The RHS is moving National Gardening Week to a later spring date next year.

It will run from 30 April to 6 May in 2018 – around two weeks later - in the expectation that better weather and more colour, with spring plants in bloom, will encourage more people to join in.

Guy Barter, the RHS’s chief horticulturist, said: “Next year National Gardening Week will have been running for seven years and we want to make sure it is as relevant, exciting and participative as it was from the first. We have reviewed it and consulted with people in the RHS and externally and feedback is that this is a better time to celebrate and enjoy the very best of gardening.

“At the start of May the weather is sunnier, days are longer, the soil warmer and drier, while spring flowers are opening in earnest. By mid-spring the results of all the earlier work, edging, mowing planting, pruning and sowing for example, are more visible. Importantly there is still plenty of time to catch up if the season has ‘run away’ from you.”

For next year's theme, ‘Share Your Passion for Plants’, the society is calling on garden centres, nurseries, garden clubs, societies and other organisations to host walks, talks and events, offer free advice, and join in the challenge for people across the country to create their own Passion for Plant Plots.

Registration is now open for next year’s event, with the chance for everyone to upload their events and activities to the website  and discover hints and tips for taking part.

The aim of National Gardening Week is to raise awareness of the diversity, richness and cultural value of the UK’s gardens, and to inspire new visitors to experience and enjoy them. The four RHS Gardens will be leading the campaign, with other gardens across the UK encouraged to take part.