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of algae on the greenhouse glazing – it’ll help to provide some shade. And I’m happy that I made some late sowings of my favourite vegetables, which now stand a much better chance of putting on useful growth and thriving.In this hot, dry weather I’ve been

Chris Beardshaw sows bluebells under the shade of the deciduous trees at Berryfields, and discusses the benefits of growing bluebells from seed over planting bulbs.springMore about woodland flowersPlaces to see bluebells in the UKSnowdrops and where

evening and when I got out of the car the first thing I noticed was scent. A wild romantic perfume floating through the heavy warm air. Although the planting in my garden is predominantly herbaceous, I will always have room for the begetter

Until I became interested in gardening - embarrassingly, half a lifetime ago - I thought a spindle was just a mechanical thing. It made me think of Sleeping Beauty, who, under the curse of a wicked fairy, pricked her finger on the spindle of a

hot spells and provide shading. Promptly pick off any split tomatoes before they start to rot.tomatoessummer to autumnCommon problems affecting tomatoesTomato leaf mouldTomato blightTomato frost damageBlossom end rot

Increase greenhouse shading if temperatures inside are getting very hotTake cuttings from houseplants such as weeping figs and Christmas cactiDamp down the greenhouse floor every morningWater pots and growing bags dailyPlace potted tagetes near

Water tomatoes regularly to prevent fruit splitting and blossom end rot Feed tomato crops with a high-potash tomato fertiliser every weekBe on the lookout for aphids, vine weevils and other pestsVentilate daily and add extra shading if temperatures

Take cuttings from tender perennials and bedding plants, such as verbenaSow a few pots of hardy annuals to provide early spring blooms Shade delicate plants to avoid sun scorch on hot daysDeal with vine weevil by watering pots with a solution

Take root cuttings from Japanese anemones and oriental poppiesPot up prepared hyacinths into bowls for indoor displaysPot up rooted cuttings taken in summer and early autumnPlant paper-white narcissi in potsRemove shading paint and netting to let

hyacinthsPick remaining outdoor green tomatoes and lay out on staging to ripen Pay close attention to ventilation now, shutting vents on cool nightsWash off greenhouse shading paintWater dormant cyclamen houseplants to encourage them back into growth