- Temperatures may have dropped in the past couple of days, but it is best to be prepared for the next wave of warmth. Prioritise pots, newly planted shrubs and trees and thirsty vegetables, giving them an early-morning or evening watering, so the moisture can soak right to the roots. Raise the blades on your mower: a shaggy lawn is better than a brown and frazzled one.

- Give wall-trained wisterias, below, a haircut to keep them under control and encourage lots of flowers next year. Cut back the whippy sideshoots to 6in from the main framework of branches. Stems that have outgrown their space should also be shortened and suckers severed from the base of the plant. Remove any stems creeping around guttering and drainpipes, or underneath roof tiles.

- Stretch vibrating Humming Line between wooden stakes around your fruit and vegetables to deter the birds. Buy it from Suffolk Herbs (01376 572456, suffolkherbs.com).

READERS' QUESTIONS

How can I prevent clover patches from spreading out of control on my organic lawn?

D Stow, by e-mail

Clover is difficult to control in lawns, as it spreads by low-growing, creeping stems. It is best to regard it as adding organic value to the lawn: it stays lush and green while surrounding grasses turn brown during summer droughts, and the flowers attract pollinating bees and beneficial insects to the garden.

If you want to restrain clover, rake over the patches before mowing. This raises loose stems off the ground to be severed by the blades.

Why are my spring-sown broad beans covered in brown spots?

F Munro, Dorchester

Chocolate spot is a fungal disease that causes rounded dark brown spots to appear on the leaves, stems and pods of broad beans, especially in early summer. There is little that can be done now, although badly infected plants should be lifted and discarded. To avoid this disease in the future, always plant broad beans in a well-drained soil and ensure they are not overcrowded by giving them plenty of room to grow.

gardenexpert@sunday-times.co.uk

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