Summer has arrived!
There has been a clear shift in the weather now that summer has finally arrived. The heat has turned up a notch, which brings with it additional challenges in the garden.
Keeping crops and plants watered and fed on a daily basis adds to the ever-growing list of jobs, but July will see all the hard work put in during previous months start to bear fruit.
Fruit and vegetables are ripe for picking, and the garden will be full of the scent of sweet peas, lavender and roses.
July is also a month to remember to enjoy the garden. Although there are jobs galore to be done to keep the garden looking its best, there is little point in investing all that energy unless you start to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
The longest day may have been and gone, but the days still stretch ahead with plenty of time to relax and listen to the garden. It’s time for a spot of sun chair browsing and planning that autumn garden.
Flowers galore
- Check hanging baskets and replace plants that have flowered with late summer blooms. Give all hanging baskets and pots a good feed with Tub & Hanging Basket Feed.
- Deadhead summer flowers and repeat flowering perennials to encourage continual flowering.
- Secure climbers and rambling roses as they start to grow.
- Remove wilted blooms from roses and feed with Organic Liquid Rose Food to encourage further, healthy growth.
- Start to take cuttings from early bloomers such as fuchsias. Take a look at the ‘How to take cuttings’ blog for more information.
- It’s time to plant dahlias for late summer colour. There are a range of pot-grown plants available in garden centres and nurseries which will add instant colour to borders. The ‘Dahlias for late summer colour’ blog has some great tips on planting and caring for these stunning flowers.
- Feed dahlias with Q4 All Purpose Liquid Feed to give them the best possible start once planted out.
- Cut lavender for drying.
- Water and feed sweet peas – Again Q4 All Purpose Liquid Feed is ideal to give the plants an added boost.
- Don’t forget to water those houseplants. Check regularly to prevent drying out and apply either a specialist feed to keep plants healthy and disease free, or apply a good all-round feed such as House Plant Feed.
- Re-pot houseplants that have outgrown their existing pot or container.
- Dust or wipe down leaves that collect debris to prevent pests and infestations. Spray with Plant Pest Killer if insects are present.
- It’s time to plant those autumn bulbs!
Pesky pests
- Continue to hoe and weed those borders and crops as weeds become a major pest during the main growing season. Keeping on top of weeds is essential for healthy blooms and crops.
- It may be drier, but that does not keep slugs and snails at bay. Continue to deter by placing Slug Gone around the base of the plants requiring protection ensuring that no leaves are overhanging the protection of Slug Gone’s mat.
- Look out for aphids, especially on the underside of leaves. Remove as soon as possible and apply Organic Plant Guard to continue protecting over the summer months.
General maintenance
- Open those greenhouse vents and dampen the floor to create humidity and a better growing environment during the really warm months.
- Mow lawns on a regular basis and feed with Green Up Enhance Liquid Lawn Feed for lush looking lawns.
- Trim conifers and hedges to keep in tip top condition.
- Keep adding natural kitchen and garden waste to the compost bin.
- Check plants daily and water if dry. Water early morning or early evening when the strength of the sun has gone. Where possible use rainwater.
This month’s hints are just the tip of the iceberg, but make sure you take a well-earned rest amongst all the gardening. Gardens are to be enjoyed, so put your feet up and take in all the sounds and smells whilst you can as we are sure rain will soon be on its way.