BEING an early riser, I often catch the farming programme prior to Today on Radio 4, and on Monday a vegetable grower was bemoaning the lack of rain this spring, hindering germination of many crops.

Having to daily water newly sown seedbeds this early in the season is indeed a chore, as there are so many other jobs to do right now, but once the seedlings are through the ground, it does all seem worth it.

And if the dry period continues, the seedlings will need water directed to their roots in order to grow strong and healthy, but at least this does not need to be done daily, a good soaking once or twice a week should be enough. It is the roots that need watering, not the leaves and by watering in the early morning or evening, there is less chance of evaporation.

Larger plants can be mulched after watering, to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool. Garden compost is good for this and provides nutrients, but you can also use straw, particularly round fruit bushes, as it supplies some potash.

The strawberries have been planted into a black woven plastic material that allows air and water through, but also keeps the soil warm and moist after watering.

I am thinking that I will plant the pumpkins the same way, and this should help keep weeds down until the squashes and pumpkins have ‘taken off’ and spread their tendrils far and wide.

Now time to sow said squashes and pumpkins in the greenhouse ready for planting out when all chance of frost has gone.