It's all systems go in the flower and vegetable garden this month - and after the heavy May downpours, why is it that the weeds seem to grow even quicker than the plants we set? Most annual weeds can be kept under control with an occasional hoeing - once every fortnight if you can manage it, but take care not to damage emerging seedlings and young plants. Hoeing is also really useful because it allows you to aerate the soil, which in turn stimulates plant growth. A little effort here gives big rewards later in the season!

Salad Leaves
The ground may be wet in many areas at the beginning of the month, but the soil is warming up well, making it ideal for some sowings of fast growing salad leaves, most of which such as lettuce, rocket, spinach and a host of Oriental types, can be picked young as 'baby' leaves. They really are a treat in the summer salad bowl. Sow little and often (about every two weeks) if you can to maintain a regular supply of tasty, succulent leaves.

Herbs
The same applies to both chervil and coriander, both generally regarded as herbs, but both are just as good in a mixed leaf salad. If you have not already made a sowing of basil in pots in the greenhouse or cold frame, the seed can be sown direct in its cropping position in the garden throughout June. Choose the warmest, most sheltered spot for this wonderful herb and you will have masses of its aromatic leaves to mix with tomato dishes later in the summer. Alternatively, sow a few seeds in a patio pot and keep it close to the 'barbie' for future use!

Winter cropping greens
Brassicas such as savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and sprouting broccolis can all be planted out this month in their final positions. All are slow developers and need a long growing period if they are to thrive. Always set the young plants really firmly to prevent wind rock, and keep them well watered during dry spells until they become established. Young runner bean and courgette plants will also need plenty of moisture throughout their lives - it is difficult to give such thirsty plants too much! Once the courgettes start to form, keep picking them to encourage further production. We always manage to overlook one or two and they seem to turn into marrows in next to no time. Similarly with runner beans, the more you can pick, the more you will get. Remove any old beans from plants and discard them. If you find yourself with a surplus, the freeze superbly and will something to look forward to in autumn and winter.

Pests and Plant Food
Keep a look out for aphids (greenfly) on roses and spray either with a solution of soapy water or a proprietary preparation from garden centres at the first signs of infestation. Bedding plants and those growing in containers will now benefit from regular feeding with a good quality plant food. There are plenty to choose from at the garden centre, but never overdo the recommended dosage in the hope of producing bigger, better flowers because this will do more harm than good.