Purge the pests

Early action is the key to tackling slugs, weevils and aphids before they munch their way through your vegetable patch, says

While the mild weather and heavy rainfall of late may be good for the garden, it also provides an ideal breeding ground for pests and diseases.

Rot and grey mould may attack strawberry beds, codling moths could invade apple and plum trees, while aphids, carrot fly and slugs and snails will be doing their utmost to munch through our precious crops.

So, who are the main culprits and what can we do about them?

Slugs and snails

These are the most persistent pests in wet weather, as they have a taste for tender edible crops, including lettuces and beans, while below ground they can burrow through potato tubers. Pick them off veg as you see them and be vigilant, particularly after rainfall. Alternatively, spread sharp grit around plants or at the edge of beds. If you have veg in pots, try wrapping copper tape around the top of the pot, which acts like a tiny electric fence.

Grey mould

The caterpillars of these small moths bore into apples and pears in summer, causing the fruits to ripen and drop early. Often you can see the small, brown, white-headed caterpillar at the core. To protect trees, set codling moth traps, which look like bright yellow or green tents, to which the insects are attracted, and then glued to the spot. Place a small amount of pheromone in the trap (this comes in the kit) to lure males in, and once they are out of the picture, females will remain infertile.

Vine weevil

These beetles can prove devastating to plants, particularly those in pots,