Get out there and sow some veggies
flowered for the first time. Quite frankly the flowers are weird, they’re like ET’s fingers.
Without pruning these can become leggy so should be pruned back in spring. In winter a good warm mulch will help protect from frosts. Finally, the sunflower is a delight when those big yellow happy heads peep over the garden fence. Sow now in pots for transplanting outdoors in June into a good sunny spot. Watch for slugs and support larger varieties with canes – a weekly feed will ensure yours are the tallest in the district.
Any one of these beauties are sure to get the neighbours talking!
■ IN THE vegetable garden, if conditions are good, it’s outdoor sowing and planting time for loads of crops – leeks, peas, beetroot, radish, cauliflower, onions, carrots, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, artichoke, broad beans, Swiss chard and spinach.
■ START hardening off plants raised from seed and cuttings – gradually acclimatise them by leaving them outside somewhere sheltered during the daytime. This way they’ll be ready for their permanent home outdoors when fear of frost is gone.
■ SOW basil, coriander and parsley in the greenhouse or on a windowsill.
■ ENCOURAGE bushy growth on fuchsias by nipping out tips. ■ CLIMBERS are putting on a lot of growth so keep tying them in. If you tie the stems of climbing roses as horizontal as possible, this will encourage more flowers to emerge.
■ CLIP lawn edges with shears to keep edges manicured. Mow once weekly to keep it in good condition and weeds at bay.
■ KEEP on top of weeds by regular hoeing and mulching where possible.
■ CONGESTED spring-flowering bulbs can be lifted and divided after flowering. Allow the foliage to die back naturally and there is no need to tie up daffodil foliage.
■ CHECK for aphids on crops and ornamental plants and remove by hand.