July is a time of vigorous growth and flowering – and for the gardener, this is the time for properly managing all that growth.
Weed, feed and dead-head
Continue vigilant weed control. Up the feeding: seasonal patio displays and baskets will do well with a weekly dose of liquid tomato fertilizer.
Dead-head bedding plants to encourage more flowers; cut back delphiniums and geraniums after the first flowers to encourage a second flowering, then feed with blood, fish and bone meal. Tie in vigorous climbers firmly to their supports.
Water
July often brings the hottest summer weather, so up the water for the plants that need it. Bedding plants, leafy vegetables, seedlings and new plantings are most prone to drying out. Ideally, water your plants early in the morning or in the evening; avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.
Protect
Some pests thrive in hot summer conditions, so check susceptible plants – such as roses – for blackspot, mildew and rust, which can be rife right now. A quality fungicide will take care of these problems.
Maintain water features
Water features will need care, too: use a rake to thin out any overgrown oxygenating plants and algae from ponds. Top up ponds in hot weather, ideally with rain water.
Don't mow
If it’s dry, stop mowing the lawn, or, if possible, raise the height of cut. Brown patches in hot spells are inevitable but the lawn will quickly recover, so there’s no need to water.
Paint
Dry summer weather is good news for your garden outbuildings and fencing: paint wooden sheds, fences, arches and arbors now.
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