Sunsun sun,hereit comes

It’s the prime growing season for many plants and vegetables – and also for weeds and bugs to thrive. So if you want to reap the rewards this summer, prepare to get stuck in!

The sun is starting to put in an appearance, the air is warmer and we’ve seen the last of the ground frosts, so it’s a great time to start sowing seeds and planting out bedding plants. You can plant out hardy annuals such as cornflowers, poppies and calendula, and also tender bedding plants like petunias and impatiens. If you have a greenhouse or a warm windowsill, you can also start sowing seeds for tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

On the veg patch

If you enjoy growing your own produce, beans, peas and courgettes can all be sown directly into the ground, while tomato and pepper plants can be transplanted into their final positions in the greenhouse or outside. You can also plant out your pumpkin and squash seedlings towards the end of May.

Pruning and trimming

May and June are ideal months to get your pruning and trimming done. Shrubs that flower in late summer or autumn can be pruned now, as well as evergreen hedges. Make sure to check if the shrub you are pruning flowers on old or new growth to ensure that you are pruning it correctly. This is also a good time to trim back overgrown shrubs or trees to help maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

Royal Flush

With Coronation excitement all around us, we’ve picked out a collection of plants with right royal titles

Queen Elizabeth rose

A tribute to our late monarch, this beautiful rose is a popular choice for UK gardens. It has large, fragrant blooms that range in colour from pink to red and requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that can survive harsh winters and is perfect for adding a regal touch to your garden.

Prince William clematis

Named after the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, the heir to the British throne, this fastgrowing vine produces large, bright purple flowers in the summer. It can reach up to three metres (10 feet) tall and is consequently a great choice for

Watering

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s important to make sure that your plants are getting enough water. In May and June it’s a good idea to water early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent the sun from evaporating the water too quickly. Be sure to water the soil and not the leaves of the plant to avoid fungal diseases.

Weeding and mulching

Weeding is a task that needs to be done regularly throughout the year, but at this time of year it is particularly important to get on top of it. Weeds can quickly take over and compete with your plants for nutrients and water.

Mulching is also essential during this time, as it helps to keep the soil moist and suppresses weed growth. You can use a range of organic materials such as compost, bark or grass clippings for mulching.

Pest control

With the warmer weather comes a greater risk of pests and diseases in your garden. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails, which can quickly damage your plants. You can use organic pest control methods such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings to help keep pests under control.

covering trellises, walls or fences in your garden, but it does require full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.

King Charles Coronation rose

Of course many plant breeders have been naming new varieties in honour of the main event and this is a truly spectacular rose to honour King Charles III. The pink double blooms with ruffled petals create a beautiful effect and it will flower all summer long. Vigorous, easy to grow and low maintenance.

King Edward potato

Finally, one for the vegetable growers. Named for King Edward VII, this is a popular choice for kitchen gardens and allotments. It is a versatile potato that can be used for baking, frying or boiling, and will add a touch of luxury to your meals with its creamy white flesh and distinctive pink skin. In the ground, it requires full sun and well-drained soil.

Afonwen Crafts

5th May, Weaving with Trevor Blackburn Trevor will be busy adding to his handwoven scarves and shawls, and is happy to stop and chat about this wonderful craft.