Young plants in peat-based compost may have depleted the nutrients by now and regular liquid feeding is essential. Alternatively, you can add controlled-release fertilizer to pots and baskets when planting to provide food all summer.

Spring Bedding. As the old bellis, wallflowers and polyanthus are being removed from the beds, it is time to think about sowing new plants for next year. The best plants are grown from seed sown in May.

Winter Heather. You must cut back winter-flowering heather in the next few weeks or they will not have time to make new growth for flowers next year and will have to be left alone.

Hedges. Clip hedges such as privet and lonicera (honeysuckle) to keep them tidy.

Dahlias. Young dahlia plants can be put in frames now to harden them off, and get them used to outside conditions, but remember that they are very sensitive to frost and frames may need covering with carpet or sacking during cold spells.

Sweetpeas. Protect plants from slugs using your favourite slug killer. Remember to remove the tendrils from cordon-grown plants as they appear.