below the surface of the compost. Do not plant them outside until the danger of frost has passed.

READERS' QUESTIONS

I don’t have much room. Can I grow chilli in pots?

Charlotte Dunstan, Bristol

Choose a suitable dwarf variety, such as ‘Apache’ or ‘Red Missile’ (www.simpsonsseeds.co.uk) and sow the seeds thinly now in trays filled with moist John Innes Seed compost – cover the seeeds with a thin layer of compost.

Place the tray in a heated propagator at 21C on a sunny windowsill or in a heated greenhouse and, once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transfer them individually into 3in pots. When the plants are 6in high (or have developed five pairs of leaves), move them into 8in-diameter containers. The fruits will appear in midsummer.

I have a bad back. Is there something that can help me with weeding my terrace?

K John, Hunstanton

Weeds such as dandelions, grass and moss, which seed in the gaps in the pointing between paving stones can be difficult to remove without bending or kneeling to use a special weeding tool.

Ferndale Lodge (0844 314 0043, www.ferndale-lodge.co.uk) has a long-handled patio weeding knife that is ideal if you have a bad back or just can’t be bothered to stoop. It has a 34in handle and a narrow U-shaped hooked blade to squeeze into tight gaps. It costs £8.50 (plus p&p).

gardenexpert@sunday-times.co.uk

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