As reports suggest that we are on for a sizzling few weeks of Summer sun, we thought it would be useful to take a look at what you should be doing in the garden over the coming weeks to help maximise the dryer weather, whilst also protecting your plants and vegetables from the warmer conditions that the Weather Man is promising us.
Water more but less frequently – Did you know that if you water your shrubs and bedding plants thoroughly, but less often, they are more likely to be encouraged to put down roots – literally! By watering them well a few times a week, as opposed to watering on a daily basis, they will spread their roots in search of more water, meaning they will become better established in the ground. The exception to this is your hanging baskets and potted plants which should still be watered on a daily basis. Soaker hoses can come in very handy here as they use up to 70% less water compared to conventional sprinklers and are designed to operate at low pressure, making them the perfect choice. They will connect to an outside tap or water butt.
Remove the dead-heads – July is a key time to deadhead bedding plants and any perennials which re-flower as this will ensure your plants are using all of its nutrients for what it needs most – to encourage re-growth!
Feed your lawn – If like us you missed the feed earlier in the year, now is most certainly the time to treat your lawn to a feed. A feed such as Aftercut 3 Day Green can be applied after mowing your lawn and doesn’t need to be watered in. It also uses a no scorch formula to help prevent damage. This can be applied every few weeks for the next few months to see you through the warmer weather.
Attack those weeds – They really are pesky things and if your garden is anything like ours, they appear seemingly overnight. July is a key time to try and get on top of them by hoeing borders to help prevent annual weeds from establishing. You should also dig out or apply weed killer to any perennial weeds – but just be mindful of the other plants close by as many weed killers will kill everything it comes into contact with.
Time to sow – As nice as the warmer weather is, it is still important to start thinking about those longer winter nights with the fire lit. By sowing cabbage, carrots and turnips around this time, you are sure to have some tasty winter vegetables to help create those delicious warming soups. A Classic or Wall-Hugger VegTrug could provide the perfect planting environment if you don’t have a vegetable patch.
Sit-back and relax – Possibly one of the most important activities to undertake this Summer – enjoy your garden and find time to sit-back and relax. Whether escaping outdoors with a good book or entertainment friends over the BBQ, be sure to make the most of the warmer weather.
