July.
So much to do this month! Here are only a few suggestions …..
Hoe and deadhead. Hoe and deadhead…. Repeat!
Prune early summer flowering shrubs eg Philadelphus and Weigela. Cut back to the new shoots lower down the branch, then remove up to a fifth of the oldest stems at the base. Cut out disease on cherries. Reduce the risk of silver leaf, a fungal disease that affects trees such as cherry and plum. On a dry day, prune out any crossing, dead or diseased material and thin out overcrowded shoots. Dispose of pruned material immediately.
Stop harvesting rhubarb to allow the plant to return energy to its roots for next year‘s crop. The stems will also turn tough and stringy from Midsummer.
Pinch out climbing beans. Once plants reached the top of the supports pinch up the growing tips. This encourages side shoot slow down, prevents plants getting top heavy and keeps beans within reach. Water regularly when it’s dry.
Take cuttings. Hydrangeas: Cut 8 to 10 cm long, non-flowering shoots, just below a pair of leaves. Remove lower leaves, place in a pot of gritty compost, water and cover with a polythene bag or plastic ‘cloche’ and pop it in a shady spot for four weeks to root
Penstemon, lavender and salvias can be propagated now. Take 10cm cuttings from current season’s non flowering shoots. Put in potting compost
Take cuttings of mint, thyme or sage to get new plants
Deadhead roses to encourage repeat flowering.
Resist the urge to spray! When you see greenfly on plants tried to be patient, rather than spray. Ladybirds and lacewing lava will soon be along to eat them as aphids are an important part of the food chain
Sow dill, coriander and parsley direct to keep supplies coming for weeks to come.
Plant potatoes for Christmas! Maris Piper and Nicola are both good options.
Move some house plants outdoors, they may well prefer being outside for a few weeks- away from the extreme temperatures of a conservatory or sunny window sill.
Help out hedgehogs. Leave out a saucer of water for them and other wildlife that might need a drink after very hot days. Place it near long grass, hedges or other likely resting places- to make life easier for them.
Use grey water in the drought. Use water from baths and sinks…. But use within24hrs to prevent bacterial growth and only use in ornamental plants, rather than edibles in case of pathogens.
Start planning already for spring! Now is the time to order your spring flowering bulbs, including daffodils tulips and crocuses.
