Summer is here and your garden is in full growth with flowers starting to appear in abundance.
There are plenty of Jobs to be getting on with….here are a few suggestions.
General gardening jobs
- Its pretty safe to assume that the last frosts of Spring have passed. Now its time to plant out those tender Perennials (like Salvias) and Annuals (like Cosmos) that you’ve been growing, or have just bought. Night time temperatures are still low though, so harden them off by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few days (cold frame or against a south facing wall) before planting out.
- Lawns – Avoid the temptation to cut your grass too short. The sun will be strong and very short grass will suffer from scorching and drying out. Try setting your mower a bit higher and enjoy a greener, lusher lawn.
- Now is the time to plant up your containers and hanging baskets with summer bedding. Try following the rule of ‘Thrillers, Fillers & Spillers‘ to create your display. Have a central Thriller plant (such as Dahlia, Canna Lilly or Salvia), surrounded by Fillers (such as Pelargoniums or Fuscias) & Spillers (such as Ivy or trailing Lobellia). Include a slow release fertiliser when planting up.
- Fill any gaps in your borders with Summer Bedding (such as Pelargoniums or begonias). Water regularly, particularly if we get a hot spell (fingers crossed) as being pot grown they will have small root systems.
- Continue to take cuttings. Salvias root well this time of year as do Lavender. Free plants.
- Water containers and bedding if possible in the morning when plants are active (they are dormant at night). Water around base of plants to avoid sun scorch.
- Sow seeds for next seasons Biennials (such as Wallflowers) outside in trays. Prick out and pot on as they germinate or sow directly into your borders and thin out seedlings as they germinate.
Plant Maintenance
- Keep weeding and deadheading flowers to ensure your borders look their best. Deadheading can stimulate new flowering. Use a hoe between plants to kill annual weeds.
- Hardy annuals (such as Cornflower) will be in full growth. Thin them out to allow more root growth which will generate more and longer flowering. Use pea sticks to support taller varieties (such as Ammi Visnage).
- Roses are coming into flower. Deadhead as they fade to encourage new flowering. Tie in Rambling and Climbing roses to supports as they are not self clinging.
- Prune Spring flowering shrubs (such as Forsythia) to encourage new growth for next seasons flowers.
- Cut back spring flowering perennials (such as Pulmonaria) as the foliage fades to avoid mildew. Feed them and you may get a second growth.
Bulbs/Tubors
- Lift and store any spring flowering bulbs (such as Daffodils) you’ve had in containers to use for next year. Place in open trays to dry out and remember to label them. Store in a cool dark place such as a garage.
- Lift and divide any clumps of bulbs in the garden you want to split up as the leaves fade. Replant in a new position adding new garden compost to enrich the soil.
Pest/Diseases
- Pests are also thriving, so keep a watchful eye out for them. Aphids (such as Greenfly & Blackfly) are a sap sucking insects that can affect a range of plants causing distorted growth, weakening the plant and potentially killing them. Wherever possible act quickly, using non pesticide methods to control. Remove by hand, attract natural predators (such as Ladybirds) or spray with a soap based solution.
- Keep an eye out for Vine Weevil larvae. They feed on plant roots and can kill plants. Check containers for adults regularly. Check any newly bought plants for signs of the larvae (carefully remove plant from its pot to see if any larvae are present) before planting out.
- Ventilate your greenhouse or potting shed to avoid risk of mildew. Check plants and remove any dead or diseased leaves.