For householders with exposed wooden floors in living rooms, February is a good time to tackle any draughts coming through from underneath.

There are many ways to fill the gaps between boards, including using thin strips of wood or sawdust mixed with glue.

But the best way is to take up the boards and insulate underneath – a much easier job if you have a cellar, which provides access.

If you’re unsure what’s underneath the floorboards, try lifting a couple to see how easy the job will be.

If it has the potential to become a time-consuming, complicated task, then it would be advisable to call in the experts.

In the garden, deadhead pansies, primulas and other plants to keep them looking tidy and prevent them from setting seed, and ensure tender pelargoniums and fuccsias are kept at above about 4c in the greenhouse.

Take advantage of any mild spell to plant bare-rooted roses.

Now is also a good time to clean out unwanted rubbish and debris from the garden shed, repair fencing, check rabbit-proof wire and wash out and store pots and seed trays ready for the spring.

Add in some general household diinfectant, then rinse in clean water.

If there are any heavy falls of snow or ice, knock it off trees and shrubs to prevent its weight from breaking the branches.

Keep using floating pond heaters – or a football – to stop ice forming over the entire surface of ponds.