Fruit trees are bursting with tiny future fruits in July, but without a little thinning out, they will turn out measly and insignificant, rather than fat and juicy. Take off any damaged or diseased fruits first. Then, using a pointy pair of scissors, thin plums to 10cm apart; apples to 12cm; peaches and nectarines to 18cm; and pears so there's one fruit per cluster.
Fight that blight
Good potato hygiene is essential to avoid potato blight. This fungal disease is brought on by a specific set of warm and wet weather conditions, and usually occurs later in summer (for advanced warning, register free with blightwatch.co.uk). It leads to brown or black patches on leaves and stems, which then spread, causing the leaves to wither and collapse, and tubers to rot. Earthed-up plants are less vulnerable. Remove infected foliage as soon as you see it, and never lift tubers with infected foliage still attached.
Plant of the week
French lavender demands well-drained soil and your sunniest, most sheltered spot, but it's worth it for those spectacular 'bunny's ears' bracts. The new lavender, 'Mulberry Ruffles' (released May 2007), has chunky, ruffled, light pink bracts atop deep pink flowers. Readers can order three plants, each in a 9cm pot, for £19.95, or nine plants for £39.90. Prices include UK mainland p&p. Call 0870 836 0908, quoting reference GUPW92. Or send a cheque, payable to Guardian Reader Offers, to Guardian Mulberry Ruffles Offer, Rookery Farm, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding, PE12 8SG. Delivery within 28 days.