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to the seeds.AdamFlea beetle can be a problem in summer, nibbling holes in rocket leaves. The best defence is to cover the row with a length of horticultural fleece or a fleece-covered mini tunnel.Advice on growing salad cropsRead Pippa Greenwood's blog

The culprit is the flea beetle, which, like its namesake, jumps away when disturbed. The small, shiny, black, brown or blue beetles emerge in April and May, after winter hibernation, ready to start feeding. Eggs laid near host plants hatch in late-summer. The beetles feed for a f...

Grow rocket from seedWith its deliciously spicy and peppery flavour, rocket is a popular addition to most salads. It's a pricey buy in supermarkets, but the good news is it is really easy to grow your own - no matter how little space you have

Video advice on growing salad leaves from seedHow to plant out lettucesHow to deal with lettuce grey mouldGrowing quick salads in gutteringHow to sow seeds indoorsHow to grow rocket from seed

Grow early-maturing potatoes in a bag of compostFork compost into beds to prepare soil for plantingChit potatoes by standing them in trays in a warm bright position until they develop small shootsDig out problem weeds and emerging annual weeds

Sow peas in lengths of guttering under cover, so you can plant out seedlings in an instant rowPlant out onion sets in rows, spacing them about 10-15cm apartCarefully dig away grass or plants growing close to the stems of fruit trees to reduce

in growing bagsHarvest early potatoes, carrots and salad cropsPrune the sideshoots of gooseberry bushes back to just five leavesCut out congested raspberry canes at soil level, or those popping up in pathsFeed all crops with a liquid fertiliserSow seeds

from rhubarb plants and let them grow uncoveredSow seeds of the following crops outside or under cloches: carrots, beetroot, broad beans, salad onions, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, leeks, lettuce, rocket, coriander, mixed salad

new canes about 15cm apartUse soapy sprays at the first signs of greenfly and blackflyThin out congested fruits on apples and plums - the remaining fruits will grow far larger if competition is reducedSow seeds now: lettuce, rocket, beetroot, dwarf

.Having an extra source of fresh greenery to hand is particularly useful at this time of year, when there is less available to harvest in the garden. And cress will grow considerably faster than rocket at this time of year!