Preparation, preparation, preparation
The continued sunny weather is the perfect opportunity for you to take advantage and spend time in the garden.
There is plenty of sowing and planting that can still be done in preparation for the coming months, with bulbs that flower in autumn such as colchicum, amaryllis, autumn crocuses and nerine – this is the perfect time to plant them. You can also plant seeds that have just been collected, but be aware that certain seeds need controlled climatic conditions to help them survive, such as some alpines, otherwise it’s best to sow seeds in batches straight away and then again in winter and the ensuing spring. Other preparation that can be done includes taking cuttings for next year from container and patio plants, cutting back and deadheading plants such as geraniums, delphiniums and plants in baskets to encourage new growth, and filling patches with gritty compost to boost re-growth.
Care for your fruit
This month it is important to care for the fruit growing in your garden; it needs to be well maintained to thrive in the hot summer weather. Be sure to regularly water blueberries, melons, lingonberries and cranberries once established, with rainwater collected in water butts (but tap water will do if they run dry). Liquid feeds are a good way to help plants in containers, especially newly planted ones, and this makes sure that the fruit doesn’t become drought-stressed. Pruning fruit such as white/red currants and gooseberries, along with pulling suckers off the base of the fruit trees also helps to ensure that fruit plants continue to grow healthy and strong.
Other jobs this month include:
- As trees grow it’s important to keep an eye on tree ties as their girth increases
- Female melon flowers that are kept indoors can now be pollinated, but also need to be pinched out beyond the flower by 2cm (0.75in).
- Melons growing outside need to be pinched out at their growing point at regular four-week periods.
- Fruit trees and bushes with branches that have a lot of weight on them need to be protected from snapping by keeping them upright with either a prop or stake.
Sustainable gardening
For those conscious of protecting and preserving the earth, this sustainable gardening workshop could be for you. On 14 July between 10am and 12.30pm, RHS Garden Harlow Carr will be giving illustrated talks, led by former Harlow Carr Kitchen Gardener Amy, about the practices and principles of sustainable gardening and their practical use at home. The workshop will also consist of a walk around the gardens to showcase sustainable gardening in use, such as home composting, wildlife habitats and green manures. There will also be a chance to discuss other sustainable queries including pesticides, fertilisers and reducing watering. As part of this event, tea and coffee will be included.
Papermaking with Plants
Explore something new at RHS Garden Hyde Hall on 18 July with this exciting workshop on papermaking with plants. Between 10.15am and 4.15pm, beginners will learn the art of using plant materials and various techniques to create attractive colourful papers. Here you will be using materials not only from RHS Garden Hyde Hall, but also combining them with resources from the tutor’s garden supplies, such as fibres, leaves, seeds, dyes, petals and perfumes. This workshop will allow you to produce something unique to take home.
Listen to the latest RHS podcast
Listen to our latest podcast, where we offer seasonal information, you can hear tips on growing fruit and veg, and get up-to-the-minute help and advice.
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