Hoe borders to remove weed seedlings. Mow lawns regularly now, apply a weed, feed and moss treatment if not already done. Sow lawns or lay turf. Spray paths for weeds. Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as Choisya and Ribes after flowering. Check for nesting birds before trimming any hedges. Tie in climbing and rambling roses as near to horizontal as possible. Tie in shoots of clematis and sweet peas as they climb.
Trim back Alyssum, winter flowering heathers and Aubrieta after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Plant out summer bedding towards the end of the month, after all risk of frost have gone. Watch out for slug and snail damage.
Did you know that there are over 40 different types of slugs in the UK but only a few of them actually cause damage to our plants. Watch out for viburnum and lily beetle grubs. Keep earthing up potatoes, and plant any that are still remaining.
Put straw around strawberry plants, then net to protect fruit from hungry birds. French and runner beans, and sweetcorn, can be sown outside now. Start removing side shoots from the leaf axils of cordon tomatoes. Hang pheromone traps in apple trees to check for codling moths.
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