July Gardening Tips

Lawns

• In a dry summer, leave the grass-box off the mower once or twice to allow the cuttings to fly.
  This will help to keep the grass in good condition by providing a very shallow mulch.
• If the weather has been dry for a while, you may find that pearlwort, trefoil and clover can become a problem.
  Hand-weed as soon as you see it, before it has time to set seed and perpetuate the problem for another year.
  Alternatively, use a lawn weed killer such as Verdone.
• Do not cut the grass too short or it will scorch in hot weather.

Flowering Plants

• Check that supports on tall herbaceous plants are secure.
• Check clematis for signs of clematis wilt.
• Conservatory plants can usually come outside now.
• Deadhead bedding and repeat-flowering perennials to ensure continuous flowers.
• Watch all plants for signs of disease or insects.

Application of insecticides and fungicides can prevent disease and insect infestations if they are applied correctly. Aways read the label.

Fruit & Vegetables

• Remove side shoots on tomatoes and stop the plants when 4-5 trusses have been produced.
• Feed tomatoes regularly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser such as Tomorite^®.
• Pick courgettes before they become marrows.
• Prune back summer-fruiting raspberry shoots to the ground after the fruit has been picked.
• Tie up any new blackberry shoots.
• Protect fruit bushes from birds by placing netting over them, but remember to check daily, making sure no birds are trapped.
• Plant onion seed and potatoes for Christmas.

Ponds

• Removing blanket weed should remain a high priority as and when it appears.
• Water levels should be topped up during hot spells, which will ensure the health of plants and fish. This also prevents damage to the pond liner.

Maintenance

• Give woodwork a lick of paint or preserver while the weather is dry.
• Be water-wise! "Grey water" (bath water) can be used to water the garden if water butts start to empty.