gardening

Now is the time to dead head daffodil and tulip flowers, about one inch down the stem from the flower head. Resist the temptation to tie up the leaves – allow them to turn yellow – that way the goodness travels down to feed the bulb for next year. 

ᴥ Carry on removing weeds and moss from borders, paths and patios. Little and often is the best course of action. It’s a good idea to use a proprietary systemic weedkiller on patios and paths but do be aware that it will kill any plant it comes into contact with so use with caution! Spray the foliage on a dry day and you should see the weed wither within a day or so. Dandelions are a terrible problem at this time of year. If you can’t weedkill them at least chop their heads off to prevent them from flowering and setting seed all over the garden.
ᴥ The best time to water plants is in the evening once the sun has set and the day has cooled. In these times of hosepipe bans remember only to use a watering can.
ᴥ Continue to spray roses regularly with a systemic black spot and mildew preventative treatment even if they show no signs of trouble. Prevention is much easier than cure.
ᴥ Stake delphiniums, lupins and other tall perennials before they collapse. You can either use good old fashioned garden canes, staked around the plants with garden twine