Garden and greenhouse tips from the Guardian

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts have been given some horticultural advice from a national newspaper.

The Guardian said now is a good time to prepare the greenhouse for the colder months by getting it ready to protect fragile plants.

It should be thoroughly cleaned out, with bubble wrap insulation added to the windows to help keep heat in throughout the winter.

Those planning on growing sweet peas should also plant them now to ensure they are in full bloom in early spring.

The tough plants can grow through the winter and should be ready as the cold weather begins to dissipate, giving the garden an early lease of life.

Growers with mice problems can get around them by allowing the seeds to germinate on a wet piece of kitchen roll, the newspaper advised.

It follows last weeks advice that greenhouse owners reuse grow bags for winter salads during the festive period.