FLOWERS

• Feed, water and deadhead summer bedding regularly. This is for all bedding in pots, borders or hanging baskets

• If you have any early summer perrenials (such as hardy geraniums) you will need to cut them back after they have flowered for a second flush

• Make sure to check regularly for any pests such as lily beetles, snails or aphids and remove them or treat plants before damage gets too bad

• Now is a good time to plant your autumn bulbs in pots and borders

• Cut lavender for drying. If you want it to be more fragrant make sure to choose newly opened flowers – hang in a cool, dark place

• Feed and deadhead your roses to keep them flowering strongly this month

FRUIT & VEG

• Make sure you are watering your thirsty plants regularly such as celery, peas, pumpkins, tomatos and courgettes

• Make sure you are checking your crops for aphids, rub or wash them to avoid any spreading

• Thin out heavy crops of apples, pears, plums and remove any damaged or small fruits

• To help hold in moisture, water your fruit trees and bushes then lay down a thick mulch of garden compost to the base

• Sow small batches of fast maturing salad leaves, rocket and radishes every few weeks for continuous pickings

• Sow your last batches of peas and beans before the middle of July to get an autumn crop

TIPS AND ADVICE FOR THE WARMER WEATHER

• Water deeply, not daily-Rather than a sprinkle a night try to give a heavy, thorough soak every few days this trains the root to grow deep into cool soil where moisture lasts.
• Chase the shade with your pots – drag your potted plants into shadier areas or group them together, this helps to prevent the soil from baking like an oven.
• Ditch the midday watering – Never water in the blazing sun. Alot of the water evaporates before it getting to roots or scorches leaves, aim for early morning or late evening
• Dress the soil in a jacket (mulch) – you can layer about 5cm of bark, compost or wood chip to soil borders. This acts as a barrier keeping it cool and containing moisture.
• Do not panic if your lawn changes – established lawns are very resiliant – they may change to protect themself, try not to over water.. autumn rain will return the colour.
• Ease of the fertilizer – When plants are stressed they slow down growth to survive. Adding fertilizer forces them to try to produce growth without the water to support it

FOR MORE TIPS AND USEFUL INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE ‘PLANT FINDER’ – A GREAT TOOL FOR SPECIFIC PLANT HELP!