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1. Lawns
Lawns showed an amazing greening up with the arrival of a few warm days that triggered a release of natural nitrogen.
Lawns generally do not need any feeding. Weekly mowing will be necessary from now until the end of June and perhaps after that if the weather is wet.
2. Trees, shrubs and roses
Recently planted trees, shrubs and hedges need to be checked for water shortage and will need to be watered during dry spells that last for more than five days.
Watch roses for greenflies and continue to spray against blackspot disease if you have susceptible varieties.
3. Flowers
It is too early to plant out bedding plants in all but the mildest gardens, close to the south coast. Tidy up flower beds now before the weeds get much bigger. Bedding plants should be grown on by adequate watering and liquid feeding. Gladioli and dahlias can be planted.
4. Fruit, vegetables and herbs
Apple and pear trees can be sprayed against scab diseases unless they are resistant varieties.
Check for greenflies but do not spray when the blossoms are open in case of damaging pollination of bees and other insects.
Although it is late, potatoes and onion sets can be planted.
5. Greenhouse
All greenhouse plants should be well watered and liquid fed.
Sweet corn, courgette seed and runner beans could be sown for planting out at the end of May.
Watch for greenflies and red spider mites. It is too late to sow tender bedding but hardy annuals can be sown in cell trays.
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