Jobs to do

■ It’s getting busy, so, for starters, harden off half-hardy plants by leaving them outside during the day and bringing them back under cover at night before planting them outdoors.

■ Plant summer hangingbaskets, adding good-quality compost, slow-release fertilizer and water-retaining crystals. Protect them from any late frost by keeping them under cover

■ Harden off dahlias and tender exotics such as canna (pictured) for planting as soon as the risk of frost has passed.

■ Continue dividing herbaceous perennials and lift and split large hostas as they come into growth.

■ Trim back spreading plants such as aubrieta, alyssum and candytuft after they’ve flowered, to encourage fresh growth and more blooms.

■ Top-dress permanent pot plants to refresh the compost.