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.AdamTo help rooting, use a soil mix of three parts compost to one part sand.More advice on growing fruitGrow early strawberriesProtecting strawberriesTackle grey mould on soft fruitsMonty Don's favourite fruit varieties

Growing your own brings a host of benefits, like better freshness and saving money. One of the most important to me, is being able to choose specific crops that have the very best flavour.I think, what's the point in buying supermarket produce

.A thick layer of grey mould develops on soft fruits.The fungus survives on plant debris, so to reduce the risk of infection keep the soil clear around your soft fruit canes, and remove any damaged fruits.raspberries, strawberries, blackberries

. Keep them well watered and ventilate the greenhouse on hot days.As strawberries develop, cut off any long runners that grow as these will divert energy from the crop.Check pot-grown plants carefully as the fruit develops for signs of slug damage. And it

Both the 1cm-long black adults and 1cm-long plump, white, legless, brown-headed larvae are a problem. The latter hide in the soil, and feed on roots (severing them) and bore into tubers from autumn to spring. Container plants are most at risk. The adults have six legs and a pair ...

pollinating insects.Water well to settle the compost and encourage the roots to grow. Start feeding once flowering has finished.AdamMix water-retaining gel and slow-release feed granules into the compost before planting.Don't plant strawberry plants too deep

for your pot as they have been known to climb walls.More advice on growing strawberriesLearn how to raise new strawberry plants.Follow our step-by-step guide to growing early strawberries.Protecting strawberries from pests and soil splashes.Plant up a

.Raspberry 'Malling Jewel'Strong growing, good flavoured and high yielding. The strings of currants usually ripen in mid-July and are a glossy red.Redcurrant 'Laxton's Number One'A cross between modern and wild strawberries, it has the advantage of fruiting from July