If you did not get around to planting out bedding plants last autumn, or putting a few plants in containers, it is still possible. Many garden centres sell spring bedding in flower in pots, and even a few plants can brighten a container or the front of a flower bed.

Non-woody perennial flowers can be lifted, divided and replanted during dry weather. Many plants move very well as they begin to come out of winter dormancy. Discard the older, tired part of the plants and use only the more vigorous younger parts from the outside of the clump.

If you wish to raise your own bedding plants from seed, some kinds — such as bedding geraniums and bedding begonias — need to be started off early in a heated propagator and good light.