May 29 - June 21

Weeds aren't just unsightly nuisances in the garden

Weeds aren't just unsightly nuisances in the garden. They also compete with garden plants for water and nutrients in the soil. Obviously they should be pulled out of borders and beds, but clear them also from the bases of hedges and around shrubs and trees. In the same vein, lawn shrubs and trees should have a grass-free area around them, unless they are mature enough to fend for themselves. Rather than leaving the exposed soil to dry out, water it well and apply a mulch of grass cuttings, bark chippings, straw, garden compost etc.

In the vegetable garden, keep sowing small batches of salad crops every few weeks so there is a constant supply. Don't wait for all the plants to bulk out before eating them, instead enjoy handfuls of young leaves from selected plants.