1. Fruit, vegetables and herbs

Be ready to sow vegetable seeds of most kinds when conditions allow. Potatoes can be planted as soon as possible.

Onion sets can be put in now too. Tidy up herbs from last year. Feed all fruit trees. New fruit trees and bushes should be planted, and pruning completed.

2. Flowers

Gladiolus can be planted directly outdoors from now on. So too can lilies, which can also be potted up for summer flowers.

Although it is getting late, it is still possible to divide and plant perennial flowers. It is really too late to sow bedding flowers because they will flower late.

3. Lawns

Mowing should be regular from now on. Use lawn mosskiller if there is heavy moss growth as there has been generally.

Lawns look tired and could be given a high-nitrogen spring feed to boost growth, but not if the ground is still wet. Sow or over-sow lawn seed as soon as conditions allow.

4. Trees, shrubs and roses

Broad-leaved evergreens can be planted as the sap rises. A good watering at planting and two weeks later is usually all they need.

Bush roses and repeat-flowering climbers, if susceptible to blackspot disease, should be sprayed now. Apply high-potash fertiliser to rose bushes.

5. Greenhouse and house plants

Feed and water all greenhouse plants regularly. Sow seeds of tomatoes for greenhouse growing, without delay, also sweet peppers and chilli peppers, or wait to use purchased plants later.

Sow basil seeds indoors. Re-pot house plants that need it, using half-soil, half-compost.

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