Hordle june july22

During June & July
We have now reached Summer, with maximum light levels, day length and, possibly, heat.
Despite all that, weeds continue to grow, and have already started to self-seed. If we get any hot
periods, pots will need watering at least twice a day. Ponds, water features and birdbaths can dry
out amazingly quickly at this time of year. For those of us who still maintain a lawn we can have a
little relaxation by not having to cut the lawn short, and not at all in hot dry weather.
During June the fruit of strawberries can suffer from mould and birds. Protection can be provided
with straw, and mesh and netting or some other contrivance.
Many veg can be sown into July, such as french beans and carrots, so make another sowing before
you have gobbled up all the previous harvest.
Tomatoes destined to grow outdoors should be planted out in June. If you don’t want a shrub
plant (which very successfully hide their fruit), remember to prick out any side shoots.
Marrow and courgettes can be planted out in June, They are very greedy and thirsty, so need to
be kept watered and fed.
Finish cutting Asparagus during June, give it a general feed and enjoy the fronds as they grow.
During June or July the whippy new growth of Wisteria should be cut back to about 6 buds, its a
good opportunity to guide its growing habit before it does its own thing, and goes wild. Tall
growing plants will probably need supporting, and the earlier the better.
All plants that flower early in the season need dead-heading after flowering is over. Often it can
promote a second flush. Alternatively collect seed, or let them seed where they land.
Give a mid-season feed, I like to use liquid seaweed as it is rich in micro-nutrients, but tomato feed
will work very well. Greedy plants in pots need a weekly feed, part of the watering regime.
Keep the plants in the greenhouse shaded on bright sunny days (we may well have some) and
damp down the flooring in hot weather.
Last, but not least, remember to take advantage of hot days – when it’s too hot to work in the
garden – find a shady spot, sit down and wallow in the results of all your hard work.
We welcome any questions that you may have, and we'll do our best to help.
We have been keen gardeners for over 30 years, opening our garden over 18 years for the
National Garden Scheme. Since moving to the New Forest area we have been recreating a largish
garden whilst getting used to the new soil conditions.
24
Roger & Marian Peacock - contact email: info@lymingtondirectory.co.uk
To advertise email: jqpeacock@gmail.com, or call 01590 643969 / 07801 562358