Job of the week

Plant out summer bedding

Summer is almost here, but before you rush into the greenhouse to bring out your summer bedding plants, make sure the threat of frost is completely passed. For a successful display, take it slowly and acclimatise plants in the garden before you leave them out.
Takes just 30 minutes a day

Flowers

  • Plant out dahlias into well-prepared soil
  • Regularly tie tall stems of delphiniums to supports
  • Clip box hedging and topiary to keep it neat

Fruit & veg

  • Sow a few seeds of salad leaves every 2-3 weeks
  • Plant out crops being raised in pots under glass
  • Cover soft fruits with netting to prevent birds eating them

Greenhouse

  • Take cuttings from pelargoniums and fuchsias
  • Repot rooted cuttings into containers a size larger
  • Check plants regularly for signs of pests

Around the garden

  • Feed fast-growing plants with fertiliser
  • Thin out congested pond plants
  • Hand flower beds to prevent weeds establishing