If you have grown tomatoes from seed, select the healthiest for planting. The best are those that are stocky, short jointed and have dark green leaves. Lanky stems and pale foliage show weakness. Plants can be brought on on a window sill or by placing under glass to harden off outside. Remember to feed and water. Use the directions on your tomato feed as a guide.

Check the leaves of blackcurrant for greenfly. The aphids cause blistering and curling of the leaves. Spray or keep under control by early removal of the affected leaves and burning them.

Put clean straw around strawberries to prevent mud splashing and discourage slugs.

Sow french and runner beans outdoors. With runners, sow 1 bean against each previously erected pole or support, in 2 rows 12 inches apart. Sow a few extra beans nearby to fill any gaps. Cover with 2 inches of soil.

French beans go in a 1 inch dep drill, spaced 9 inches apart and with 6 inches between rows.

Sow beetroot and thin previous sowings to 9 inches apart as for carrots.