Weekly jobs

TAKE softwood cuttings. The tender new growth of many plants will root easily (e.g. fuchsia, hydrangea, lavender). Cut beneath a leaf node where there is a concentration of growth hormones, dip in some rooting powder and plant in a pot.

HOW’S your compost heap? Turn it over to air it and add some moisture if it is too dry.

WATER peas and beans – they are starting to flower so will be particularly thirsty as they form pods. Carrot seedlings will need thinning.

FRUIT in pots will need a high potash liquid feed and those in the ground will like a sprinkle of slowrelease fertiliser. Protect developing fruits from birds with netting.

HOT sunny days can cause overheating in the greenhouse – keep vents and windows open during the day and check plants daily for watering. Damp down on very hot days with a hose to increase humidity. LILIES will need staking now.

ORIENTAL poppies look amazing – briefly – but after their spectacular flowering, cut them back and you might just get another flush of flowers.

HARVEST salads and radishes. Then sow some more!