Pinch out the growing tips of basket and container plants to encourage them to produce bushy even growth and lots of flowers
Finish planting out summer bedding plants in borders, baskets and containers
Cut down early-flowering perennials. Early pruning often encourages a second flush of flowers late in the season
All potted plants need a daily check for watering. Add a full-strength liquid feed once a fortnight or a dilute one more regularly
Open greenhouse ventilators and doors every morning and close them again on cool evenings
Woody stemmed herbs such as sage and thyme produce lots of fresh healthy new shoots at this time of year, which will quickly root if taken as cuttings
Early potatoes will be ready to harvest soon. Check one plant first to assess the crop size. Leave them to develop if the potatoes are too small, and water the rows every week
Some trees and shrubs have a habit of producing unwanted shoots from their base. Cut them cleanly away with secateurs to prevent them sapping strength from the plant
Cut out plain green shoots growing on variegated shrubs to prevent them spoiling the shrub’s appearance
Keep up the battle against problem weeds, removing any flowering stems before they have a chance to set seed. Many can be removed by hand, digging deeply to get out every last piece of root or some chemical treatments can be effective
Protect new and established plants by mulching the soil between them with composted bark, cocoa shells or another ornamental mulch. This will look attractive, reduce annual weed growth and conserve soil moisture. Always mulch over moist ground, never on to bone-dry soil, so be sure to water well first
Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds and keep them topped up
Cut flowers for indoors, using sharp scissors or secateurs and place into water straight away to prevent wilting
