NOW that summer is in full swing you might be spending more time in yoru garden. If yours is look a little drab, it’s not too late to spruce things up in time to really impress your nosey neighbours. According to gardening expert Marcus Eyles, there are a few things to keep in mind if […]
NOW that summer is in full swing you might be spending more time in yoru garden.
If yours is look a little drab, it’s not too late to spruce things up in time to really impress your nosey neighbours.
According to gardening expert Marcus Eyles, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to have a lush outdoor space.
Marcus, who is the horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “July is the time to embrace all your earlier gardening efforts.
“Enjoying plants and flowers, many of which will be putting on their best displays of the year this month.”
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“Make the most of any good weather, but don’t forget to regularly water and feed your plants, consistency is key,” Marcus said.
If you love a good hanging basket a handy trick to make your water go further is to leave buckets under them when you water them.
“Water thoroughly less frequently, rather than little and often – so a few times a week rather than every day, depending on rainfall of course.
“Place buckets under hanging baskets to catch excess water that can be used in other areas of your garden, little changes like this can make a big difference if we were all to do them.”
According to the pro, “Tomato, pepper and cucumber crops require regular feeding with a high potash tomato fertiliser.
“Pinch out side shoots of tomatoes to concentrate growing energy into trusses of fruit. Water regularly and consistently.”
It’s also the perfect time to plant leeks and brassicas if you want a good supply for winter.
Similarly, it’s not too late to sow beetroot, radishes, lettuce and salad crops.
Marcus explained that they “grow quickly in the warm soils for an extended season of fresh vegetables.”
If you’ve got a greenhouse in your garden, July is the perfect time to give those crops some extra love.
Marcus said: “Harden off remaining bedding plants you have been growing from young plug plants.
“Acclimatise over a period of a few days before planting out in their final positions.
“Plant up any pots with tender vegetables or Mediterranean herbs that will appreciate the warmer and sheltered growing position.”
Just as you water your plants, it’s also important to water your lawn this month.
Forgetting to do so could result in a horrible brown, dry law
A handy trick to use if your lawn has already become dry is to spike it with a fork before watering.
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Marcus said: “Regular mowing is best for a manicured lawn, reducing the cutting height in hot weather to help prevent drying out.
Keeping the blades slightly higher helps the grass resist the extra summer wear.”
