Weekend Work: Time to sow runner beans

What to do

Start to earth up early potatoes. Sow runner beans outside, if you have not already started them off in boxes inside. If you want a double row, set the seeds about 20cm (8in) apart in two lines 30cm (12in) apart. A wigwam of canes takes up less space. Push in the poles about 20cm (8in) apart in a circle and tie them together at the top.

Make further sowings of lettuce and radish. Buy Brussels sprout plants, choosing ones that have been grown in open ground if possible. They make straighter, tougher plants than seedlings from trays.

Bamboos can mostly be left to their own devices, but if you want to spread your stock, now is the time to split up clumps, replanting the fresh pieces in earth beefed up with plenty of bonemeal.

Trim back wall and rock plants such as aubrieta, arabis and alyssum when they have finished flowering. This will keep the clumps compact and fresh.

What to see

The Chelsea Flower Show opens next week in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, London SW3. The first two days (Tue & Wed) are reserved for members of the RHS. Check last-minute availability of tickets for Thur-Sat, on 0844 338 7526 or visit rhs.org.uk/Chelsea. All day tickets for Thur, Fri (8am-8pm) and Sat (8am-5.30pm) cost £47. Catch a preview tomorrow on BBC1 at 5.30pm