Dobbies' Summer Garden Tips
Maintenance is a key feature for mid-summer gardening, however there is still time to plant some summer bedding plants to see you through to autumn. This can be an exciting time as well – making new cuttings and planting potted rooted cuttings for the following seasons.
Here are a few tips to keep your garden in tip top shape over the mid-summer months:.
Flower garden
• Dead head finished flowers, especially those in containers or baskets. This will encourage them to produce even growth and full flowers the following year
• Ensure container plants do not go short of water – this may cause buds to drop off and less flowers next year
• Sow seeds such as biennials
• Support the stems of tall and climbing plants
• Cut down early-flowering perennials and remove faded flowers. This will encourage second growth in late season
• Dead head Roses to encourage more flowers
• Trim back lavender bushes once they have flowered to encourage more healthy growth and flowering
Greenhouse
• Ensure all potted plants are watered daily and dampen the floor to increase humidity
• Open ventilators and doors every morning but remember to close on cool evenings
• Pot rooted cuttings
• Take cuttings from non-flowering shots of shrubs
Fruit and Vegetables
• Pick off any small or diseased fruit from trees to allow those remaining to grow and form naturally
• Pick the last of the raspberries and prune stems. Tie new shoots and remove excess
• Peg down strawberry runners
• Transplant winter vegetables from their seed-bed to garden area
• Early potatoes will be ready to harvest, however check one plant first to see the crop size
• Water all plants thoroughly up to twice a week if conditions are dry
General Care
• Take cuttings from summer plants such as fuchsias, which root quickly and provide young plants. This will allow them to grow successfully over the winter
• Trim hedges, especially conifers
• Remove any weeds you may have. Try to keep on top of this to avoid flowering stems and allowing them to seed
• Order spring flowering bulbs ready to plant in autumn
• Add a layer of compost, peat or moss to give a fresh summer boost of nutrients
• Check carefully for any signs of pest or disease damage on plants and if identified use the appropriate pest or disease control and then check regularly in case further application is necessary
Lawns
• Mow at least once a week
• Finish by cutting the edges neatly
• Continue to feed the lawn and remove any weeds
• Add grass seed to bare patches
