How to establish your patch

CHOOSE a sheltered spot with plenty of sunlight and a fertile, weed-free soil.

● Improve the soil. Before planting your raised beds, mix some granular controlled-release fertiliser into the top few centimetres of soil to keep nutrition consistent during the growing season.

● Group plants together. For easy maintenance, grow cultivars with similar sun, water and drainage needs together. Place tall plants at the back of the bed so they don’t shade out shorter neighbours.

● Water steadily. Throughout the growing season, plants need constant moisture. Watering in the evening or installing a drip irrigation system is most effective.

● Keep cutting. Cutting stems regularly and removing faded blossoms encourages plants to keep blooming for longer.

● Apply a liquid feed. To give heavy blooming plants a boost – especially later in the season when they tend to slow down – apply a liquid fertiliser every fortnight.

● Plan a succession of flowers. When early-season annuals and bulbs are finished, pull them out, cultivate the soil a little, toss in a tablespoon of granular fertiliser and replant with later-blooming flowers such as zinnia or chrysanthemum.

● Pick early or late. For long-lasting blooms, pick flowers early in the morning or last thing at night. Use sharp scissors and place straight into a bucket of water. Before arranging, stand in a cool place for several hours to give them a long drink.