1. Hoe borders regularly

Hoeing will help to keep your borders weed-free (hopefully!) and is best done during warm sunny periods rather than struggling in damp conditions. Apart from wet weather being unpleasant to work in, the weeds will reach down and re-root in moist conditions instead of dying on the top in more arid weather. Hoeing borders also gives you the perfect chance to mix some fertiliser into the soil improving its richness and quality for the plants.

2. Be water-wise

Summer is the most likely period for hose-pipe bans to be enforced and so it is wise to save as much household water as possible so that the garden gets equal measure of hydration in hotter periods. Saving rainwater for irrigation can be very efficient as water butts are inexpensive and easily installed underneath drainpipes!

3. Pinch out sideshoots on tomatoes

Tomato plants often spring sideshoots during growth; the plants can grow sideways and hinder the tomatoes above the shoot so are best nipped off between fingers once they are an inch or two long. Many sideshoots if left untouched, would go on to grow a whole new system of leaves and trusses which will put pressure on the plant and likely provide a poor crop.

4. Harvest lettuces and potatoes or other early salads

Lettuces will be ready for harvesting once the heads are firm, although they will split if they are left to become over mature. Cutting just underneath the head to leave some basal leaves may produce smaller lateral heads in good conditions. Potatoes are best harvested after the top soil had dried but before any heavy freezes. They are best used soon after harvest as they will become shrunken and potatoes are best stored in cool dark conditions.

5. Position hanging baskets and containers outside

Hanging baskets typically need protection from frost until the end of May but will largely thrive in sunny area or art sunshine and part shade. Hanging baskets will need to stay moist but not soggy and use liquid fertiliser once a week.

6. Mow lawns weekly

Mowing lawns is typically done between March and October; an occasional cut during a mild spell is ok during winter but lawns are largely better cut regularly throughout the summer to encourage regular and healthy growth. Weekly mowing will also allow you to spot any drier patches or faling lawn areas as well as keeping it all maintained properly.

7. Plant out summer bedding

June climes are ideal for planting out summer bedding, however attention must be paid to getting well-prepared soil with efficient drainage to stop any bulbs rotting. Geraniums, oriental poppies, delphiniums and marigolds always make beautiful displays.

8. Stake tall or floppy plants

Floppy plants will need support if they are top heavy, so take strong stakes which are free of splinters and fit the size of the plant with a an extra foot of length to be sunk into the ground. Drive the stake into the ground and then make a figure of 8 around the plant and stake with some nylon or something soft such as netting and tie at the back of the stake.

9. Prune spring-flowering shrubs

Spring-flowering shrubs are best cut in June or July at the latest or once the blooms begin to die. Prune shrubs back to just above the green stems growing from below and cut them just after flowering to create a good shape for the following year; overpruning will not harm the shrubs.

10. Shade greenhouses to keep plants cool

Shading greenhouses in the warm summer months is crucial, and can be done with shadenet or aluminium shading to name just 2 of the many options. Green shading netting is the most popular as it has strong adhesive pads to stick to the insides of the glass panes and are relatively inexpensive too.