If you haven't been keeping on top of weeding and the weather has been mild for periods, weeds will be getting bigger. Attack them now and regularly as the weather improves. Go out just after rain when the roots of weeds are easier to pull.

Rake or sweep the lawn to scatter worm casts.

Currant and gooseberry cuttings put in last autumn might need firming because of frost loosening.

Sow sprouts, early cabbage and a first sowing of leek.

Use some of the limed portion of your vegetable patch (see last week) to sow summer lettuce at fortnightly intervals. Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart then later to 6 inches and finally to 12 inches. Thinned seedlings can be replanted, they mature a little later than the others.

Sow parsnips on soil that has only received manure in the lower soil. On thinning, leave only one plant at each grouping. Sow onion seeds.