Summer is finally here, and it’s thyme to get gardening! As temperatures rise throughout the month, more of us will be hitting our gardens to soak up the sun. If you want to stay as cool as a cucumber when it comes to maintaining your green space this July, Your Local Link is here to help! We’ve provided answers to some of most common gardening queries posed at this time of year:
- How can I ensure that my fruit and veg stays healthy amidst rising temperatures?
Ensure that plants like celery, tomatoes, beans, peas and courgettes are watered regularly, as they’ll be more thirsty in the heat – remember to monitor and pick your courgettes before they morph into marrows! If you’re caring for apple, pear, or plum trees, you’ll need to thin out the most densely populated branches and remove any undesirable fruit, which could put a dampener on the quality of your crop.
2. How can I introduce shrubbery into heavy clay soil?
If your clay soil is susceptible to cracking and shrinkage in dry heat, consider adding coarse grit (mixed in with fibrous organic matter) and improving your garden’s drainage system. If this fails, we’d recommend opting for a more hardy type of shrub that’s capable of thriving in heavier soil; common examples that you can easily pick up include Sambucus, Royal Purple, All Gold and Magnolia.
3. Is now the best time to prune my large Magnolia?
Speaking of Magnolia, you’ll need to approach pruning larger shrubs and trees with caution at this time of year; this is due to the fact that most species bleed sap, and can take a relatively long time to recover. It’s usually best to prune Evergreen Magnolias in the spring, whereas Deciduous Magnolias should ideally be pruned between mid-summer and early autumn. Generally speaking, you should avoid pruning Magnolias altogether during the hottest time of the year, unless completely necessary.
4. How can I deal with ‘blotchy’ Rose plant leaves?
Roses can be prone to common diseases like Rose Black Spot and powdery mildew, with the latter usually rearing its head around May. If, by July, your Roses are exhibiting unsightly symptoms like blotching and yellowing, wilting leaves, consider visiting your local garden centre to stock up on a fungicidal/insecticidal Rose spray to alleviate the issue. If you’re considering planting Roses that are likely to survive the summer without any sprays, we’d recommend opting for a hardier variety such as Super Star, Blessings, or Uncle Walter.
Have any gardening questions of your own for this summer? Get in touch with us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk and we’ll try to help out!
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