JUNE CLIPPINGS

REMOVE SIDE SHOOTS FROM TOMATOES

trained as cordons on single stems; they develop in the angle between a leaf and the main stem and can be rooted as cuttings for more plants. Bush-shaped tomatoes will not require side-shooting.

SOW THE TINY SEEDS OF FOXGLOVE

thinly and evenly across moist compost in a tray. Don’t cover with compost but press lightly, place a ventilated propagator lid over the top and position out of full sun. Transfer seedlings to seed trays or pots and plant out when ready.

TIE IN SWEET PEA PLANTS

as, although they have tendrils, they are poor climbers and apt to splay, resulting in tangled flower stems.

PRUNE AWAY SUCKERS FROM PLANTS

in the cherry and plum family. These grow from the rootstock low on the trunk and weaken the plant. Cuts should not be made in autumn or winter, as cuts are then susceptible to entry by the spores of fungal silver-leaf disease.

CUT BACK THE DEAD FLOWER STEMS

and old foliage of pulmonarias. After a feed and mulch, new ground covering leaves will grow.

LOOK AFTER STRAWBERRIES

by placing straw or mats under the fruits to raise them off the soil. Once the flowers have all set, cover the crop in mesh to keep off birds and squirrels. Think about starting a new strawberry bed if the plants are over four years old and beginning to look tired. Root plantlets from healthy plants or buy in new stock and set them in fresh soil.