ON THE VEG PATCH

PROTECT FRUIT

Cover fruit bushes with netting to protect from birds. Choose your moment and make sure the mesh size allows insects through to pollinate flowers. Take care not to pull off fruitlets as you move netting over and do take the time to mend any holes.

EARTH UP POTATOES

Pile earth up around stems when around 25cm (10in) tall. The more earth you pile around, the less chance there is of potatoes turning green with exposure to light. Try not to bury leaves, although losing one or two low ones won’t do much harm.

THIN CARROTS

Choose a dull damp day to thin carrots. This reduces the distance that the scent of crushed foliage will carry