GENERAL

Watering is likely to become a priority this month. It is certainly going to be important for containers, planters and hanging baskets. Newly planted bedding subjects and vegetables should also be observed and watered as necessary.

Pests and diseases are likely to become rife this month. Look carefully for possible organic solutions and where these are not available select multipurpose or combined pesticides to reduce the number of times it is necessary to spray.

The soil is now warm enough to introduce biological slug control with nematode worms.

Cut hedges regularly as required.

LAWN

Regular mowing is essential. If the weather turns hot and dry, raise the blades. Close cutting during hot weather can result in the grass scorching.

POND

Some marginal plants such as the brooklime, water mint and blue musk can be easily increased from stem cuttings.

Crowded aquatic irises can be lifted, divided and replanted immediately after flowering.

FLOWERS

Complete the planting of all bedding plants and bring out hanging baskets and planters.

Roses will start blooming this month. Large flowered hybrid tea or bush roses will benefit from being disbudded. This is the removal of the small buds which cluster around the main bud. Their removal ensures high quality individual blossoms.

Plant out dahlias, providing a strong stake for each plant.

Mid-season and late flowering chrysanthemums growing in pots should be brought out for the summer months.

Any spring flowering bulbs that require transplanting should be dug up once the foliage has faded, but before it has died off completely. Do not dry off the bulbs, but replant immediately.

Prune spring flowering shrubs that have finished blossoming during the early part of the month.

Sow wallflowers, polyanthus and forget-me-nots for next season's spring display.

VEGETABLES

Dry the foliage of herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage for winter use.

Plant outdoor tomatoes outside early in the month. Ensure that they have a richly organic soil and a sheltered position in the full sun.

Make the final sowing of peas and the first sowing of Chinese cabbage.

Plant out winter cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts and savoy cabbages.

Reduce the activities of blackfly by removing the growing points of broad beans.

FRUIT

The strawberry harvest is in full swing. Ensure that the plants are strawed around and securely netted to prevent the activities of birds.

Summer prune plums, cherries and peaches as well as trained apples and pears.

GREENHOUSE

Give pot plants such as Christmas azaleas a rest by placing them outside in a partially shaded place for the summer months. Keep well watered.

Cut poinsettias back to within a few cms of the base and re-pot. They will then produce good vigorous growth for Christmas flowering.

Remove any male flowers from cucumbers to prevent fertilization. Male flowers have no baby cucumber behind them. When fruit have set, pinch out lateral shoots two leaves past the embryo fruit.

Take great care with watering, "damping down", shading and ventilation.