WITH the risk of frost abating, and with longer days and more sunshine, it’s time to turn attention to your vegetable plot.

According to the National Society of Allotments, beetroot, broad beans, cabbage, cauliflower, early peas, lettuce, rhubarb, spring onions, radishes and spinach can all begin to be harvested by the end of June.

That may be ambitious in Tynedale’s gardens, but the society’s advice to undertake successional sowings of beetroot, kohl rabi, lettuce and winter cabbage seeds is sound.

It is worth starting them off in trays indoors and then transferring them outside after a couple of weeks. Sow every two to four weeks for a continual supply of produce.

Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflowers, celeriac, courgettes, outdoor cucumbers, French and runner beans, leeks, pumpkins, squashes, sweet corn and outdoor tomatoes can all be planted out into their final positions now.

As with all young plants, water in carefully and protect from birds with netting. Hoe at every opportunity to remove weeds and break-up the soil. This allows water to soak down into the earth.

Train climbing beans and continue to put in supports for your peas. Water along the rows of peas to swell the developing pods. Carry on thinning out seedlings of earlier-sown crops. Don’t allow plants growing under glass to dry out or overheat.

Watch out for aphids – spray the plant with soapy water (diluted washing up liquid) or squash the flies with your thumb and finger. You can buy insecticides if you prefer, including a fatty acid soap to spray on the plants.

Carrot fly is a particular problem between May and September. To deter low-flying female flies, cover plants with horticultural fleece or place two foot high barriers around the plants (plastic bottle cloches work well).

Cabbage root fly attacks the roots of brassicas. When transplanting young plants, place a piece of carpet, cardboard or fleece around the base of the plant to stop flies laying eggs on the soil.