London (change)
Today 26°C / 16°C
Tomorrow 21°C / 14°C

Job of the week

Improve your soil

Plants need good soil conditions if they are to give the best results. Improving the soil with plenty of organic matter in the form of compost helps drainage and aeration on heavy soils and conserves essential moisture on light ones.
Takes just 10 minutes per square metre

Flowers

  • Take root cuttings of oriental poppies
  • Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers
  • Move containers of shrubs or bedding to a sheltered spot

Fruit & veg

  • Dig over empty borders and pile manure on top
  • Lift and divide congested clumps of rhubarb
  • Cut down asparagus ferns and Jerusalem artichoke tops

Greenhouse

  • Clear out old tomato and cucumber cordons
  • Move potted bulbs into the greenhouse to develop
  • Water sparingly for as dry an atmosphere as possible

Around the garden

  • Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables
  • Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down
  • Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants