Mow grass regularly during this month to encourage good growth. Mowing is the best way to ensure you have a good lawn. Once a week is fine but for a really good lawn, twice a week. The reason for this is that the less grass that is taken off at each cut the healthier it will remain. It is also important to mow the grass in a different direction each time. If you mow in the same direction every time the grass begins to grow that way and the mower blades, especially on a cylinder mower, will not cut it as well. Don’t forget edging: trim the edges at the same time as the lawn is cut. It makes all the difference to the appearance of a garden if the edges are cut regularly and it’s less work doing it once a week as the trimmings are few and don’t have to be cleared up.

 

 

Hoe or hand-pull annual weeds while they are still small. Choose a dry day and leave the leaves on the surface to wither. Perennial weeds (things like dandelions and ground elder) are trickier to deal with. They have to be dug out effectively and removed completely; if any trace is left in the soil, be warned, they return!

 

 

Deadheading is a regular task in all parts of the garden as some flowers ‘go over.’ With many plants the flowering period can be extended if old flowers are removed as soon as they fade. This is particularly important with roses. It will prevent the plant’s energy going into seed production and channel it into new growth and flowers later in the season. Most deadheading can be done with secateurs, cutting back to just above strong buds lower down the stem.

 

Pests and diseases are now on the attack as the weather warms up. Wherever possible it’s best to use organic means of control. Good growing practices, not allowing plants to grow too closely together and feeding them to encourage strong growth are the best ways to reduce the need for chemicals.