In the garden this week: Dahlias and basil

Copper-bottom dahlias Plant out your dahlias now, whether tubers or plants. They are frost tender, and there is still a chance of frosts, but you must walk the fine line between letting them get established and keeping them protected. Keep fleece handy for colder nights. You will also need to protect their tasty young growth from slugs. A copper ring works wonders on dahlias, as well as on delphiniums, clematis and others with susceptible young growth. Be sure your basil bushes If you have a greenhouse, it's time to start sowing basil in pots or seed trays. You can grow it on a windowsill and move it outside later, but basil hates the extreme temperature change that comes with the move to the garden. If it is going to spend most of the summer outdoors, wait for more reliably warm weather – nickys-nursery.com has a good range of basils, from the small-leaved, bush-like Greek to the big-leaved varieties.