July Notes from the Potting Shed
with Gardening Expert Chris Milborne
The changing weather is part of the challenge of gardening, adapting to all conditions as they occur. Dry spells followed by colder weather can be difficult, but the rain in early June was certainly welcome, encouraging luxuriant new growth and bringing gardens back to their glorious best. Now, the July garden bursts with colour at its peak flowering time. Roses, summer-flowering shrubs, herbaceous perennials, containers, hanging baskets, and Sweet Peas are all looking their very best.
Warm summer evenings allow you to fully enjoy your garden. As early plants such as Delphiniums, Irises, Lupins, and Poppies fade, colour can be maintained through summer and into autumn with Dahlias, Salvias, Heleniums, Echinaceas, Rudbeckias, Cosmos, and Zinnias. Many of these plants originate from warmer climates and can easily fill gaps in beds and borders.
Gardens are increasingly important for pollinating insects, many of which are declining due to habitat loss and climate change. Growing a wide range of flowering plants over as many months as possible helps provide nectar and pollen. Excellent choices include Hardy Geraniums, Eupatoriums, Catmint, Lavenders, Globe Thistles, Verbascums, Verbenas, Sweet Marjoram, Borage, Flowering Thyme, and Scented Honeysuckle.
Containers provide instant colour and are best grouped in threes of different sizes, helping to keep roots cool and retain moisture. For a tropical look, try Dahlias, Cannas, Trailing Begonias, Zinnias, and Sundaville.
Vegetables and Fruit
July is one of the most productive months in the vegetable garden, providing harvests of new potatoes, peas, beans, salads, beetroot, elephant garlic, carrots, and spinach. Dry weather can lead to bolting, pests, and nutrient deficiencies, but healthy soil enriched with organic matter, together with regular watering and feeding, will help plants cope.
As early crops are harvested, clear the ground and sow further crops such as carrots, peas, Spring Cabbage, turnips, Pak Choi, lettuce, rocket, and radish. Keep weeds down by hoeing during dry weather to reduce evaporation and conserve moisture.
July Plant Highlights
Agapanthus, Hardy Fuchsias, Penstemons, Crocosmias, Rudbeckias, Hydrangeas, Buddlejas, Lavender, Clematis, Jasmine, and Trachelospermum all provide excellent summer colour and interest.
Jobs for July
Dead-head Roses regularly and feed with a rose or tomato fertiliser high in potash to encourage repeat flowering. Water newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials thoroughly while they establish. Cut back faded Delphiniums, Lupins, and Oriental Poppies to encourage a second flush of flowers.
Summer-prune apples and pears to improve light and airflow around ripening fruit. Houseplants will need regular watering and feeding.
With holidays in sight, July is a wonderful time to visit gardens for inspiration and new ideas. If you're travelling on the M6, make sure you pop into our Bridgemere Show Gardens near Nantwich. Set within six acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside, the gardens feature 16 stunning displays, including several award-winning designs from the RHS Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Flower Shows.
