Stop this
Nurturing a fine crop of cordon tomatoes, particularly outdoors, is an annual challenge, so if you have three or four trusses (the set of mini-stems where flowers and then fruit grow) developing on a plant, now is the time to stop it putting its energy into making new ones and focus on growing the existing fruit. Do this by chopping off the top of the plant, above the topmost truss. Feed weekly with organic seaweed feed.
Visit this
If you need inspiration for drought-resistant planting, visit the annual flower show at Hyde Hall in Essex, for a chance to buy from more than 60 specialist nurseries, plus an intergalactic trail to keep children occupied.
Plant this
Bergamot is one useful plant. Use young leaves in cooking, or to make a herbal tea. Monarda didyma ‘Cranberry Lace’ is a scarlet-flowered cultivar, ideal for partial shade and moist soil, and bred to be resistant to mildew. Height and spread: 90cm x 45cm. Buy a one-litre potted ‘Cranberry Lace’ for £9.99 or two for £16.99 (plus £4.95 p&p per order). To order, call 0330 333 6790, quoting ref GU552, or go to our Readers’ Offers page. Dispatched in four to six weeks.
