Don’t neglect houseplants

Look after them whether indoors or outside, says Ruth

1

Plants are growing and flowering so keep them tidy and healthy, and blooming for as long as possible, by removing spent flowers and brown leaves. 2

Pests are a threat so check plants and remove colonies by hand or use a spray if infestations are bad. Standing a plant on a tray of damp gravel helps keep pests at bay.

Gradually accustom houseplants to summer outside by keeping them in the shade for a few days to acclimatise to stronger sunlight and varying temperatures. Move your sun-tolerant house plants outside for the summer where they can benefit from warmth and rainwater Feed, water and check for pests while plants are outside