Gardeners' World presenter Joe Swift has advised gardeners to purchase two specific types of plants from nurseries now, but to hold off on planting them for another two weeks to avoid a potential cold snap.
Writing in The Times, Swift recommended buying tender annuals and herbs, including sweet peas, morning glory, Spanish flag, and black-eyed Susans. These climbers can grow up to three or four metres tall and flower throughout summer, making them ideal for borders lacking height.
For borders that need height, Swift suggested creating a wigwam from bamboo or hazel canes, pushing them into the soil and tying them at the top, then growing a climber or two over it.
Hardy annuals like cosmos, nicotiana, snapdragons, nigellas, and poached egg plants can be planted straight away, as can annual herbs like basil and coriander, and hardier herbs such as mint and chives. The RHS confirmed that fresh herbs are easy to grow and enhance meals.
The RHS advises growing herbs in full sunlight with well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. Seeds for coriander and dill should be sown fortnightly throughout spring and summer. Robust herbs like mint and sage need larger pots, while those with limited space can use a grow bag.
Gardeners can also sow trays in a greenhouse, conservatory, or on a sunny windowsill, ready for planting when soil temperatures rise. However, protection from birds, slugs, and snails may be needed for young seedlings.
