Increase spring plant hydration

Greenhouse owners may be aware of the increasing temperatures in their glazed structure, which mean plants will need more water as they dry out quicker.

However, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has advised that outdoor plants need similar attention due to the dry winter having sapped much of the moisture from the ground.

It explained that much of the UKs ground water reserves have been depleted and that the frequent April showers will do little to replenish them.

As such, it is important to give new plants and seedbeds extra attention over the spring and summer months.

Those who have not got their desired specimens into the ground yet as they are waiting for the soil to dry out may wish to speed the process by a few weeks by lightly cultivating it, the organisation added.

Cloches, plastic and fleece coverings can also warm the ground and help seeds to germinate, which can be beneficial for those who have left planting to the last minute.

Meanwhile, the RHS is hosting a number of events this year, with the Malvern Spring Gardening Show set to take place from May 6th to 9th.