Sow fast-growing annuals to replace the early season plants which may pass their best earlier than you want.

Plant out dahlias raised from cuttings, if they have been adequately hardened.

Continue to draw earth around potatoes planted during March and April, aiming to complete the job by the end of the month.

Apply a mulch to the shoulders of parsnips to prevent the flesh from shrinking and cracking.

Pull out tree seedlings before they become large and difficult.

Fill gaps in borders with summer bedding, waiting until the autumn to put in more permanent fixtures.

Bring out hanging baskets which have been in a sheltered spot and place them in their final position.

Apply and renew mulches in your borders to reduce water loss and suppress weeds.

Prune mature deciduous shrubs such as philadelphus, deutzia and weigela once the flowers have gone over. Remove dead or damaged growth, cutting to a stem joint or leaf.

Remove fading blooms from rhododendrons, camelias and azaleas, to encourage new shoots for next year's flowers.