JOBS TO DO THIS WEEK

■ In the veg garden, if conditions are good in your area, it’s outdoor sowing and planting time for lots 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.

■ 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.

■ Clip lawn edges with shears to keep edges manicured and mow once weekly now to keep in good condition and weeds at bay.

■ Keep on top of weeds by regular hoeing and mulching where possible.

■ Congested spring bulbs can be lifted and divided after flowering. Allow the foliage to die back naturally.

■ Keep an eye out for aphids on crops and ornamental plants and remove by hand.