Daisy days
Ornamentals
Spring-flowering bushes such as felicia and marguerite daisies could well do with a light trim with shears. Expect them to return to peak flowering in about six weeks.
Feed roses with well-rotted manure and liquid fertiliser.
Spring bulbs will also appreciate a drink of liquid fertiliser after flowering to encourage them to perform the same or even better next year.
A hefty dose of compost around fuchsias will give them a boost and help the soil retain moisture as summer kicks in.
Plant out dahlias and canna lilies. Large-headed dahlias will usually need staking, so put them in now to avoid damage to roots. Most peonies, too, will need staking or some sort of support. Wire hoops are useful.
Hoeing around plants will remove weed seedlings but also break up the soil surface which can become baked hard in the heat. This aerates the soil and also can reduce the amount of water needed as the loose soil acts as a kind of mulch, reducing evaporation.
Aphids
Aphids are on the march. These early infestations are best removed by hand before they multiply too much, or flush them off with the hose. Homemade organic sprays can be effective – try garlic. Chop three large cloves and soak overnight in three cups of water. Sieve, add a squirt of dishwashing detergent and spray on affected plants. It may pay to test a small area for strength. Spray, then wait two days to check that it doesn’t burn the leaves. If it does, dilute it. Remember, too, that most pesticides – organic, homemade, chemical – may not only kill aphids, but also beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
Edibles
To get the best out of pumpkins, feed them with generous applications of compost and regular drinks of liquid fertiliser, which can be easily made by soaking the likes of horse manure, seaweed, nettles, comfrey in a large container of water for several weeks. Then drain off some and dilute to the colour of weak tea with water before applying.
Tamarillo trees and black passionfruit are also gross feeders, so apply liberal quantities of wellrotted manure and compost to them. Tamarillos will like also a potassium-rich fertiliser.
Sow peas in trenches threequarter filled with compost and soil. Not filling the trenches completely will mean water will drain into it, keeping the moisture-loving peas happy.
Sow carrots and beetroots. Sow broccoli and cauliflower in trays for planting out in January.
Plant brussels sprouts, celery and tomatoes.