ORCHARD : Dew still on the grass this morning — a good sign the soil is holding moisture well. On a fruit day under a waning gibbous moon, cherry tree branches are worth a close look for early aphid colonies; a diluted soft-soap spray in the cooler morning hours keeps them in check without stressing the tree. Raspberry canes that have finished their first flush can be tied in to their supports, improving airflow as May humidity rises. Inspect the grapevine and pinch any lateral shoots crowding the main cordons to direct energy toward fruit development.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Courgette plants set out now will romp away in late-May warmth — plant at 80 cm in the row, rows 100 cm apart, into a pocket of well-rotted compost. Melon seedlings raised under cover can move to a sheltered, sunny bed at 80 cm in the row, rows 100 cm; in northern gardens, keep a cloche nearby for cool nights. Finish by picking any ripe strawberries before the day heats up — fruit gathered in the morning keeps its flavour longest.