YOUR GARDEN: DO IT! Jobs for the week

TOUGH TASKS

-REPLACE old tatty lawns with new grass. Grow a new lawn from seed or turf. Remove all traces of the old lawn, fork in plenty of organic matter into the soil and rake level. Treat the area with fertiliser and you are ready to sow or lay the grass. Watering is essential in the early stages.

-FIX trellis supports onto walls to tie in the new growth of climbers and shrubs such as honeysuckle, clematis and roses.

-SOW runner and French beans in pots on the windowsill indoors ready for planting out after the late frosts.

-PLANT greenhouse tomatoes in growing bags... support with strings or canes. Remove side shoots while they are still small.

-CUT back weak and frost-damaged shoots on perennials and shrubs to encourage strong new growth. Avoid trimming plants that are yet to flower.

-LIFT and divide spring-flowering primulas and polyanthus.

BIT OF EFFORT

-TRIM topiary shrubs to regain their shape taking care not to cut into old wood that won't rejuvenate.

-KEEP eyes peeled for aphids that can be found feeding on young growth and especially buds. Wash away small infestations with soapy water or spray with a systemic insecticide to protect plants for longer. Do not spray plants that are flowering as visiting bees are killed by most insecticides.

-PINCH out the shoot tips on leggy fuchsias and bedding geraniums to encourage bushy plants.DEAD EASY

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