Winter is finally here, and with it comes icy windscreens and a big gas bill. But there is a way to reduce your utility costs if you have a chimney.  You can install a log fire in your house and burn old wood, heating your home for free.

Give your insects and birds a helping hand in the scorching weather. If you treat your bees to a refreshing drink then they will help you by pollinating your plants.

A good way to help the insects in your garden is to have a shallow pool of water with some small rocks inside  for them to sit on.

Image Source: ​@seed_ball

Annual or Perennial?
​When creating a herb garden or deciding which herbs to grow in containers, it's worth knowing whether your chosen herb is annual, biennial or perennial. Annual and biennial herbs such as Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Dill and Chervil are fast growing and may need to be sown at intervals throughout spring and summer to ensure you have a continuous fresh supply.

Perennial herbs such as Oregano, Mint, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary and Chives are slower growing and will require a more permanent home.

1.    
Very cold temperatures cause water inside plant cells to freeze. As the water expands cell walls are damaged and leaves look bruised and distorted. When soil freezes, roots are unable to take up water and plants die of drought. 
 
2.    
Check plants for life by gently scraping away the bark from ‘Beast-ravaged’ plants. If there’s green sap underneath they’re alive but if they’re brown the cold has killed them. 
 
3.    
Don’t rush to dig up plants that have jettisoned their leaves. Scorched evergreens, like bay, will bounce back by June/July while tender woody types such as Salvia ‘Hotlips’, Melianthus major and Tetrapanax ‘Rex’ often re-sprout from the base. When this happens, cut away frosted growth to a healthy new bud to prevent further dieback. 

Written by: Toby Buckland 
26 MARCH 2018 • 4:58PM
​Originally From The Telegraph: (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/problem-solving/12-top-tips-get-garden-back-track-beast) 

Before you buy any plants, check your soil type: is it light and sandy, or heavy and clay? Many plants thrive better in one type than the other. If you’re not sure, take a look at what plants are growing in your neighbour’s garden.

This top tip is sourced from The Telegraph.