You can also rake in a high potassium general fertiliser such as Vitax Q4 or fish, blood and bone, using half a handful per square metre/yard. This is originally an Asian pasture grass that was introduced to the US many years ago for pasture and fodder. Supported on a frame like a floating row cover, or held above the plants by stakes topped with upside-down flower pots, the netting will keep the birds from getting to most of the berries.

If using plastic ties, leave a little room so that when dismantling the cage at the end of the season you can cut the ties without cutting a hole in the netting. A member of the mint family, catnip creates a comical response in most cats, with lots of purring, rubbing, and rolling on the plant.As strawberries are perishable, it's best to eat them straight from the plant, ideally still warm from the sun. Related RHS Guides Container maintenance Water wiseIn early spring, feed strawberry plants growing in the ground with a high potassium general fertiliser, such as Vitax Q4 or fish, blood and bone. Water plants in the morning rather than in the evening to give them time to dry out and take care not to splash water onto the fruit when watering. When growing early strawberries under glass, be on the lookout for aphids, red spider mites, mildew and grey mould. Have you always wanted to grow a vegetable garden but are worried that it’s too tricky or time-consuming?

If you purchase a strawberry cage kit with netting, it will come complete with pegs for securing the netting to the soil and C clips for holding the netting to the aluminium poles.

Fall is a great time to grow cilantro in mild climates, as the plants are frost tolerant and love the cool weather in fall, winter, and early spring.