Tips for the garden July & August

Water, feed & weed

Summer has stamped its authority this year as we go through a whole season of weather in just a couple of weeks, throwing confusion as to what to do and when. July has already seen temperatures hit the low 30s followed by thunderstorms, torrential rain and blowy storms.

If you are one step ahead, then all tall plants will have been trained or staked, and if not, the clear up operation will have involved plenty of staking, deadheading and removal of broken stems.

July and August should be the hottest months of the year, so it’s time to water, feed and weed to keep the garden looking tip-top and keep those crops growing.

As always, there is plenty to do, but plan a little siesta during the warmer parts of the day and take up gardening at dusk and dawn.

Keeping everything rosy

The garden will be in full bloom now, but it will still need some TLC to keep it looking rosy and encourage re-growth. 

• Cut back hanging baskets to encourage growth. Feed with a specialist fertiliser such as Vitax Tub & Hanging Basket Feed to keep the blooms looking healthier for longer.
• Keep borders tidy by regularly hoeing and dead heading any border plants and perennials. To give the plants an extra boost, lightly hoe in Vitax Q4 All Purpose Plant Food and water in.
• It is all about pruning. Prune summer flowering shrubs when the blooms have finished. Remove side shoots from wisteria, it will make it much easier to fully prune later in the year.
• Roses, hydrangeas, lupins etc can all be pruned once flowering has finished. This will encourage re-growth.
• If you are lucky to have lavender in your garden, cut and hang to dry to use during the colder months.
• Now is a good time to take cuttings from your favourite plants to overwinter. Take a look at the ‘How to Take Cuttings’ blog to find out more.
• Water, feed and weed is so important over the next couple of months. Liquid feeds are a great way of adding nutrients quickly depending on the flower or shrub. Try Vitax Organic All Purpose Plant Food or Vitax Q4 All Purpose Liquid Feed for good all-round feeds.
• Preferably water plants at dusk to keep the moisture in the ground or growing media for longer.
• And, dare we say it, you can now start to plant autumn bulbs in borders and pots. Towards the end of August, plant hardy perennials to overwinter for next spring.
• Finally, do not forget the houseplants. The same applies to water and feed and keep out of direct sunlight to prevent drying out and scorching.

Harvest time

There is plenty to do in the garden and greenhouse as we harvest the crops grown and plant new ones for winter.

• Tomatoes will come into their own now, but they are greedy feeders. To ensure a continual supply of tomatoes, feed with Vitax Organic Tomato Food to replenish nutrients and keep hunger at bay!
• Remember to pinch out the side shoots on tomatoes and cut off any leaves below flowering to boost nutrient flow to the fruits.
• As cucumbers start to grow, train the stems upwards and add stakes to provide extra support.
• Keep an eye on plants in the greenhouse. As peppers and chillies start to grow, make sure they are moved to larger pots to accommodate growth and keep watered and fed.
• Now is the time to reap what you have sown. Pick courgettes when they are young to encourage growth. Harvest beetroot, peas, beans etc as soon as they are ready.
• Herbs will need picking and grow quicker during the summer months. Pick, dry and freeze for the colder months.
• If you find a rogue runner bean or two that is past its best. Pick and dry the beans for re-planting next year.
• Harvest garlic, onions and shallots as the tops start to bend over. 
• Thin out the fruits on your fruit trees to encourage healthier crops. 
• Feed citrus fruit trees throughout the hotter months with Vitax Summer Citrus Feed.
• Feed fruits grown in pots and containers with a high potash feed such as Vitax Q4 Premium Soluble Plant Food.
• Protect fruits against birds and other animals by keeping a mesh or net over growing fruit.

Lush lawns

• Lawns also need feeding to keep them looking lush and green. Apply Green Up Enhance Liquid Lawn Feed to enhance vibrancy and create a healthy-looking lawn.
• If your lawn is infested with ants, brush away the soil prior to mowing. 
• In very dry conditions, keep lawns watered. The best time to do this at dusk or when the sun is going down and the air is cooler.

Keep pest & disease at bay

Whilst keeping on top of weeds is essential, be aware of other pests and diseases which could affect crop growth and plants in bloom.

• Those slimy gastropods like nothing more than to munch on new shoots, or new crops. Protect with a good, natural deterrent such as Slug Gone.   
• Control aphids on your crops. Some of these can be picked off, but use a protection spray to keep them at bay. Vitax Plant Guard Organic helps prevent the laying of eggs and protects against other bugs.
• Clear away diseased leaves to prevent further spread. Do not dispose of any diseased leaves in the compost bin or re-use as mulch. Discard completely.
• Keep an eye out for black spot on roses and other diseases. Remove leaves and treat as required.

Summer gardening brings so much joy and whilst there is still planting to do for autumn and caring of crops and blooms for the rest of the season, there is also time for a spot of sunbathing and browsing time of brochures for the latter part of the year.

Enjoy!