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Gardeners have been told four key jobs in January could reap rewards in the months ahead. With Mother's Day coming up in March, this month is the perfect opportunity to get your garden making all-natural presents for loved ones later in the year. Because whilst everyone appreciates being bought a gift, there's nothing quite like being given something that someone has made themselves.

With that in mind Josh Novell, gardening expert and Director of Polhill Garden Centre, shared a number of simple jobs you can start doing in the next seven days to get your plot producing free treats in time for March 15. Herbs are welcome gift for anyone who enjoys cooking up a storm in their spare time, and now is a great time to plant them, he says.

Mr Novell said they're a "thoughtful gift that keeps on giving and there's something special about giving someone a plant they'll cook with each day".

"Parsley, chives and basil can all be started indoors in January on a sunny windowsill," he added. "They're easy to grow from seed and very forgiving, which makes them perfect if you're new to gardening."

If they're kept in the right conditions, they can be potted up and given as presents by March, though the speed of growth may vary depending on the herb.

They're just one of various "living gifts" you can get a head start on now, the gardening expert says. Sweet peas are another option, and can do well when planted in January.

He recommends that they're kept somewhere bright and frost-free for the best results. "Starting the sowing now means you end up with stronger plants that flower better and last longer when they do bloom," he explained.

The plant lover advises starting them in individual pots or deep root trainers, to help prevent disturbance later on.

"By the time Mother's Day arrives, you'll have healthy young plants that feel substantial and cared for," he said.

You can also get a headstart on sowing hardy annual flowers like calendula, nigella and cornflowers under cover.

"These are the kinds of plants that cope well with cooler conditions," Mr Novell explained. "By sowing them now, you give them a head start so they're ready to grow as soon as the light levels increase."

He explained that one's that are sown ahead of time "don't get that soft, leggy growth you sometimes see with late sowings", adding that they're "tougher, more resilient and better suited to life outdoors".

Flowers that come into their own in summer can also be great gift, even if they're not in full bloom by March 15.

"Dahlias are a good example. Starting them in pots now won't give you flowers by Mother's Day, but it does give them a nice strong foundation that sets them up for the months ahead," Mr Novell said.

"By the time Mother's Day rolls around, they'll be showing sturdy stems and healthy leaves above the soil."

"That's often more meaningful than cut flowers as it shows thought and time that's gone into the gift and gives your mum something she can nurture and enjoy as it grows and blooms through spring and into summer."