Trees
and Shrubs
Several
of the shrubs that bloom on wood made during the
previous year may be pruned as soon as the flowers
fade to enable new shoots as long as possible to
mature to carry next year’s blooms.
Climbers
and Wall Plants
Half-hardy
annual climbers raised under glass can now be planted
in sheltered places against sunny walls or fences,
or to scramble over pergolas. These climbers will
need immediate support as they grow rapidly and
the young stems are easily damaged. Water well.
Never allow the ground to lack moisture, particularly
when grown against walls. Mulch on the surface can
aid in moisture retention.
Established
climbers and wall plants may now be readily propagated
by means of layering.
Roses
Fading
flowers should be regularly removed to encourage
new blooms. Always cut back to a strong bud or shoot.
Remove
any suckers growing from the rootstock as soon as
they appear.
Continue
to be vigilant for signs of aphids, other pests
and disease. Treat as soon as an attack is noticed
to prevent spread.
Beds
and Borders
Herbaceous
perennials – cut back faded blooms, some may produce
further blooms later on.
Plant
out half-hardy annuals once the danger of frost
has past.
Bulbs
and Corms
Dahlia
tubers not yet planted should be put in as soon
as possible.
All
plants that need support should be staked at the
time of planting.
Rock
Gardens and Ponds
Cut
back old flowered stems of trailing plants to avoid
them seeding.
Continue
with weeding and remove any unwanted algae.
Complete
the planting of aquatics and alpines as soon as
possible .
Lawns
Increase
the frequency of mowing to twice a week. If there
is a long dry spell raise the mower blades and remove
the grass-box for the time being.
Treat
any isolated weeds with a spot treatment weedkiller.
Feed
with a lawn fertilizer (if this was not already
carried out in the spring)
Fruit
Strawberries
should be in full production this month. Place straw
or special mats under the plants to prevent the
fruit from being soiled.
Fruits
trained against walls should be watered if necessary
– light rain may not be enough. A layer of mulch
will aid in moisture retention.
Vegetables
Plant
in their final positions crops such as brussels
sprouts, sprouting broccoli, summer and winter cabbages,
cauliflowers, kales and leeks.
Continue
to make regular sowings of lettuces and radishes.
Other
crops where further sowings can be made are runner
and French beans; beetroot; carrots; endive; peas;
Swedes and turnips.
Keep
on top of the weeding, by hoeing and by hand, also
do any necessary thinning.
Earth-up
main crop potatoes to prevent tubers from being
exposed to light.
Greenhouse
and Frame
On
hot summer days ventilate as much as possible and
damp down twice a day greenhouse floors and benches
to prevent the air from becoming unduly dry.
Shade
plants from the midday sun and water as often as
necessary.
Continue
to pot on seedlings and rooted cuttings as required.
Secure
stems of tomatoes to supports and remove side shoots
as soon as they appear.
House
Plants
Spray
or gently sponge leaves of foliage plants with clean
tepid water to freshen them up and remove any dust.
Plants
can be placed outside for one or two hours on warm
days with a very fine rain – they will benefit from
fresh rainwater and fresh air.
Be
vigilant for any pests – deal with them without
delay.
