Bedding Plants - Trim dead flower heads regularly to encourage the growth of lots of new flowers. Prune back any straggling trailing plants. Replace plants that that are past their best, there are still some annuals available at the Garden Centre.
- During the hot weather, always water plants in the evening to reduce the amount of evaporation. Water containers twice a day during the hot weather, even if there has been some rain.
- Prune to shape any shrubs that have finished flowering.
- When going on holiday, move pots to a lightly shaded spot, easily located for neighbours to water, so they don’t dry out as quickly. For maximum protection, line a strong cardboard box with a plastic bin bag, fill the bottom with about 2.5cm (1”) of water and place the plants inside.
The Vegetable Garden - Concentrate on watering plants in flower and fruit.
- As vegetables are harvested, clear the ground and prepare it for other crops.
- Water and feed Runner Beans.
- Take out the tops of Tomato plants and reduce the amount of watering and feeding towards the end of the month.
- Keep onions well watered to achieve the best size.
- Sow salad crops directly into the ground to continue getting fresh plants.
- Regular hoeing will keep weeds down and prevent seeds being dropped on to the soil to create problems for the following year.
The Greenhouse - Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and feed with a tomato food regularly.
- Shade plants to prevent scorching. Use netting or shade paint on the outside.
- Ensure that all vents are working and close them on cool evenings.
Fruit - Check nets on fruit cages to make sure that they have not moved or been damaged.
- Finish training fruit trees by removing side shoots.
- Cut out one or two of the older stems in current bushes to allow new growth.
- Remove straw from under Strawberries that have finished fruiting.
- Finish picking Raspberries and prune summer varieties down to ground level.
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