Jobs to do

■ Harden off half-hardy plants by leaving them outside during the day and bringing them back under cover at night before planting outdoors. And harden off dahlias and tender exotics.

■ Plant up summer hangingbaskets, adding good-quality compost, slow-release fertiliser and water-retaining crystals, to keep them in top condition. Protect them from late frost.

■ Continue dividing herbaceous perennials to improve vigour and create new plants.

■ Trim back spreading plants, such as candytuft, after they’ve flowered, to encourage fresh new growth and more blooms. ■ Take cuttings of tender perennials, such as fuchsia (pictured), argyranthemum and pelargonium.

■ Prune out overcrowded and dead stems of early-flowering clematis after flowering.