Summer is in full swing, and to keep your garden looking lovely there are a few things to do this month.
Dead head regularly to maintain flowering, cut back perennials that have collapsed. Continue to summer prune wisteria.
Rambling roses can be pruned after flowering. They flower on wood that was produced the previous year, so cut back all side shoots that have flowered to 1-2 buds from the main stem.
Cut back lavender shrubs after they have flowered by removing flower stalks and about 2.5cm of the current year’s growth. Keep Camellias and Rhododendrons well watered to ensure good flower bud formation next spring.
Collect seeds from annuals and perennials that you would like to sow next year.
To store, place in an envelope, in an airtight container, in the fridge.
Blackspot is very common on roses at this time of year, and spraying will no longer be effective. Clear fallen leaves from around roses, and burn them to prevent spread. If plants have powdery mildew, spray with a fungicide and keep them well watered.
Feed containers and tired perennial borders with a liquid tomato food each week to encourage them into early autumn. Lift and store onions, shallots and garlic when the tops have gone brown and bent over.
Continue to pick fast maturing vegetables such as beans, peas and courgettes to encourage further cropping.
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