In the tropics

Check the condition of established trees and arrange for the removal of any problem branches before cyclone season, making sure you adhere to local council pruning laws

Prepare holes for wet season tree planting by clearing grass and weeds, and digging in compost or manure

Inspect garden ponds daily and use a net to lift strings of cane toad eggs (never touch with bare hands) and leave them to dry in the sun

Collect and sow pawpaw seeds, remembering you’ll need several plants to guarantee successful pollination

Fertilise potted lotus and waterlilies by pushing a fertiliser tablet or a tea bag filled with chicken manure pellets into the side of the pot

Plant new bananas, making sure you adhere to local regulations

Pick up fallen mango fruit every few days and bag, solarise and bin any that are affected by pests or diseases

Enjoy the spectacular flowering display from poinciana trees and, if you have plenty of space, consider planting one in your own garden

Pick any remaining mulberries, then prune the trees and use some of the prunings to propagate more trees

Sow peanuts into bare spots in the vegie patch, where they’ll maintain a soil-enriching groundcover right through the wet season