What to do this week

:: Cover peas with netting to protect the crop from birds.

:: Sow winter varieties of spinach in succession in August and September to provide crops from autumn to spring.

:: After fruiting, prune some of the oldest blackcurrant stems.

:: Check containers every day to see if they need watering.

:: Order spring-flowering bulbs to plant in the autumn.

:: Make sure leafy vegetables, fruiting crops and peas and beans are receiving sufficient water.

:: Shear off self-seeders such as alchemilla and cranesbill geranium after flowering to prevent unwanted seedlings and encourage new foliage.

:: Continue to mow lawns regularly, usually once a week.

:: After harvesting, dry onions and squashes in the sun before storing.

:: Earth up French beans to the bottom leaves and feed weekly with quarter strength liquid manure until the crop is finished.

ends