Isobel Pankhurst

Wildlife charities are urging gardeners to provide fresh, clean water for hedgehogs and birds during hot, dry weather. Water containers should be washed and dried daily, placed away from predators and kept separate from feeding stations, while ponds should have escape routes for hedgehogs. Gardeners are also advised to check lawns before mowing or lighting bonfires and never give hedgehogs milk; plain water and, where appropriate, meaty cat or dog food are recommended.

Monty Don advises pruning lavender annually as soon as its flowers begin to fade, generally from mid-summer through the end of September, before seed heads form or flowers turn brown. Gardeners should prune firmly while leaving young shoots, since lavender will not regenerate from bare wood. Particularly tired plants may need replacing, and missed pruning should be postponed until spring, especially for less hardy French, Spanish and Italian varieties. Monty also recommends summer pruning for apples, pears, rambling roses and currant bushes.

Experts explain that the 5-a-day guideline refers to five combined portions of fruit and vegetables, not five portions of each, amounting to roughly 400 grams or 80 grams per portion for most adults. Eating seven to ten portions may provide additional health benefits, while consuming a wide variety of differently colored produce helps provide diverse nutrients, fiber and phytonutrients. Herbs and spices can also contribute beneficial compounds, and the article outlines potential health associations for red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple, and white produce.

Gardeners are advised to dry used coffee grounds and combine them with two or three spoonfuls of bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. The mixture can be placed on patios, windowsills, in refrigerators, bins or vehicles to absorb odours and potentially deter mosquitoes, wasps, bees and other insects. Gardening specialists and the US Department of Agriculture are cited in support of using coffee grounds or baking soda for odour control, although the pest-repellent claims are presented as a natural gardening remedy.

Food specialists advise keeping eggs refrigerated at a steady temperature below 20°C during summer because heat and condensation can increase the risk of bacterial contamination and spoilage. Eggs should be stored on a middle or lower fridge shelf rather than in the door, and kept away from strong-smelling foods because their porous shells can absorb odours.