VEGETABLE PATCH : Root day energy — underground crops take centre stage. Thin carrot rows to 5 cm between plants, rows 25 cm apart; the thinnings are sweet and worth eating fresh. Fennel transplants can go out at 25 cm in the row, rows 40 cm apart — work a little compost into each hole to help roots anchor quickly. Onion sets in loose soil benefit from a gentle firming around the base today.
ORCHARD : Check the base of fig trees and lemon trees — a 5 cm mulch layer spread to the drip line (clear of the trunk) will help retain moisture through the coming summer heat. Raspberry canes that have finished fruiting can be cut to the ground; leave the new green growth that will carry next year’s crop.
LANDSCAPING : Lavender in heavy or clay soils deserves a quick check — waterlogged roots in summer are the main cause of sudden die-back. Spread a thin layer of compost around the base of hedges to support steady growth through the warmest weeks ahead.