Annual growing tips
■ Sow annual rudbeckias in April in trays on a sunny windowsill.
■ Don’t cover the seeds with compost as they need light to germinate.
■ Prick out and pot on when they have two sets of leaves.
■ Harden off in late May before planting out into the garden.
■ Protect from slugs and snails when first planted.
■ Powdery mildew can be a problem in dry summers, so make sure they don’t dry out.