rants will benefit from a highnitrogen feed such as Sulphate of Ammonia. Apply 35g/sq. m (1¼ oz/sq. yd) as a top dressing to the soil surface and work into the soil well. Stake your perennials before it’s too late. You can use Link Stake supports. With these the mesh grid is simply lifted as the plants grow which is perfect for Delphiniums, Lupins and Penstemon. Alternatively, you could use twiggy sticks which allow plants to clamber through and often look more naturalistic in the border. Prune off the previous season’s flowered shoots from Hydrangeas and Winter Jasmine to stimulate strong productive growth. Pinch-out Fuchsia, Sweet Peas and Pelargoniums to help encourage bushiness and heavier flowering. Deadhead early flowering primulas as early as possible, as they tend to crossbreed very easily.
Sow direct in the ground Garden Peas, Broad Beans, Brassicas, Leeks, root veg, Spinach, Chicory, Swiss Chard, salad and hardy herbs. Start tender vegetables (Aubergines, Cucumbers, Peppers and Tomatoes). Light and warmth are essential with these protected crops so do watch the weather and make sure they can be given good frost protection. Pot them up as soon as they are large enough to handle into 4in (10cm) pots using Miracle-Gro Peat-Free Multi-Purpose Compost. Plant Jerusalem Artichokes, Rhubarb and Asparagus crowns in well prepared soil warmed by the spring sunshine. Tackle the weeds: if you eradicate them this month, some will give up, and you can take it easier in June. If you haven’t already done it, now is a good time to clean the glass in your greenhouse to make the most of the increasing light levels. Use Agralan Citrox Greenhouse Disinfectant for giving the greenhouse a full clean up, including the staging, tools, pots, seed trays and capillary matting. There is no need to remove plants when applying this disinfectant.
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