JOBS TO DO FOR THE WEEK
■ There’s lots of weeding to be done – it’s great to get annuals removed before they set seed, and to remove perennial weeds permanently.
■ Sow beetroot, broad beans and lettuce outdoors. Indoors you can sow aubergines, tomatoes and peppers.
■ Plant out sweet pea seedlings. They will need supports to climb up – you can make your own from birch twigs or with willow cuttings.
■ Decks, driveways and patios have suffered through the incessant moisture being dumped on them. They may be greening up or greying with moss, or dirty. Hire a power washer and hose them down. A stiff yard brush and elbow grease will work wonders too.
■ Keep winter bedding such as primulas, cyclamens and pansies looking good by regular deadheading. Or inject some spring colour. Garden centres are full of wonderful flowering plants such as polyanthus, Bellis perennis and erysimum, so you can celebrate spring by potting up colourful combinations in baskets or tubs.
■ Protect emerging apricot and peach blossom from frosts by covering with horticultural fleece. It’s also a good time to plant fruit trees – if you don’t have lots of space, remember there are plenty of dwarf varieties and fruit bushes that are available.
■ If you’ve got fish outside, it’s time to start feeding again!