FRUIT AND VEG

Prepare herb beds for spring

Cut back the remaining winter stems of herbaceous herbs before this season’s foliage emerges. Clear them away to the compost heap and weed between plants with a trowel. Check under the foliage of evergreens like sage, lavender and thyme where weeds can lurk undetected.

Once your weeding has disturbed the ground, leave it to the birds to do the job of picking out grubs and slug eggs. After a few days vigorous herbs like fennel, parsley and lovage can be mulched with garden compost, but keep it