Sow hardy annuals and wild flower seeds in pots to provide colour in the garden. Sweet peas can be sown outside now. Prune penstemons and other slightly tender plants, divide herbaceous perennials. Put supports in place for perennials before they get too big. Protect fruit blossom from late frosts, tie in climbing and rambling roses. Feed shrubs and roses. Keep weeds under control.
Start feeding citrus plants, increase watering of houseplants. Sow seeds such as carrots, beetroot and peas directly outside, plant out potatoes, onions sets and garlic. Last chance to sow your aubergine, chillies and tomato seeds. Start your courgettes, squashes and cucumbers in pots and plant out when all risk of frost has passed.
Mow lawns whenever the grass is growing with an aim to maintain a constant height thoughout the year. If you have bulbs in the lawn, wait six weeks after flowering before you mow the area. Re edge lawns. Apply a spring lawn fertiliser. Sow new lawns or repair bare patches. Avoid removing caterpillars from plants if you can as they are a good food source for nesting birds, keep your bird feeders topped up. Leave out water and meat based dog or cat food (ideally chicken flavour) for hedgehogs.
Make a bee hotel for solitary bees such as mason bees.
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