UNDER COVER

Aubergines, peppers, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes and other warmth-loving summer vegetables will be busy producing lots of fruit to harvest.

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LOOK AFTER AND FEED SUMMER VEGETABLES

These hungry feeders need an extra boost to encourage bountiful crops. Make homemade comfrey and nettle feed, or use one of the organic seaweed-based liquid feeds, every two weeks.

Mulching the soil underneath with comfrey leaves or grass clippings will help to conserve moisture if the weather is very warm and sunny.

Keep side-shooting plants as necessary, using this opportunity to check the general well-being of the plants. Regular inspection means that any issue such as blight, insect damage or mildews will be spotted quickly and can be remedied.

Tie in climbing plants. Keep under cover spaces well ventilated and make sure that the plants are not becoming overcrowded. Pinch out any growing tips from plants, such as cucumbers, that are on a takeover bid of the growing space! This can cause issues such as rotting or mildews.

Keep harvesting to enjoy these gorgeous crops at the peak of perfection, and to encourage more fruit to ripen.

START OFF YOUR NEXT CARROT CROP IN POTS

Sow carrots under cover in pots for the wonderful sweet flavour of freshly pulled carrots later in the year. A large container about 30cm (12in) deep-filled with peat-free compost is ideal. Short-rooted varieties are ideal for shallower containers.

Scatter the seed thinly over the top and cover with 1cm (1/2in) of compost. Keep the compost moist.

If you have cats or other creatures that like to dig, cover the pot with some fine mesh. Thin the seedlings to 5cm (2in) apart when they are large enough to handle. You can use the thinnings to make carrottop pesto.