Gardening: Jobs to do

Flower power

If you love your flowers, gladioli, dahlias, and peonies are all available this month and can be planted as soon as the soil has dried out enough to be dug over.

Do some homework

There's always something new on the market, so next rainy Saturday spend some time researching new products so you'll be familiar with the latest fertilisers, pest control agents, soil enhancers and the like.

Water wisdom

It won't rain forever, so check out irrigation and watering systems to keep water wastage to a minimum, and be ready to install something before the dry weather starts.

Bounty from sea

Head for the beach and fill your boot with seaweed. With luck, the changeable spring weather will have tossed plenty on to the sand. Kelp is the best. Cut it up and use to mulch your vegetables. They love it.