Fruit fly being the major problem now that home gardeners can’t spray with a systemic product – strangely though, commercially grown fruit and vegetables are sprayed with such chemicals. 

There are alternatives for tomato lovers – try fly traps and non-toxic sprays.

The hot weather brings to mind companion planting, which in itself can be an enigma. 

Many plants dislike being bedded next to one another, while others provide protection to some species from insect attack. 

High on the list of favourites are marigolds. OK, I can hear the moans – they are orange! 

But not always, you can plant yellow and both colours look great planted with blue.

A border of these hardy plants will give protection to your veggie garden as the roots emit a substance that drives away nematodes and eel worm, making marigolds ideal to plant near potatoes, tomatoes and roses.

Never store your carrots or potatoes near apples as the ethylene gas given off by apples turns the carrots bitter and causes the potatoes to rot. 

Here is an unusual situation – tomatoes grow well near asparagus, celery, parsley, basil, carrots and chives, but don’t like being being planted near rosemary, potatoes or fennel. 

Comfrey is an interesting plant – a perennial rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphate – it makes a great fertiliser and is even more useful as a poultice for a sprained ankle!

It is a fast-growing plant and will produce many leaves throughout the season.

Another question asked this time of year is where should peas be grown? 

Make sure it’s never in the same place twice and never near onions, shallots and garlic.

Oregano is a great substitute for marjoram – it is a personal favourite as I use it to cook one of my speciality dishes, Greek lamb. 

My sons will be laughing when they read this because it is my only speciality dish.