Nothing is essential in the garden apart from enjoying yourself, granted things may not look manicured but have a cup of a refreshing herbal infusion and decide on your priorities.

The garden come alive with colour scents and …… creepy crawlies so for something new this month its time to impress and learn the latin for peach potato aphid which is myzus persicae which is one of the most common greenfly pests within the UK.

Roses will need some fertiliser to encourage growth and flowers. Water in if rain does not fall within a couple of weeks (Ha!) or hoe into the soil, taking care not to harm the roots.
Now that all danger of frost has passed, well it could happen, but unlikely, plant out your tender bedding. Harden off in a cold frame for a few days before planting out. Pots and trays of bedding plants can be placed on the patio during the day, but moved back under cover at night or if you do not have a patio anywhere you are not going to trip over them. A small fillip with some plant food prior to planting will set them off a treat.

For early perennials cut off the old flower stems before they start to set seed. This will tidy the appearance and may even encourage a second flush. Think about planting Chrysanthemums Dianthus Geraniums Eryngiums and annuals such as Impatiens (busy lizzie) Lobelia Calendula officinalis and Digitalis.
Feed plants in pots because any nutrients will probably have been used up by the growing plant or if you have been a little too free with the watering can, washed out.
Essential Job (I know I lied) sow your vegetables such as beans, carrots, cauliflowers, lettuce, peas etc or you won’t have any later.
Did I mention that those lawns will need regular mowing, up to two to three times per week during the summer and don’t forget to lower the cutting height unless you like the longer length. You can always use your clippings as a mulch to conserve moisture.
Biennial flowers such as evening primrose, foxglove, great mullein, honesty, sweet rocket, angelica, teasel and wallflower are all valuable for wildlife. Night-scented plants for moths such as evening primrose, sweet rocket, jasmine and honeysuckle. Deadwood and dry-stone walls are also beneficial for wildlife so that’s your excuse to justify it to friends and neighbours!
Lift and divide bulbs that have finished flowering, such as grape hyacinths, bluebells, fritillary, ramsons daffodil, crocus and tulips.
Don’t forget it is easy to grow plants from plug plants, there are already rooted, so give it a go and you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Next stop July and an article hopefully based on heatwaves and drought resistant plants (here’s hoping!!)

Happy hoeing!

Noddy.