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Fluctuating growth rates cause tomatoes to suddenly expand. This might happen after a period of drought followed by generous watering, or low temperatures followed by a sudden sunny spell. The split might then become infected, causing the tomatoes

, chaenomeles, pyracantha and kerriaRegularly water newly planted trees, roses, shrubs and hedging Finish planting out gladioli corms in groups or drifts in bordersSpread shredded bark mulches around established shrubs and trees to conserve soil moisture

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

Keep baskets and patio pots wateredSpray roses to protect them from pests and diseasesCut the foliage of daffodils and tulips down to the groundTrim box topiary and formal edging to keep it neat and tidyTake cuttings of non-flowering new shoots from

Hang old CDs among crops and from fruit trees to scare away birdsWater beans and sweet peas as they start to flowerGive extra water to ripening soft fruits such as raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries and currantsFeed tomatoes and crops

Compost your kitchen and garden wasteTop up the water level in garden ponds when it starts getting low in summer Push canes in around tall plants like gladioli and lilies and tie them to the stems for supportPlace eye protectors on the tops of all

Set up an automatic watering system to look after greenhouse crops, patio pots and baskets if you're going on holidayRaise mower cutting height to leave lawns longer if the weather is very dryTrim conifers and other garden hedgesTop up the water

Buy pansies and other winter bedding plug plants to grow on under coverDamp down the greenhouse floor every morning on hot daysWater plants in pots and growing bags every morning, and again at night if necessaryAdd liquid feed to at least one

Plant prepared hyacinth bulbs in special hyacinth vases (available at garden centres) or in pots of bulb fibreSow parsley in modular traysWater crops in growing bags and potsOpen vents each day, but close them at night if the weather turns cold

in plenty of lightWater dormant pots of cyclamen that were left to die down for the summer, and keep them in cool conditionsPlant freesia corms in potsCheck greenhouse heaters are in working orderBring pots of tender perennials and summer bulbs