JULY

1. Check for clematis wilt

Clematis wilt is feared by gardeners and growers alike as it causes rapid death to clematis and can initially affect either just a few stems or the whole plant and is caused by poor handling. You can take steps to prevent it. The first signs are significant drooping of the plant or leaves and this can happen overnight so be aware of this when transporting plants so as not to damage any living tissue. Also be careful when digging around a clematis and dig it into the soil 4-6 inches deeper than the soil for stability.

2. Place conservatory plants outside

The timing of moving house plants outside is crucial and is sometimes called ‘hardening off’ with nursery plants. It is often wise to re-pot them into larger pots as summer growth is inevitable with the size being larger than the existing rootball. Start plants off with a shady area for the first 10 days or so and check how they are surviving with sun scorch or dryness. If they seem ok and are staying well-hydrated then move them to a sunnier spot and enjoy your new landscape.

3. Water tubs and new plants

Please check your plants and levels of hydration as July passes as the often prolonged heat can really affect plant health. The soil in tubs and containers will dry out more quickly than that in borders and beds, and rainfall should not be relied on for adequate watering! self-watering containers can provide a medium level of care but plants will thrive most in a peat-moss based mix or a compost-based mix as these will hold the water best.

4. Deadhead bedding plants to ensure continuous flowering

Bedding plants will flourish most if deadheaded daily during July to extend life and encourage more flowers during the remainder of summer. Dying flowers can often be pinched off between fingers and it is important to remove these quickly as they begin to fade.

5. Pick courgettes before they become marrows!

Courgettes are best picked when they reach 6 inches and no more, as they then become watery and tasteless if left on the plant. This means picking them with a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant and typcially doing so once a fortnight. If courgettes are regularly removed, you should have a yield of 20 from each plant if in full health.

6. Treat apple-scab

Apple scab occurs when fallen leaves are left to rot on the ground, and their decomposition leads to spores being released which then cause the initial scab infection. The release of the Ascospore can continue over several weeks and is worsened by wet weather so ensure all leaves are raked up and stored somewhere tightly on a daily basis.

7. Clear algae and debris from ponds and top them up

Pond algae comes in 2 main types of growth, free-floating and suspended which have different growth patterns. The most common perception of clearing ponds is simply to empty them and re-fill but this is only a temporary solution. Blanket weed and flannel weed are the most persistant types and will often only flourish in clearwater ponds where nothing is previously amiss! However, the best solution is a biological agent that will allow a proper balance to be maintained, and the correct ratio of plants and fish.

8. Order next years spring-flowering bulbs from Blooming Direct!!

9. Give the lawn a quick-acting feed

There are many types of lawn-feed available from garden centres and they will be a mixture of Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash in varying levels. These chemicals help the grass to grow more quickly, a healthy root system and will improves resistance to disease and drought. Each type will come with instructions and be careful to follow these!

10. Give any woodwork a fresh coat of paint whilst the weather is dry

Surface preparation for painting is a crucial step to getting a perfect finish, and this is the same for garden woodwork. Wash any surfaces with TSP and then scrub with a cloth or sponge in gloved hands and then rinse down afterwards. Any cracked surfaces should be sanded down and then having chosen the right paint (oil-based or latex paint) start applying in well ventilated and covered area – preferably outside and leave to dry for as long as instructed. Many paints will also take a sealing coat ontop so be sure to look for these as well.