Jobs for July

Water containers and new plants if dry

Deadhead bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials for continuous flowering

Feed roses & remove dead blooms to encourage a second flush

Keeping weeding beds & borders

Plant autumn flowering crocuses, amaryllis and nerine

Feed containerised plants and keep well watered

Mulching beds will help retain moisture & keep weeds at bay

Dig out deep rooted weeds, apply weed killer in larger areas

Pick courgettes to prevent them becoming marrows

Lift early potatoes

You can still sow:

• Spring cabbage
• Chicory
• Kohlrabi
• Lettuce
• Peas
• French beans
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Radishes

Plant out leeks and water-in

Plant out vegetables started in pots

Keep vegetable plots as weed free as possible by hoeing

Pinch out tops of broad beans to prevent attracting blackfly

Treat apples for scab

Spray gooseberries with insecticide to keep away caterpillars & greenfly

Give fruit trees and bushes a good watering

Thin out apple, pears and plums if needed

Pick soft fruit

Retain strawberry runners for new plants and remove unwanted runners to create stronger growth

Trim hedges on a regular basis, trimming will create denser growth

Take cuttings from hydrangeas, pelargoniums and forsythia

Feed & water camellias

Tie back climbers & rambling plants as they grow

Prune back plants that flowered in June

Ensure that trees and plants do not dry out

Ensure good ventilation

Consider shading to prevent plants from scorching in the heat

Check for pests including red spider mite, whitefly and aphids

Keep mowing regularly except during a drought where lawns can be left slightly higher than usual to maintain moisture

Use a sprinkler once a week to maintain a green lawn especially if the lawn is new

Feed lawn with summer feed

Keep an eye out for pests such as beetles, vine weevils & aphids and treat plants accordingly

Keep on top of slugs & snails – use pellets or your preferred method of removal.

Wash off caterpillar eggs from the underside of leafy vegetables

Paint furniture and other garden woodwork with paint or preserver while the weather is dry