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bumblebees. With an ample supply of fruit blossom around, there is plenty of nectar and pollen for them to enjoy, and all are welcome.One good thing about growing a single 'Victoria' plum tree is that it’s self-fertile. Unlike many varieties of fruit, like

.Place a label in each pot if you are growing different varieties. If you are just growing one type, keep the pots in one labelled tray.Soak each pot well and let the water drain through. Then move the seedlings to a warm, sunny windowsill to maintain a

.Cover with fleeceGrow carrots in narrow beds surrounded with 60cm-high barriers of polythene, or fine-meshed netting – this is another good way to stop the female flies finding your crop.Make fly barriersGrow carrots alongside strong-smelling companion plants

to strike. I always try to sow my seeds fairly thinly and keep the seedlings in a very well lit spot. If you grow your seedlings in the house on a windowsill, they are likely to get a bit drawn. You can provide them with extra light by putting a sheet

of the brassica family, which is apparent in the flowers. It grows best near water, hence its presence by my ditch.As folklore has it, this plant is sacred to the fairies and is therefore unlucky if brought indoors. I have no idea what terrible revenge the fairies

, germinating at different times.Many gardeners grow honesty for their seed pods, but it's the flowers that do it for me. I didn't know my plants were white when I took the seed, but the discovery was a happy surprise. I think I prefer the white blooms

or modular trays. Once the risk of frost has passed (usually around the end of May) they will be ready to plant out. Use them to fill gaps in summer borders or grow larger quantities in rows on the allotment or veg plot. And don't forget to stagger sowings