Another good week for growing, the weather has been performing well with reasonable amounts of sunshine mixed with regular showers to keep the garden plants growing well.

• This week is the earliest I would risk putting bedding plants and half-hardy annuals outside as from now on. It may be worth waiting another week or two if you can, continue to harden the plants off in a cold frame. The problem most years (possibly not this year although we still have a hosepipe ban) with summer bedding especially in containers is getting enough water to keep them going. The trick is to store the rainwater when you have the chance. The use of a water butt can save you money on your water bill as well as providing lime-free water. You can easily store rainwater by connecting a water butt or tank to a down pipe from house or shed gutters. Stand your reservoir on a firm base, raised off the ground, so you can easily position the watering can underneath for filling. The butt is best sited close to a wall, out of the sun. Because rainfall is generally irregular, you'll naturally find yourself not using the water in the butt at just the time when it is filling up the most. This isn't a problem, as overflows can be dealt with by fitting a rainwater diverter to the down pipe. Diverters are easy to fit and are available as a kit from garden centres and DIY stores. The critical part is to cut the down pipe in the right place, remember to work out the exact position of the diverter in relation to the hole in the butt. It must be one of the few DIY jobs that is easy to do and saves you money as well.

• If like me you can't resist the chance of a few cheap plants coming in the post you are probably just starting to receive masses of small cardboard boxes stamped with the words 'live plants open immediately'. Upon opening it is easy to be disappointed in the size of the plug or the plant that you have been sent. However, do not fear, as they will grow away very quickly if you follow the instructions that come with the plants. Unpack them on receipt and give them a good water in a shaded place. Put the plugs into pots just as quickly as possible.

• Planting time is upon us, it is time to plant Dahlia tubers in the ground for some vibrant colour later in the year. Dahlias like a rich soil so dig over the ground and add plenty of organic matter and a good dressing of fertiliser. Plant the tubers so that the top is at least 7.5cm below the soil surface. There is usually a bit of old stem from last year – this should go at the top. It is also a good idea to add a cane now. I have a small garden and if there was only one Dahlia I could grow I would have to choose 'Bishop of Llandaff'.

• Potted Cyclamen that have been grown on indoors, and have given such a good display until recently, need to be given a good long rest now. Put them into a cool shady spot, such as a cold frame and keep them dry until August when they can be started back into growth again.

• All cultivated soils seem to provide the perfect conditions for weeds to germinate and grow, it is worth the effort of hoeing regularly to keep these weeds down.